Win, lose, or draw: we still have work to do!
Dear families and friends: This morning’s Supreme Court ruling in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case wasn’t a win, or a loss: it was a draw. “Religious
June 5, 2018
Day: June 5, 2018
Dear families and friends: This morning’s Supreme Court ruling in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case wasn’t a win, or a loss: it was a draw. “Religious
Every contribution, whether one-time or monthly, helps us honor the extraordinary LGBTQ families in our community. Our Family Coalition is the only organization in California dedicated to advancing equity and advocating on behalf of our families, and one of the few nationwide. By giving, you stand with us in pride and solidarity, ensuring that every family feels seen, valued, and celebrated. Your support has been crucial and with your help we can continue this legacy for generations.
While healthcare providers bring expertise in medicine, you are the expert on your own body, experiences, and needs. If something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself and communicate your concerns. Phrases to lean on: “This is not normal for my body” “I have never experienced these symptoms before now” …
You have the right to fully understand any diagnosis, treatment, or procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask for explanations that make sense to you. For instance, say, “Can you walk me through how this treatment will work?” or “What are some possible side effects?” “What should I look out for?”
You have the right to understand all aspects of your care, including the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Never feel pressured into any procedure without clear information.
HIPAA laws safeguard your privacy and health information. Healthcare providers must keep all your personal health information confidential.
Federal laws like Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act prohibit discrimination in healthcare on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age, or disability.
If you’re unsure about a treatment recommendation, it’s okay to take a pause. Say something like, “I’d like to take some time to consider this before making a decision.” This gives you the space to process without feeling pressured. You can discuss a timeline with your provider that works for you. It is okay to want more time.
You’re entitled to know if there are other options that might work for you. If a provider presents a single course of action, ask, “Are there other ways to approach this?” or “What other treatments might be possible?” or “Why are you recommending this treatment plan compared to alternative options?”
We love lifting up the good work that members of our community and other social change organizations are doing in the Bay Area and beyond! Let us know if you wish to share a community event or opportunity with our families.
We’re looking for stories by or about LGBTQ+ parents/caregivers or prospective parents, as well as the grandparents or adult children of LGBTQ+ headed families.
Generally, we hope your story will not only inform other families on LGBTQ+ family topics, but also let others know that they are not alone in the journey of advocating for our families.
Whether you feel like you’ve arrived, or your story is not yet complete, know that we can keep one another company all along the way. And it always helps to feel a little less alone.