I recently received a note on my “Ask the Doc” blog from a gay man who wrote: “I became fascinated with fat people at a very young age, and after I discovered masturbation at 13 years old, I realized those feelings were sexual.” He was angry because his friends think his sexual attraction is crazy. Society has a prejudice against fat people. The idealized male body is one with 10% body fat, V-shaped, and muscular. Our culture sees fat people as lazy, unmotivated, and undisciplined. Because we are all exposed to that culture, everyone incorporates these stereotypes. Because society adopts […]
Strategies for Tax Season
Upcoming community session dives into the details By Aaron Cahall Chase Brexton Health Care Tax preparation can be a challenging, confusing, and even dreaded obstacle for many, but help is available! Individuals seeking some simple strategies for tax season, or looking for resources to get help, can find the answers they need at the next LGBTQ Community Connection session. The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, March 9th from 1 to 2:30 pm and will be hosted by the CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Campaign of Maryland. Learn more about the session and how to join at Chasebrexton.org/LGBTQCommunityMar2023. We asked […]
Happy National Coming Out Day!
This coming Monday, October 11 is National Coming Out Day. This holiday has been meaningful and even transformative in my life. I remember the first celebration I attended as clearly as if it were yesterday, and the speakers and stories I heard that day. I found a place I didn’t know I was looking for, and people embraced me and welcomed me. Fast-forward a few decades, and such events are rare. There has been a cultural shift that has led some to question if this holiday even matters anymore. It’s true that someone coming out as LGBTQ today is more […]
Walk, Run, and Bike to Support the AIDS Walk & Music Festival 2021
The disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic have made the fight against HIV and AIDS even more important, and heightened the need for awareness of the importance of HIV testing and treatment. As the nation prepares to mark 40 years of HIV in America this summer, Chase Brexton Health Care will host its AIDS Walk & Music Festival to support local HIV and AIDS programs. This year, to help participants remain safe, the event will take on a virtual form. We asked Clare Elliott, Assistant Director of Development for Chase Brexton Health Care, to share some details about this year’s event, […]
COVID-19 Pandemic Creates Growing Need for Behavioral Health Services
The physical toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is measured in new cases and medical outcomes, but hidden costs of the pandemic are often borne by those who may never contract the virus. The stresses of the pandemic and the restricted lives most Americans face have caused a surge in the demand for behavioral health services. This need comes not just from those already in care who find themselves cut off from their traditional appointments and groups, but also from individuals who might never before have needed behavioral health assistance. Dr. Stephanie Saunders, PsyD, Director of Behavioral Health for Chase Brexton […]
Preparing for Tax Season at the Next ElderPride Power Hour
Tax season can be a challenge for many elders, and that challenge could be greater than ever this year as the COVID-19 pandemic restricts the availability of professional help in preparing their return. LGBT elders in need of assistance can learn how to get the help they need at The Center for LGBTQ Health Equity’s upcoming virtual ElderPride Power Hour, scheduled for Thursday, February 11 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Courtney Bettle, AFC, Director of Financial Capability for the CASH Campaign of Maryland, will present the online session, and offered a preview of some of the tips she’ll share. […]
Understanding the COVID-19 Vaccines
Many people are looking forward to getting a COVID-19 vaccine with excitement, but many have concerns and questions as well. These concerns and questions are valid, and at Chase Brexton, we want to provide our community with accurate, helpful information to address them. Here’s what we know about the COVID-19 vaccines which will soon be available to the public. How do the vaccines work? Both vaccines work by delivering synthetic mRNA into our bodies. The mRNA is a messenger for DNA, which tells our cells what to make in order to fix, build, or maintain things in our bodies. In […]
Intergenerational Conversations with the Stonewall Generation
The experiences of the Stonewall generation will be at the center of the LGBT Health Resource Center’s next virtual ElderPRIDE Power Hour, coming up this Thursday, December 10, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The session will be presented by author Jane Fleishman, PhD, MEd, MS; for information on how to join, visit www.chasebrexton.org/PowerHourDec2020. We asked Jane a few questions about her work around elder sexuality and the importance of LGBT elders sharing their stories and experiences. In your experience, what is the most common misconception about this time in our community’s history? In addition to my work as a […]
Reflecting on the Election, Preparing for Trans Day of Remembrance
We have made it through a high-stakes, and deeply polarized election season. Even folks who don’t engage in electoral politics much have felt the building tension among our communities. Our President and Vice President elect have been projected and announced, and even though there may be ongoing vote counting process and legal wrangling, change appears to be just around the corner. There were many big wins for representation, most noticeably, a glass ceiling has shattered with the selection, campaign, and victory of Vice President elect, Senator Kamala Harris. Election season also brought exciting wins for LGBTQ candidates nationwide. Delaware elected Sarah McBride as state […]
Tips for LGBTQ Youth and Families on Navigating a Virtual Return to School
This back-to-school season will be a unique experience for many LGBTQ youth and their families, with school districts in Maryland and elsewhere starting the year with entirely virtual learning. For some youth, this learning environment will bring relief from harassment and allow them to attend school in a safe environment. Others, however, may feel even more isolated and cut off from sources of social support and affirmation. We asked Dr. Elyse Pine, a provider with Chase Brexton Health Care’s Gender JOY program, for some advice on navigating a back-to-school season unlike any other. What unique difficulties can this uncertain, potentially […]