BOSTON ~ The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and Boston Pride for the People (BP4TP) have joined forces to make LGBTQ+ health and wellness a key theme of this year's Pride celebrations. This partnership is a response to the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals across the country, as homophobic and anti-trans policies and rhetoric have been used to politicize their identities, put access to affirming health care out of reach, and undermine their rights.

Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her gratitude for the collaboration between BPHC and BP4TP, saying "Equity in the public health sector is a key piece of protecting and preserving communities across Boston. We are grateful to Boston Pride for the People and the Boston Public Health Commission for their work to amplify, inform, and advocate for our LGBTQ+ communities' health and well-being."

Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, added that "It is absolutely necessary that public health be a vocal ally and partner to our LGBTQ+ communities during this era of unprecedented attacks on their rights and health care. BPHC will continue to work with BP4TP and the diverse LGBTQ+ community in Boston to ensure access to critical and affirming care."

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Data from the Department of Health and Human Services show that LGBTQ+ persons are less likely to have insurance, making it difficult for them to afford their care. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also reports that LGBTQ+ identifying individuals are twice as likely to experience a mental health condition as heterosexual individuals, as well as being at higher risk for substance use disorders, homelessness, and suicide.

Gary K. Daffin, Executive Director of Multicultural AIDS Coalition and Co-Chair of the BP4TP Parade Committee said "LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations were born out of concern for the health and safety of queer people. Fifty years after Stonewall, health is still at the core of our mission. We march with friends, family, and allies to affirm that queer people deserve to live and love fearlessly and access the healthcare we need."

As part of this partnership between BPHC & BP4TP 10,000 condoms & other sexual health & safety supplies will be distributed during Saturday's parade & at other events over June. Additionally they have launched a digital ad campaign on popular LGBTQ+ dating apps like Adam4Adam & Grindr encouraging individuals to get tested for STIs & vaccinated against MPOX virus which has not had a confirmed case in a Boston resident since January 2021. To support STI testing & MPOX vaccination BPHC has launched bostonpublichealthtesting.com where users can easily find & setup appointments for services at clinics all throughout Boston.

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This partnership builds on BPHC's decades long commitment in supporting Boston's LGBTQ+ community through public health policies that improve access to care & combat harmful homophobic & anti-trans policies stigma & rhetoric

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