Orange County Celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month

Irvine LGBTQ+ history month celebrations

October is LGBTQ+ History Month, and a chance to celebrate the community’s many achievements. As Orange County’s largest LGBTQ+ primary medical care services provider, since our founding we have seen firsthand the progress made during the last few decades.

But LGBTQ+ history dates back much longer than that (of course), and is filled with pioneering civil rights struggles and trailblazing figures. For LGBTQ+ History Month throughout October, we are joining with the OC community to celebrate these many achievements.

What Is LGBTQ+ History Month?

LGBTQ+ History Month was founded in 1994 by Missouri history teacher Rodney Wilson as Lesbian and Gay History Month. Created as a way to recognize and celebrate the work of important role models, give greater access to LGBTQ+ history and build communities, the month is now observed in cities across the world. October was chosen as students are in school, and this month also acknowledges National Coming Out Day and the 1979 and 1987 LGBTQ+ marches on Washington.

LGBTQ+ History Month in Orange County

It’s a busy time in the local community that includes the 36th annual AIDS Walk Orange County. LGBTQ+ History Month is a good time to reflect on the work of those who fought for progress.

Orange County has a history of LGBTQ+ activism, with many records and materials curated through the Orange County Historical LGBT Timeline project. The UC Irvine Libraries house this archival collection developed by activist Barbara Muirhead.

These historical records highlight a vibrant and politically active LGBTQ+ community in Orange County. Events such as the Laguna Pride Weekend and Gay Games IV, the 1993 march on Washington and more are thoroughly documented.

How to Support LGBTQ+ History Month

Spreading awareness is at the heart of LGBTQ+ History Month. You can do this by learning about the legacies of some iconic figures in history and sharing their stories across social media. Role models and public representation play a key role in building young people’s self-confidence, and in providing a more inclusive history that is often missing from mainstream conversations. In addition, a donation to an LGBTQ+ cause can go a long way.

Supporting Healthcare During LGBTQ+ History Month

For the LGBTQ+ community, health outcomes is one area where progress has undoubtedly been made. However, for many throughout Orange County, the barriers to reliable, tolerant healthcare services still exist. And as we celebrate the work of the many pioneers who came before us, our LGBTQ+ medical clinic is committed to providing safe, effective services for the local community.

Trusted LGBTQ+ Medical Care and Testing Services in Irvine

Radiant Health Centers is Orange County’s home for LGBTQ+ medical services. We provide HIV testing and treatment, primary medical care, hormone replacement therapy, counseling and more. To reach our medical clinic, please call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment online.

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Find an LGBTQ-Friendly Healthcare Home in Orange County

Healthcare services in Irvine

For close to four decades, Irvine-based Radiant Health Centers has been delivering considerate and comprehensive healthcare services. As the area’s most prominent HIV service provider, our Orange County LGBTQ+ medical clinic remains committed to the ongoing fight to end the AIDS epidemic. In addition, over the years we have expanded to deliver a broad range of services, offering a healthcare home to those who face barriers to accessing primary care.

Find Your Healthcare Home With Radiant Health Centers

Finding a medical provider who understands the needs of LGBTQ+ patients is not always easy. A report from the Center for American Progress identified frequent cases of healthcare discrimination that led to LGBTQ+ people avoiding seeking medical care.

The survey found that 8% of respondents had been refused treatment due to their actual or perceived sexual orientation. Further, 9% of people also reported facing harsh or abusive language from a doctor or medical provider during treatment. We have previously reported on transgender barriers to physical and mental healthcare.

Inclusive Medical Services for the LGBTQ+ Community

At Radiant Health Centers, our goal is to provide access to the services our Orange County patients require. We are the first point of contact for patients experiencing common illnesses, while also helping to manage existing conditions and prevent poor health in the future. And with avoidance of routine health checks leading to increased rates of heart disease, diabetes and depression, easy access to these primary care services is crucial.

Beyond our primary services, we are also a leading provider of HIV and STD testing and treatment, hormone replacement therapy and family planning. Patients receive compassionate and stigma-free care that is delivered by knowledgeable physicians and counselors. And with frequent updates to our services, including the introduction of telehealth and youth programs, we are committed to offering holistic medical care tailored to the LGBTQ+ community.

Welcoming Our New Medical Director

The most notable addition to our clinic for the coming year is the hiring of our new Medical Director, Dr. Duy Duc Nguyen. Dr. Nguyen comes to us from Vista Community Clinic, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) in La Habra, where he spent the last three years as a family physician caring for patients of all ages. His specialty care included LGBTQ+ mental health, transgender care and hormone therapy, hepatitis C treatment, PreP and harm reduction therapy.

Radiant Health Centers is thrilled to welcome Dr. Nguyen, whose skills and knowledge will help lead us to FQHC status as we continue to provide the best care for Orange County’s LGBTQ+ community. We are happy to welcome Dr. Nguyen to our team of dedicated providers.

Medical Care Accessibility Is Key

An analysis of LGBTQ+ health accessibility published by the National Library of Medicine found exclusion and marginalization were prominent. Many LGBTQ+ people report experiencing difficulties in communicating with health professionals. Radiant Health Centers has long been committed to removing these barriers, emphasizing healthcare accessibility for patients across Orange County.

The introduction of LGBTQ+ telehealth services means individuals can remotely access group counseling, consultations with doctors and medication refills. Similarly, at-home appointments reduces travel and cost constraints experienced by people most at risk. These benefits, along with the many other innovations at our medical clinic, make Radiant Health Centers the natural healthcare home for so many in the community.

Primary Medical Care Services for Orange County’s LGBTQ+ Community

Radiant Health Centers provides primary medical care, HIV and STD testing services, family planning and counseling for the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County. We are committed to improving the health outcomes of our patients through accessible healthcare services. To contact us, call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment today.

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