What a success!

For fifteen years, the Rainbow Women’s Health Fair has offered access to health information and health care services to Seattle’s LBTQ community. Last weekend, the health fair was held at All Pilgrims Church on Broadway in the middle of Pride Weekend – and it was a smashing success!

Many thanks to All Pilgrims Church, all our volunteers and providers, and the community for their participation. We couldn’t have done it without you! And we can’t wait until next year!

Katie  Lama, LPN, providing glucose and cholesterol screenings

Doris Harris from the Breast Cancer Navigation Project

Two Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence find Rainbow Women’s Health Fair Volunteers!

Volunteers Gabi and Agnes do intakes for women getting their mammograms

Volunteers Kyle and Shan offered free hugs at the Hug Deli!

YWCA Volunteer and Rainbow Health Fair Committee Member Jen Peters and YWCA Women’s Health Outreach Program Manager Ingrid Berkhout.

Dealing with Pap Phobia

When was the last time you had a Pap test?

Did you know the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer is not having a Pap test every two years?

We know it can often be challenging for people who are LBTQ to feel comfortable getting a Pap test. Because of a lack of acceptance or knowledge, communities and health care providers can inadvertently create uncomfortable or unsafe environments for their LBTQ patients. It's important for LBTQ individuals to find providers they trust and clinical settings that honor confidentiality. On top of all this, the cost of health care and other barriers - like a bad experience in the past - may keep us from going to see the doctor on a regular basis.

The Advocate recently published an Op-Ed called "The Lesbian Pap Phobia." The writer describes an encounter she had with a friend who had been afraid to get a Pap test, and was asking her to be her wing-person when she went for her appointment.

While I was a bit surprised by my friend’s request for me to be her wingman for her Pap test, it was an easy yes. Honestly, though, when she first started telling me her story I got pissed off. This woman has a great job. She’s generally amazing and politically astute... Except she’s 46 and she’d never had an annual exam, a Pap, any exam whatsoever that involved her genitals.

But as I listened, I realized that she was terrified. Embarrassed. She’d learned early to be suspicious of doctors; they never quite respected her queerness. She’d never been sexually active with men; she’d never sought a birth control pill prescription for contraception or as a means of managing some of the other boatload of crap that some people with a uterus can experience with menstrual cycles. Instead, she’d gotten the message so many queer women have gotten: lesbians don’t need that kind of health care. Lesbian sex is safe sex — no risk of sexually transmitted infections? And really, who wants to endure a litany of birth control questions that are too often and too aggressively paired with a women’s health checkup anyway!  So at 46, against that backdrop, she’d taken care of almost every other preventive medical intervention possible, but not the Pap test.

... Every year, approximately 12,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and about 4,000 American women die of the disease. But, if it is detected early, the five-year survival rate for cervical cancer is almost 100%.


Routine screenings for cervical cancer can detect precancerous conditions and allow health care providers to treat them before they progress. And vaccination against the human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer, can prevent the initial infection that leads to cancer. HPV can be passed by skin-to-skin contact. Planned Parenthood health centers provide 585,000 Pap tests and advanced testing and treatment for thousands of women with abnormal Paps and precancerous conditions.

I went with my friend to get her Pap test. The nurse and the practitioner were amazing, showing such compassion and expertise, I was so proud of Planned Parenthood. The results require a repeat Pap. I’ll be there again, no question. And I will fight with more verve and spirit than I did before. Because lesbians matter, and cervical health matters regardless of sexual orientation or sexual behaviors. Seriously.

At the 15th Annual Rainbow Health Fair on Saturday, June 29, we will have free Pap tests available for individuals of all ages from peer providers. To learn more about the health fair, Pap tests, or women's health in general - please contact YWCA Women's Health Outreach Program Manager Ingrid Berkhout at 206.461.4493 or iberkhou@ywcaworks.org.

Congratulations to our Raffle Winners!

This year, we had some wonderful raffle prizes to share! Many thanks to all who donated their products and services.

