LCCP’s annual Coming Out Against Cancer ball!
WHY?
Lesbians often encounter ignorance and heterosexism in medical and health-related fields, sometimes making routine health exams stressful and uncomfortable. Because of this, lesbians are less likely to seek routine medical care, including yearly Pap exams, than are their heterosexual counterparts. According to the Lesbian Community Cancer Project’s Women’s Health Survey, almost 25% of lesbian and bisexual women surveyed said they avoid seeking health care because of the fear of negative attitude on the part of providers.
What all women need is competent and appropriate care. This means our providers need to be properly educated; there needs to be sufficient research to determine any unique needs or issues relating to lesbian health; and prejudice by providers must be eliminated through training, and discipline when appropriate.
— from http://www.LCCP.org