Thursday, July 18, 6pm, this on-line event requires advance registration

Historically, the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities in America have been dismissed in the U.S. Census, simply lumped into the category of “white.” This oversight has resulted in insufficient federal funding and a lack of acknowledgment as a minority group. In addition to these challenges, the community faces discrimination, fear of violence, language barriers, and religious obstacles — contributing to significant health disparities and barriers to accessing mental health services. For those within the MENA community who also identify as LGBTQ+, these barriers are exacerbated, leading to even more pronounced health inequities.

A study conducted by the Trevor Project on Middle Eastern and North African LGBTQ young people reported that more than one in five MENA LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide in 2022 and had greater odds of experiencing anxiety, depression, and self-harm in comparison to their non-MENA peers. With those that had a therapist, more than one in three felt that their therapist did not understand their racial/ethnic background.

Join us for an important OutTalk as we connect with experts on how to address the unique barriers the MENA LGBTQ+ community faces and how to curb health disparities.

Panelists include:

• Sarah Abboud, PhD, RN (she/her), Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago College of Nursing

• Hazem Alanani, MHA (he/him), Tarab NYC Board Member

• Lamise Shawahin, PhD (she/her), Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling at Governors State University

• John Sovec, LMFT (he/him), OutTalk Moderator and Host, Therapist, Coach, Speaker, Author of Out: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your LGBTQIA+ Kid Through Coming Out and Beyond

Learn more at outcarehealth.org/outtalk.

RSVP for this event by using this link.

Hosted by OutCare Health.