Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Equity Work Group (SOGI Equity)
Mission
- The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) SOGI Equity Workgroup works to improve LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Two-Spirit, Queer, Questioning, and related) public health policies, systems, and environmental change
- LGBTQ+ individuals often face healthcare challenges, including identifying and accessing providers knowledgeable about their health risks and behaviors and who provide culturally affirming care
- Intersectionality: While sexual orientation and gender identity (SO/GI) are important parts of a person’s identity, there are often other demographic factors influencing access to care
What we do
-
Ensure that our health surveillance systems include questions about sexual orientation and gender identity, and that this data is analyzed
-
Offer training to our staff and technical assistance to improve our ability to respond to LGBTQ+ health inquiries
-
Build relationships with other organizations to improve LGBTQ+ health equity statewide
Accomplishments
-
Formed a large LGBTQ+ Equity Work Group with committees on Data and Surveillance, Training, Public Accommodations, Health Communications, and RIDOH Pride Planning
-
Sponsored, represented RIDOH, and brought culturally appropriate health education and information to Rhode Island PrideFest and the Illuminated Night Parade
-
Worked with RIDOH’s legislative liaison to draft policy papers supporting beneficial and opposing detrimental legislation impacting LGBTQ+ public health in the General Assembly
-
Advised RIDOH leadership on Policy Issues impacting LGBTQ+ communities such as conversion therapy, intersex rights, gender identity, and vital records
-
Advocated successfully for inclusion of SOGI Optional Module in adult Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS)
-
Advocated successfully for high school Youth Risk Behavioral Survey (YRBS) to include gender identity
-
Advocated successfully for gender-inclusive vital records
-
Sponsored and brought culturally appropriate health information to the Rhode Island Trans Health Conference
![Take pride in your health](https://health.ri.gov/img/take-pride-in-your-health.PNG)
Rhode Island Pride and Rhode Island Trans Health Conference Sponsors
The following RIDOH programs are proud to sponsor Rhode Island Pride and the Rhode Island Trans Health Conference in 2024:
To learn more about RIDOH programs and services, please visit our homepage. Additional LGBTQ+ community resources may be found on the Your Guide to Safer Sex: Your Health, Your Choice: Know Your Options page and the SOGI Equity: Partners and Additional Resources page.