Vital Strategies applauds today’s decision of the United States Supreme Court to strengthen the rights of millions of LGBTQ+ Americans. The ruling prohibits employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity. This is a big step forward for civil rights.
At Vital Strategies, we work to ensure everyone is protected by a strong public health system. Today’s decision means that LGBTQ+ Americans will be able to express themselves without fear of losing their jobs and the benefits that go with it—including access to critically important, employer-based healthcare. While today’s decision is a milestone for LGBTQ equality, there is more work that needs to be done.
Here in the US and across the globe, LGBTQ+ populations face significant health disparities, including a higher prevalence of HIV/AIDS, certain cancers, HPV infections, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and suicidal tendencies, mood disorders.
This decision during Pride Month also gives us the opportunity to stop and reflect on the interconnectedness of movements for freedom around the world, and on how none of us can be truly free when others are being oppressed.