LGBT Initiative
In Philadelphia, as in many other places in the United States, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people face particular obstacles, barriers, and challenges making it difficult for them to find and receive competent and affirming services. The Department is committed to removing these barriers and opening pathways to recovery, resiliency, and self-determination. As such, the LGBT Initiative has been developed to guide the DBH/MRS through the following methods:
- Foster an open dialog with LGBT consumers, advocates, and providers who wish to provide services to LGBT consumers
- Encourage cultural sensitivity to sexual orientation and gender identity issues throughout the provider network
- Cultivate a full spectrum of LGBT Affirming service providers/programs that offer welcoming, safe, and supportive environments for LGBT consumers
- Promote clinical expertise in the provider network to work with LGBT consumers
- Develop data collection processes that recognize LGBT consumers, while protecting confidentiality, so that LGBT consumers will be included in future planning decisions
- Create information materials for consumers and providers about resources available for LGBT consumers
- Maintain an LGBT Advisory Committee to provide feedback and input as changes are implemented following the recommendations which were completed and presented to the DBH/MRS on February 8, 2007 (see link below)
This work will be done in coordination with the other initiatives of the Department.
