Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs meeting on May 16

The Pennsyvlania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held their spring meeting on May 15, 2020. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was held virtually on Zoom. New commissioners included DaVona Pacley, Naiymah Sanchez, Celena Morrison, and Xavier Garcia-Molina.

Executive Director Rafael Alvarez Febo gave a report. Commissioners are encouraged to send content for the PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs Facebook page. This can include free events, and advocacy. We are also looking to bring the Commonwealth's sexual harassment policies to include sexual orientation and gender identity, in line with the City of Philadelphia's policy.

Adrian Shanker of Bradbudy Sullivan LGBT Community Center made a presentation on health disparities during COVID-19. Social conditions leave members of the LGBTQ community more vulnerable. Questions about sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) were added to the Commonwealth's NEDSS software for tracking COVID-19 infections. The questions are voluntary for hosptials and testing centers. The next step is to make sure that health care organizations commit to asking the questions. There is currently no system on place to collect info on mortality for SOGI, as opposed to infection. Erie County Department of Health was recognized for being a leader in health policies in the commonwealth. Allentown has also posted LGBTQ-inclusive info. We are seeking to work with other counties' health departments, as well as hosptial and other health care systems.

Rep. Malcolm Kenyata gave a presentation on collecting SOGI data in other demographic data (beyond COVID-19 data) tracked by the Commonwealth. Although there is a push for SOGI-inclusive data, there is not a bill number yet.

Steve Latanishen of the Department of State presented info on voting by mail. The deadline to apply to vote by mail is May 26, and all mail-in ballots need to be physically received by the respective counties' election office by no later than June 2 at 8 PM, the same time as the polls close for Pennsylvania's primary election. Younger poll workers and those who are not immunocompromised are needed. Thecurrent average age of poll workers in PA is 67. We also know that younger and more diverse poll workers help create a more welcoming voting experience. All organizations, including non-profits, are allowed to promote voter registration as long as the promotion is not partisan.

It was also stressed the although the 2020 US Census does not collect SOGI data, it is very important for everyone, especially the LGBTQ community to respond to the census, Since Federal and state funding are very frequently tied to US Census results. non-responders cost their communities valueable resources.

Chris Bartlett of the William Way Community Center in Philadelphia led a discussion on building virtual community. There has been a statewide LGBT community leadership Zoom meeting every weekday at 5 PM that is open to all leaders in the LGBTQ community, whether part of a specific organization or not.

Committees met and reported back.

Aging committee has been working on recommendations for the PA Department of Aging's four year strategic plan. The recommendations have been submitted, and the committee is next going to be promoting a virtual istening tour meeting targeting LGBTQ seniors. They also want to include an HIV & STI resource page on the PA Department of Aging's web site.

The Education committee notes that every system is being disrupted by COVID-19. Key issues are the health of young people - access to food, care, and sexual health info; safety in terms of issues surrounding abuse, cultural safety, and acceptance; economic well-being - high unemployment rate; and access - as so much of education is currently being delivered online/digitally, and there are disparitiies for many for accessing digital services. A major theme of all of these issues is equity. The committee is also looking compiling a resource list that the commission can share with their networks.

The Health committee talked about SOGI data collection, and NEDSS. The 2020 PA Heath Needs Assessment has wrapped up the survey of PA LGBTQ community members and is looking ahead to analyzing and distributing the results. The committee is encouraging county health departments to get out sexual health info. Echoing the Education committee, LGBTQ youth are experience a huge gap in the need for resources and advocacy.

The Legislation and Policy committee noted that there isn't a lot of legislation being advanced in the current environment. They are looking at creating rapid responses to any legislation coming out, and a directory of statewide resources and contacts. They are watching out for legislation antagonistic to the interests of the LGBTQ community.

There was also a discussion of Pride events in Pennsylvania. Although many have been postponed to next year, some are being held virtually this year.

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