After health fair participants filled out health assessments, they were invited to enter our raffle drawing. Here are the prizes we awarded:

Four passes to SIFF Uptown Cinema, unlimited movies through the end of the year

Two tickets to a Seattle Storm game

Four tickets to a Rat City Roller Girls bout, plus merchandise vouchers

Two tickets to a Seattle Women's Chorus performance at St. Mark's Cathedral

Two tickets to a film at the 2012 Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

Two tickets to the Wildrose Tavern's Gay Pride Block Party

One gift bag from Babeland

Congratulations to everyone who won a prize! We hope you enjoy them!

Special blessed thanks to the First Baptist Church for providing a no-cost meeting space!

Thank you, Volunteers!

Many thanks to our lovely volunteers for putting together a fabulous 14th Annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair!

Without your support, we could not have pulled this together.

Terr got our Rainbow Health Fair Committee started this year, and created the Google Site we used to stay organized. Liz led the charge on developing our magnificent health fair poster. Mary and Sam spearheaded our fundraising efforts, raising a total of $1,900! Sara Jay provided critical feedback during planning sessions and did some wonderful outreach. Jen was the "Logisitics Wizard" - not an easy role to play! Sam also played an important administrative role in the committee.

We also had six volunteers who helped create a sign for the health fair, managed the music, worked the front desk, helped set up and break down, and more!

Many thanks to all who made a contribution!

Rainbow Health Fair: The More, the Merrier!

Over the past couple of weeks, we have partnered with a few more health and wellness providers. The more, the merrier!

In addition to the services and activities we've already posted, expect to see these services at the 14th Annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair this Saturday.

Naturopathy & Acupuncture

Kira Baum, ND, LaC is a Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist in Seattle. She provides comprehensive holistic health care for most medical concerns. She is dedicated to assisting people in achieving their health goals with the use of safe and effective natural modalities, like nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, and acupuncture.

Naturopathy

Les Witherspoon, ND, is a Naturopathic Physician. He will answer questions and provide information for clients about transgender health and gender variant health issues.

Nutrition

Join Beve Kindblade, Nutritionist, for a lively workshop and discussion about nutrition, health, and wellness. She integrates the best of traditional medicine with a natural health approach. Her workshop will be from 3:30pm-4:20pm. Learn about nutritional essentials to take control of your health, renew your energy, and look your best - naturally.

Relationship Skills

NW Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse works to end violence and abuse by building loving and equitable relationships in our community and across the country. Join DeAnn Alcantara-Thompson in a relationship skills class from 12:30pm-1:20pm or 1:30pm-2:20pm.

Safer Sex

Health care professional Candace Cantrell, President of Seattle Girls of Leather, will be answering questions about safer sex. Candace has many years of professional and personal experiences in alternative sexuality communities, making her a dynamic educator. Seattle Girls of Leather will also be providing snacks for health fair participants! Thanks, SGOL!!!

Reiki

Diana Balgaard is a Reiki Master and has practiced Reiki since 1990. Reiki is a divinely guided energy. Your body has its own intelligence. Clients can feel balanced, energized, relaxed, and lighter after a treatment. Diana will provide 10 minute treatments at the health fair.

Susan G. Komen, Puget Sound Affiliate

Elisa Del Rosario and her colleagues from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Puget Sound Affiliate are once again joining the LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair. Komen has awarded YWCA Women's Health Outreach with a grant that has provided critical funding for the LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair every year for 14 years. Our local affiliate has always supported the LBTQ community. Representatives from Komen will be available to share information about the local affiliate and the work they do in our communities.

Tarot Reading

Returning is our very popular Beverly Bryant who has read Tarot professionally for over 15 years. Tarot readings can help give guidance and be used for decision making and direction in finances, relationships, or careers.

Music

Also returning is Marla S. Nonken. Marla is a songwriter and performer, who has played at a wide array of venues - from grassroots to political rallies to yoga classes. She plays many genres and styles that focus on healing, emotions, and lightness. She believes that music and sound soothe the soul and offer nourishment.

Self Defense & Kung Fu

Michelle McVadon has been teaching self defense and Kung Fu (from Seven Star Women's Kung Fu) for 25 years. She holds the rank of Chief Instructor, has 5th degree black belt in Kajukenbo Kung Fu and 3rd degree black belt in Aikido. Her class will be from 2:30pm-3:10pm.

Get Active at the Rainbow Health Fair!

Never before has the Rainbow Health Fair hosted exercise activities! This is the year!

