GLMA Sponsored LGBT Health Seminar

Taking Charge of Your Health: Top Ten Things LGBT Individuals Should Discuss with their Healthcare Providers

Dr. Gal Mayer

2:00 to 2:45 p.m.

Studies show that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and (LGBT) populations, in addition to having the same basic health needs as the general population, have some unique health needs and concerns. Unfortunately, many health care providers don't fully understand these issues, so it's important to take charge of your health by asking your healthcare provider about the health matters that may apply to you. This seminar will present the top health issues that GLMA's healthcare providers have identified as most commonly of concern for LGBT individuals. While not all of these concerns presented will apply to everyone, it's wise for healthcare consumers to be aware of these issues.

Gal Mayer, MD, has been the Medical Director of the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in New York City since 2005. Callen-Lorde welcomes all patients, regardless of ability to pay, and targets its services toward the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. Dr. Mayer has been working at Callen-Lorde since completing his residency in 2000. He received his M.D. degree in 1996 from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He completed his residency in primary care internal medicine at the Bellevue Hospital and New York University Medical Centers and his chief residency in the internal medicine residency program in 2000. Dr. Mayer is board certified in internal medicine and certified as an HIV specialist by the American Association of HIV Medicine

What to do if a Loved One is Addicted? Helping Your Loved Ones Overcome Substance Abuse Problems?

Dr. Steven J. Lee

3:00 to 3:45 p.m.

LGBT people are particularly vulnerable to increased tobacco and substance use due to social stresses and discrimination. Studies demonstrate that LGBT people are more likely to use alcohol and drugs, have higher rates of substance abuse, are less likely to abstain from use, and are more likely to continue heavy drinking into later life. However, resources are available for LGBT individuals who may have substance abuse problems. This seminar will present information on how LGBT people can evaluate whether they have a substance abuse problem, as well where people can find LGBT appropriate resources to address and deal with substance abuse problems.

Dr. Steven J. Lee is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University. He is a diplomate of the American Association of Addiction Psychiatrists (AAAP) and a certified member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). He is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and has sat on two of its National Committees. He lectures regularly nationally and internationally on topics of addiction. Dr. Lee has published several articles in psychiatric and addiction journals and published a book called Overcoming Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction.

Does Prozac Make You Gay?: Depression in the LGBT Community

Dr. Jack Drescher

4:00 to 4:45 p.m.

Some studies have shown that LGBT people suffer from higher rates of depression than the general population. However many cases remain undiagnosed and untreated, often due to the social stigma that leads LGBT people to avoid accessing mental health services. Depression, a serious medical condition, can manifest itself with feelings of hopelessness as well as thoughts of and attempts at suicide. Many factors may contribute to increased levels of depression in the LGBT community—homophobia, possible family rejection, the stress of being closeted in some or all aspects of life, feelings of alienation or isolation from the straight or gay community or both, and abuse of alcohol or drugs.. This seminar will review some of the presentations of depression in LGBT people and describe treatment options and resources for treating them.

Jack Drescher, MD, ( www.jackdreschermd.net ) is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a past Chair of APA's Committee on LGBT Issues and a Past President of APA's NYC District Branch. In 2005, he was the first openly-gay candidate for President-Elect of the national APA. Dr. Drescher is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Gay and Lesbian Mental Health (formerly the Journal of Gay and Lesbian Psychotherapy). He is the author of Psychoanalytic Therapy and the Gay Man (The Analytic Press) and has edited twenty books addressing mental health, gender and sexuality issues. Dr. Drescher is a frequent media spokesperson on LGBT mental health issues both on network and cable news networks (ABC, CNN, MSNBC, Fox) and is often quoted by national print media, including Time Magazine, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, People Magazine, The LA Times, and the Boston Globe. He is in private practice in New York City where he maintains academic affiliations with New York University and New York Medical College.