HONOLULU – As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the network of care, the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s (DOH) Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Workgroup is seeking local SGM medical providers and businesses to include in a new Hawai’i SGM Services Directory, scheduled for release in early 2021. Providers and businesses may add their information to the directory via a short online form, which takes about 10 minutes to complete.

The SGM Services Directory is being created in response to community requests and is a part of the SGM Workgroup’s commitment to making medical care, and all services, more accessible for sexual and gender minorities. Newly completed forms will be accepted through the end of the day on Nov. 30, 2020, to be included in the first edition of the services directory.

“People who are sexual and gender minorities often struggle to access services they need, particularly medical services,” said Itai Bradshaw-Lang (they/them), project lead for the directory. “This results in poorer health outcomes across the board, and discomfort or avoidance in non-medical settings. The Services Directory aims to directly address that, dispelling the fear that we have to hide a core part of ourselves from the people we’re working with by creating a way to find services and providers that are committed to serving our community.”

Once completed, the directory will be available on the SGM Workgroup Resource Hub (https://health.hawaii.gov/sexual-gender-minorities), which was launched earlier this year. This is the first DOH website dedicated to resources for SGM (also known as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other, or LGBTQ+) people in Hawai‘i, as well as their loved ones and allies. The site was developed by the DOH SGM Workgroup, a multi-sector collaboration of various state agencies and community stakeholders, in partnership with the Harm Reduction Services Branch.

“Through national and local data, we understand that culturally appropriate care is essential for sustainable, meaningful, and positive health outcomes,” said Thaddeus Pham (he/him), DOH Co-Chair of the SGM Workgroup. “We look to the thoughtful and insightful contributions from our workgroup members and community stakeholders to continue projects like these to better serve our SGM ‘ohana.”

To access the medical provider form, go to: https://sgmservicesdirectory.typeform.com/to/JlJBu3sI

To access the business services form, go to: https://sgmservicesdirectory.typeform.com/to/j6ZSZjJM

For more information on the SGM Service Directory, email Itai Bradshaw-Lang at sgm.services.directory@gmail.com.

For more information on the DOH SGM Workgroup, email Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov.