Option 1: Tobacco Use Among Colorado's LGBTQIA+ Community
Sarah DeLong, STEPP Program Manager, Mile High Behavioral Healthcare
This presentation examines the complex relationship between LGBTQ+ identity, mental health, and
health risk behaviors, such as smoking, vaping, and alcohol use, with a focus on Colorado's LGBTQ+ community. Poor
mental health and high-risk behaviors disproportionately affect this population, driven in part by societal stigma and
discrimination, as explained by Minority Stress Theory. Tailored, affirmative healthcare services and LGBTQ+
education in schools are critical strategies for reducing these disparities and improving health outcomes. Attendees
will gain insights into these health inequities and explore policy and practice revisions to mitigate them. The session
will emphasize the need for a multi-pronged approach to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for
Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community.
Option 2: Creating Inclusive and Affirming Child and Newborn Care for LGBTQIA+ Families
Emma Sickles, RDN, CLC, Adams County Health Department WIC Program
Cairn Journey Yakey MA, LPC, PMH-C, Cairn Journey Psychotherapy PLLC
Expanding a family can be a joyful yet vulnerable experience, and trans and non-binary individuals often
face unique challenges during this time. Medical systems and providers may lack the training and knowledge needed
to support these birthing individuals, compounding stress and limiting positive outcomes. Research demonstrates
that when birthing people feel safe and supported by their providers and environment, birth outcomes improve with
fewer interventions, emergencies, and instances of birth trauma. Similarly, LGBTQIA+ families encounter barriers in
lactation care due to discrimination and gendered assumptions, which can impede access to human milk for their
infants. By implementing trauma-informed, inclusive practices and addressing the specific needs of trans and nonbinary birthers, we can create safer and more affirming care environments for all. This session will provide actionable
steps for reducing barriers in childbirth and lactation care, including guidance on inclusive messaging and education,
and will highlight case studies such as the induction of lactation in transgender women to empower providers in
supporting diverse family structures.
Option 3: Transgender People’s Experiences of Healthcare within the Carceral System
Stephanie Gangemi, PhD, LCSW, Assistant Professor, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Mikey Sanchez, MSW Candidate, Research Assistant, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Lillian Brown, MSW Candidate, Research Assistant, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Jacklyn Wallen, BA, Research Assistant, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
This presentation explores the healthcare experiences of transgender individuals within the carceral
system using a qualitative, interpretative phenomenological approach. It examines resources, barriers, and health
implications, drawing from in-depth interviews that reveal encounters with inadequate medical care, lack of genderaffirming treatments, violence, and resilience. The discussion emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed,
gender-affirming approaches in both the study and the broader carceral context. Findings highlight the urgent need
for reforms in correctional healthcare to ensure inclusive and affirming care for incarcerated transgender individuals.
The presentation aims to inform policy and practice changes that address these critical healthcare gaps.