In the wake of the recent US general election, the executive director of the Boston-based Fenway Health, one of the country’s leading care and research centers for LGBTQIA+ people, delivered the following words of support to the community:
Dear Fenway Community,
I know the results of this election are difficult for many people in our community. We are all still processing what it will all mean for the patients we care for, the people we love, our colleagues, our greater community, and ourselves. I wish I had the answers, but like many of you, I too am still making sense of it all.
This campaign season, perhaps unlike any other in our recent history, raised our collective anxiety levels and has many in our community bracing for the potential of a drastic rollback of our fundamental human rights. From the young trans person who will seek Fenway’s exceptional care to the members of the Stonewall Generation who wish to age with dignity and security, our work has never been more critical.
The road ahead will seem desolate for many, but we must maintain hope. Our work remains as vital now as it did yesterday. There are still people–and now undoubtedly more–across the country who will come to Fenway because legislation in their home state prevents them from accessing the health care they require and are entitled to receive.
This election is over but our work continues with the same, if not more, urgency. We will lead with our values and do all we can to ensure Fenway remains a refuge and resource for those who need us. We will stand strong and united to uphold and make forward progress on key policy innovations that promote health equity, equality, and access to care for LGBTQIA+ people, people living with HIV, and BIPOC individuals.
Fenway stands as a beacon of hope for the entire LGBTQIA+ community and all who rely on us for affirming stigma-free care locally and across the entire country. Please know, as always, we are here for you!
Sincerely,
Jordina Shanks, CEO, Fenway Health
More: fenwayhealth.org
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