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!

Message from the YWCA's CEO: Proud to highlight YWCA’s commitment to our diverse community

Gay Pride Month provides us with a timely opportunity to highlight the important commitment that the YWCA makes in providing services to a diverse community of women, men and children – regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.


We believe that every person has inherent dignity and worth. This belief guides everything we do at the YWCA: how we work with clients, our policies, our relationships with colleagues, partners and donors. It’s embedded in our mission/vision statement: “We believe that working together we can create a community where all people live in dignity, free from violence, racism and discrimination.”

The LGBTQ community has experienced a history of violence and discrimination, and we believe that standing with our LGBTQ clients, staff, volunteers, board members and supporters is one concrete way we express our belief in the dignity and worth of every human being.

In celebration of Gay Pride Month, YWCA staff and volunteers are looking forward to participating in the 38th annual Pride Parade: The Many Faces of Pride, in Seattle this Sunday (June 24). We hope to see you along the parade route – we’ll be the group dressed mostly in orange!

We also hope you will join us at the 14th annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair on June 23 from noon to 5 p.m. at Seattle Central Community College. This fun event features complimentary health resources–from Zumba to acupuncture, massage therapy and nutrition.


These are just two of the events that our YWCA will be participating in that celebrate our rich, diverse community. Please visit us here on ywcaworks.org or like us on Facebook to learn about the events that we are joining or hosting in the upcoming months.

This blog post was originally posted on YWCA Leadership Blog: Message from our CEO, Sue Sherbrooke.

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!

Are LBTQ women at risk for HIV?

Tonya Rasberry has gotten used to telling her story. As a Peer Advocate for BABES Network-YWCA, it’s her job. She’s gone around to schools and spoken at public events – telling diverse audiences about how she became a woman living with HIV, and what her life is like now.

Last week, Edge magazine published an article about Tonya, highlighting that Tonya was no less at risk for HIV infection, despite the fact she is a lesbian woman of color.

“When Eric and I were together we shared a lot of things,” she continued, “including partners. … I was always attracted to women and of course I wasn’t going to get a complaint out of him when it came to me living a bisexual lifestyle,” she explained. “Not once did I consider the fact that maybe he also had a private life of his own, and no matter what we were doing behind closed doors neither one of us thought we would have HIV/AIDS affect our lives the way it has.”

Many women who have sex with women don’t realize that they are also at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, according to Kim Chronister, M.A., a therapist at AIDS Services Foundation. “According to my research, HIV can potentially be transmitted by exposure of the mucous membrane (i.e., the mouth) to vaginal secretions,” she said. “Also, shared penetrative toys may be a means for transmission of infected vaginal secretions, according to the CDC. In my therapeutic work with women who have sex with women, simple steps that these women can take to lower their risks of being infected may seem obvious, but unfortunately are rarely taken.”

Tonya calls for dialogue among communities of women to address the risk of HIV for LBTQ women: “I believe that just having the conversation about HIV/AIDS in our [lesbian] community is unbelievably crucial, because as long as a sexually active person is talking about those sensitive subjects it will help us alleviate some of the stigma that surrounds this topic.”

On June 23rd, BABES Network-YWCA is joining the YWCA Rainbow Health Fair and will have information on HIV/AIDS and the psycho-social support services they provide. HIV testing will also be provided by Gay City Health Project. Hope you can make it!

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!

Rainbow Health Fair wants YOU for new Planning Committee

Rainbow Health Fair Needs You!

Dear Friends in Health:                                                                        
We are excited to be launching a planning committee for the 14th Annual Rainbow Health Fair and would like to invite you to be a member.  If you are passionate about the health and well being of the LBTQ community you are what we are looking for!  Please join us for an inspiring evening of brainstorming as we plan our next Health Fair.

The time commitment will be approximately one meeting a month in January, February, March, April and 2 meetings in May and June.  If you have motivation but not as much time, we still may find you a valuable member of the planning committee.  Access to email will be a plus.

Please join us:
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011 – 6:30pm
OutWest Bar
5401 California Avenue SW
(between Brandon St & Findley St)
Seattle, WA 98136
206-937-1540

Please RSVP to Ingrid at lbthealth@ywcaworks.org.  We look forward to having you be part of this exciting team.

Ps. I think the way the world is going to have a day for people to get medical check- ups  by mostly peer-providers and other information for their overall well-being, is becoming more important than ever. So let’s make the 14th Rainbow Health Fair into an unforgettable event.  Please help spread the word!!

Thank you and be well,
Ingrid berkhout
Program Manager
Women’s Health Outreach
{p} 206.461.4493
{f}  206. 720.5901
1118 Fifth Ave Seattle,  WA  98101
twitter.com/ingridWHO
http://lbtqhealth-ywca.blogspot.com/
give help. get help.
ywcaworks.org

Livestrong at the YWCA - Exercise and Thrive

If you or a loved one is recovering from cancer you already know that you need different kinds of support in your life than possibly before cancer entered it.  The YWCA and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program have created a wonderful program for cancer survivors.  Some sessions have already started while others are starting soon.  The program is continuous and will be available on a rotating schedule.

Exercise and Thrive
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program and YMCA of Greater Seattle have partnered to offer a 10-week strength and fitness program, called LIVESTRONG at the YMCA: Exercise and Thrive, for people who have completed active cancer treatment.

For cancer survivors, studies suggest that exercise improves long-term survival and quality of life.  Through Exercise and Thrive, survivors build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve their capacity to perform activities of daily living, from work to play.  Exercise and Thrive may help reduce the severity of cancer side effects, prevent unwanted weight changes, and improve participants' energy levels and self-esteem.

CLASSES BEGIN SOON
Classes are held twice a week, for ten weeks, at multiple Greater Seattle YMCA locations.  Sessions begin in winter, spring and fall each year.

Beginning May 10, 2010:
Downtown
909 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Monday/Wednesday 5:00 - 6:30 PM

University
5003 12th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105-4399
Monday/Wednesday 12:00 – 1:30 PM


Beginning May 11, 2010:
Auburn Valley
1620 Perimeter Rd. SW, Auburn, WA 98001
Tuesday/Thursday 9:30 – 11:00 AM

Bellevue
14230 Bel-Red Road, Bellevue, WA 98007
Tuesday 7:00 - 8:30 PM/Saturday 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Northshore
11811 NE 195th St., Bothell, WA 98011
Tuesday/Thursday 6:30 – 8:00 PM


Beginning May 25, 2010:
Dale Turner
19290 Aurora Avenue N., Shoreline, WA 98133
Tuesday 12:00 - 1:30 PM/Saturday 9:30 – 11:00 AM


Beginning June 14, 2010:
West Seattle/Fauntleroy
9140 California Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98136
Monday/Thursday 4:30 – 6:00 PM

COST
The Exercise and Thrive program is a benefit provided through the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program and the YMCA of Greater Seattle.  Our goal is to serve all community income levels.  Fees range from $25 - $165 based on ability to pay.

Participants have access to the YMCA for the duration of the program.  Community participants who join the YMCA within one week of the program end date will have their joining fees waived.  Financial assistance, to the extent possible, is available to those in need.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Cancer survivors over the age of 21 who:
Are at least 90 days out of cancer treatment with no evidence of active disease
Have a strong personal desire to improve their strength and fitness
 Agree to obtain medical clearance for participation
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER
  Please contact:
 YMCA of Greater Seattle
Lindsey Gregerson
Chronic Disease Director
(206) 344-3181
Fax (206) 382-7283
Email: lgregerson@seattleymca.org 

www.fhcrc.org/exerciseandthrive