Over 50% of LGBTQIA-plus people have experienced some form of healthcare discrimination and over 25% of transgender people reported being denied care due to their transgender status. Not having proper health care or avoiding health care due to discrimination, can result in dire consequences, including an increased risk of health problems like kidney disease. What is this discrimination, and how can you advocate for yourself and LGBTQIA+ rights? In today’s episode Dr. Joshua Wilder, a podiatrist, and Representative Jeff Currey, two kidney transplant recipients and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, discuss this and more.

On today's episode we heard from: 

Dr. Joshua J. Wilder- My name is Joshua Wilder and I am a 35 year old foot and ankle surgeon. I identify as a cis, gay, black, man who currently lives in Atlanta, GA. I am a native of Pittsburgh, PA with an upbringing in Cincinnati, OH. I was born with Prune Belly syndrome which required me to have a kidney transplant at 9 years old. I was on season 44 of the grammy-nominated, reality tv show Survivor 44. My favorite pastime is living life to the fullest.

Rep. Jeff Currey- A lifelong resident of East Hartford by way of County Limerick, and a proud son, brother, and uncle, is currently serving a fifth term representing the 11th Assembly District, which is made up of parts of East Hartford and Manchester. Jeff, a former Deputy Majority Leader who chaired the Screening Committee on behalf of Majority Leader Rojas, currently serves on the Appropriations, Commerce, and Judiciary Committees. Starting in the 2023 legislative session, Jeff shifted leadership roles to take on the House Chair of the Education Committee, which he has served on since joining the legislature in 2015. Jeff has also worked tirelessly to bolster protections for living organ donors. As a kidney transplant recipient himself, Jeff introduced legislation in 2020 and 2021 to prohibit insurers from discriminating against living organ donors.

Additional Resources:

Pride Month Blog Article 

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