The American Cancer Society is seeking local volunteers in the Hampton Roads area to join a new LGBTQ+ leadership committee called “UNITY – Uniting Against Cancer in the LGBTQ+ Community.” The newly formed committee is hosting an interest meeting and fundraiser on Friday, May 10 at 6:45 p.m. at MJ’s Tavern in Norfolk (details below.) The event is open to anyone interested in attending.
“Our goal is to make everyone aware of cancer and the effect that it has on the LGBTQ+ community. We want to help make cancer screening, testing and overall knowledge available to every person whether they’re gay, straight, transsexual or bisexual,” said Carmen Curry, UNITY president.
The LGBTQ+ community faces health disparities every day. Studies have found that lesbians and bisexual women have higher rates of breast cancer than heterosexual women. They also get less routine health care than other women, including colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screening. Gay and bisexual men also face several barriers to getting the routine health care and cancer screening tests they need. Some of the reasons for this include: low rates of health insurance, fear of discrimination, and negative experiences with health care providers.
“No one should ever feel too scared, uncomfortable, or unwelcome to talk about their own health and well-being. Cancer doesn’t discriminate and neither do we,” added Curry. “I am so proud to be the president of this amazing group and I look forward to kicking it off with glitter, love and an open mind.”
For more information on UNITY, please contact Carmen Curry at carmenacsunity@gmail.com . Interested individuals can also join the Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/ACS.UNITY.
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org.
