Statement of Support
The Board of Directors of Children of Bellevue (CoB) is proud to support the rights of every individual to have access to the medical care and mental health services which enable them to thrive and flourish. During this National LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week, we are excited to speak openly about LGBTQ+ health, raise awareness of mental health, particularly trans individuals’ health, and end stigma through accessible and inclusive healthcare services so that everyone can fully live a healthy life.
Recent actions at the state level in Florida, Texas, and other places where similar legislation currently target LGBTQ+ youth, those who love them, and the professionals who care for them, is in direct contradiction to the values of our organization. They are discriminatory and potentially dangerous to the health of LGBTQ+ youth. CoB has always listened to medical experts and doctors here at NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue and across the country, and they are speaking out against these actions and against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in general.
“It is critically important for every child to have access to quality, comprehensive and evidence-based care
— transgender and gender-diverse youth are no exception.”
– Lee Savio Beers, M.D., FAAP, American Academy of Pediatrics Immediate Past President
For more information regarding accessibility of care for LGBTQ+ individuals, please visit the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights. The Department of Health and Human Services has issued notices and guidance clarifying that, despite state legislative threats, health care providers are not required to disclose private patient information related to sexual orientation or gender affirming care. They reaffirm existing laws and federal legislation that denials of health care based on sexual gender identity are illegal, as is restricting doctors and health care providers from providing care because of a patient’s gender identity.
Click here for more information on the commitment of New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation to providing access to comprehensive, high-quality care for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.
New York City Families can also find more resources at https://lgbtqequity.org/.
Additional Resources::
https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/sex-discrimination/index.html
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-ocr-notice-and-guidance-gender-affirming-care.pdf
https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/services/lgbtq-health-care-services/
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/14/well/family/lgbt-kids-pediatrician.html