The health fair will be held at Seattle Central Community College on Saturday, June 23rd, and so we have much more space available to help you get in touch with new and fun activities and exercises. We will provide a diverse selection of activities to choose from, including:

Zumba!

Zumba is a Latin dance-inspired fitness program. Instructor Jennifer Cepeda http://www.hellosparkfit.com/about/ leads classes at Youngstown Cultural Art Center in West Seattle.

Contra dancing!

Contra dancing refers to several partnered folk dance styles in which couples dance in two facing lines. Lots of fun! Dancing will be led by Seattle Rainbow Contra Dance. They also lead regular dances - be sure to check their website.

Stretching!

Tamara the Trapeze Lady will lead us in stretching exercises. Get ready to twist and turn! She was one of the first trapeze artists in Seattle - leading to a local revival. She has also developed her own style of stretching, gives trapeze classes, and regularly performs.

Nia!

Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts. These classes will be led by a group of Nia teachers, including Deborah Davis, Sarah Love, Jena Hennessey, Randee Fox, and Allison Wright.


Booty Camp!
Booty Camp is a community oriented, holistic, outdoor women's fitness program. Designed for every ability level, Booty Camp helps women feel confident and strong in their bodies.

We hope you find something new to help you de-stress - something to support the overall health of your body, mind, and spirit. Try out free classes at the Rainbow Health Fair to see what these activities are all about!

Fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen for Rainbow Health Fair

Have you heard about how you can enjoy a wonderful meal at the Northgate California Pizza Kitchen with your friends AND 20% of your check will be donated to the YWCA Women's Health Outreach Rainbow Health Fair?  Purchases include dine-in, take-out, catering and alcoholic beverages!  This is a fabulous way to nourish the body and the soul. 

We will be onsite during each evening May 15th, 16th and 17th of the event with flyers to present to your server (you need the flyer for 20% of your check to be donated to the Rainbow Health Fair).  Grab a group of friends and make an evening of it!

You can also contact iberkhou@ywcaworks.org for an emailed flyer.

May 15th, 16th and 17th

California Pizza Kitchen

401 NE Northgate Way, Seattle, WA 98125

Make a Rainbow Donation this February! (And get matched!)

Breast, ovarian and cervical cancers affects hundreds of thousands of women every year. Many of whom are our sisters, mothers, nieces, aunts, grandmothers, friends or loved ones. Unfortunately, most of you know someone who has been affected by these cancers, or who is being affected as we speak. Fortunately, there is a way you can give back to this cause, right now.

YWCA Women’s Health Outreach is a program that provides peer outreach, culturally-sensitive breast health education, no-cost mammograms, and information on additional health services for our diverse community. The program offers no-cost mammograms, pap tests and breast exams for income eligible individuals 40 and over. We serve those with limited incomes who are medically underserved, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. We also focus our outreach efforts on women from African American, Latina, and LBTQ communities.

Every year to coincide with the Pride festivities, YWCA Women’s Health Outreach organizes a Rainbow Health Fair for members of the LBTQ community. At these health fairs, we make free health resources and education available to a population and community that is all too often overlooked by our healthcare system. This year, we are hoping to make it the biggest and best health fair thus far. But, in order to do that, we need your help!

If this is a cause that interests you, please visit our YWCA Donations webpage: http://www.ywcaworks.org/netcommunity/, and click the “donate” button on the right hand side of the webpage. Once on the donation page, select the designation to be the Health Access Department, and in the comments section of additional information, specify LBTQ Health: Rainbow Health Fair. Note that 100% of your money goes directly to YWCA Women's Health Outreach.

And, in the month of February, donations will be matched dollar for dollar - up to $1,000! Consider a tax deductible gift of $10, $25, $50 or more to support the health of women in the Seattle area!

Thank you and be well.

Screening at Wildrose a great Success - Video of Beth Kruse ARNP

Please enjoy this video of our recent screening at the Wildrose. 

Why is it important for women who are lesbian, bisexual, transgender/sexual and queer (LBTQ) to be regularly screened for breast and cervical cancers?

