This is the first of two episodes highlighting access to culturally competent care, specifically LGTBQ+ inclusive care. In this first episode, we’re featuring an in-depth healthcare consumer panel focused on strategies to improve LGBT health outcomes. Adrian Shanker moderated the panel during Pennsylvania’s Healthcare Mosaic Conference: Advocacy and Equity in Action from earlier this year. Panelists Alisa Bowman and Preston Heldibridle share the lived experiences of LGBTQ people accessing healthcare.

Adrian Shanker is the founder and Executive Director of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He is the editor of the book, Bodies and Barriers: Queer Activists on Health.

Alisa Bowman is an advocate for trans youth of all ages and the trans community in general. She is a parent of a trans child and co-author of the book, Raising the Transgender Child.

Preston Heldibridle is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress (PYC). He is an advocate in Harrisburg and across the state for issues of importance to LGBTQ+ youth, especially for trans and non-binary youth.