Women who are LBTQ have higher risks of breast and cervical cancers than heterosexual women. They’re also more likely to have lower incomes and be uninsured or under-insured, making them less likely to be screened. YWCA Women’s Health Outreach holds two mobile screening events each year to provide these critical services to women who are LBTQ in our community.  December 10, 2011 Program Manager Ingrid Berkhout and Health Access and Volunteer Coordinator Samantha Tripoli joined up with the Wild Rose bar, Swedish Medical Center and Beth Kruse, ARNP, to screen 19 women!
Watch this video below to hear the stories of LBTQ women, volunteers and health care provider Beth Kruse!

Wildrose Breast Cancer Memorial Wall October 7 - 11

We are gearing up for our next mobile mammography screening at the Wildrose on December 10th and are always pleased to see creative ideas that support women and breast health.  Sometimes Facebook says it best as is the case on the WildRose's page.

The Wildrose, Seattle’s premier Lesbian destination venue for over a quarter of a century is currently experiencing some construction. The floor typically used for the DJ booth and dance floor has been overtaken with a false wall which shields the construction activities and allows the joint to stay open for business. A side-effect of this is a huge plywood wall. The ladies at The Wildrose have dreamt up a brilliant use for this wall! Starting tomorrow (Friday, October 7), this wall will become “The Wildrose Breast Cancer Memorial Wall”.

The wall will be painted over in solid pink, and from tomorrow at 6PM until Tuesday (October 11) at close, patrons, Breast Cancer supporters and survivors and everyone in between will be able to come to The Wildrose and contribute to “The Wildrose Breast Cancer Memorial Wall”. Participants can contribute a name of someone precious to them who has passed, a thought relevant to the Breast Cancer struggle, or a note of hope for those immersed in the Breast Cancer battle. It’s all welcome! There will also be a donation box at the wall where people who can afford to can leave donations. On Tuesday at closing time, The Wildrose will collect the box, count the donations, MATCH the donations, and all donations will go to Gilda’s Club.

You would think that would be enough, but that’s not all! After Tuesday, when the deadline for contributions to the wall has come to pass, the wall will be painted over in clear coat in order to preserve what is there. When the walls come down, they will be stored until it’s time for Gay Pride. They will be erected again, perhaps with additional panels, in the famous Wildrose Beer Garden. People will again be able to contribute and add to “The Wildrose Breast Cancer Memorial Wall”. This will become an annual component to the programming of Wildrose’s Pride festivities. Eventually, all of the fencing erected to secure the area that makes up The Wildrose Beer Garden will proudly display this living memorial. The ladies at The Wildrose couldn’t think of a prettier sight.

Join the fight! Participate in a breast cancer research study!

The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and the Avon Foundation for Women, a global leader in breast cancer research, joined forces to launch the Love/Avon Army of Women. It is their goal to recruit one million healthy women of every age and ethnicity, including breast cancer survivors and women at high-risk for the disease, to partner with breast cancer researchers and directly participate in the research that will eradicate breast cancer once and for all.

The Army of Women is currently recruiting Black/African American women living in the United States who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time (stage I, II, or III) to participate in a study. This study will look at why there are differences in breast cancer treatment experiences between Black/African American women and White/European American women in the United States - this study is called "Protocol for Narrowing the Gap in Adjuvant Therapy," or the Gap Study.

African American women are more likely to die of breast cancer than Caucasian women, even though fewer African American women are getting breast cancer each year and screening use has improved. This difference has gotten worse over the past 20 years. This Gap Study was designed to gather the information needed to better understand the differences in breast cancer treatment experiences between Black/African American Women and White/European American Women. The researchers want to know more about how to improve the survival rates of women with breast cancer.

Participants in the Gap Study will be asked to complete a 30-40 minute telephone survey about your health related experiences and to allow your medical records to be reviewed by the doctor. If you are interested in participating in this study or know someone who might be, please visit the Army of Women website. Or, if you think you might be eligible for other studies, please take a look at other current projects.

The Army of Women is dedicated to representing all women in research so that the research results will apply to all women. They encourage all women to get involved. Breast cancer has been around for decades, but it does not have to be our future. We can be the generation that stops breast cancer once and for all by figuring out what causes this disease and how to prevent it! This is YOUR chance to be part of the research that will end breast cancer.

Excerpted from Health Access - YWCA with permission.