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Health

Discover the Health section of The Advocate, where readers can find the latest news on medicine, fitness, mental and physical wellbeing, scientific developments, and diseases that affect the LGBT community. Read the most recent on gay health, AIDS and HIV news, pregnancy and sex from experts like doctors and researchers. Learn about news related to health insurance, statistics, changing laws and government policy, and tools that can be used in preventing and curing illnesses in the United States and beyond.

queer sapphic couple lesbians in bed one vaping one reading cell phone

LGBTQ+ people are much more likely to vape. Here's why

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans are much more likely to try tobacco products than their straight and cisgender peers, according to a new report from the surgeon general.

bans off our bodies mask at protest potential ban on the progesterone blocker mifepristone

Wyoming's abortion ban has been overturned, including its ban on abortion medication

The abortion bans "undermine the integrity of the medical profession by hamstringing the ability of physicians to provide evidence-based medicine to their patients," a district judge ruled.

LGBTQ STEM Day photo gallery including George Washington Carver National Gay Task Force 1975 Sally Ride

13 LGBTQ+ scientists you should know

From the first woman in space to recent Nobel Prize winners, we're celebrating some of the queer pioneers who have expanded our knowledge across the years.

Andy Beshear

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear perfectly explains why he vetoed the 'nastiest' anti-trans bill

Politicians and media personalities aren't "talking about what people are worried about" enough, according to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear.

Howard Brown Health mpox vaccine mobile station International Mr Leather conferences Chicago Illinois 2023

California confirms first case of even more deadly mpox strain

The World Health Organization issued a global health emergency over the spread of the new, more lethal clade I mpox strain.

Jared Polis RFK Jr

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis backtracks apparent support for RFK Jr. leading HHS (exclusive)

A spokesperson for Polis told The Advocate that “Governor Polis has not changed his view as a whole on RFK Jr. or on the Governor’s previously stated concerns regarding some of RFK Jr’s positions."

ACT UP protesters close the Food and Drug Administration building in 1988 to demand the release of experimental medication for those living with HIV or AIDS

After the 2024 election, we can be inspired by these historical LGBTQ+ movements against oppression

Amid the trauma and disappointment of the election results, we take a look at queer resistance over the past century

concerned gay men couple beach sunset

Gay men have been cautious about mpox. Will a second Donald Trump term set them back?

Gay men are more trusting of medicine than other groups, but the incoming Trump Administration will need more than their willingness to continue combating mpox.

Demonstrators rally against Project 2025 NYC Manhattan Times Square

Here are 26 organizations fighting Donald Trump that you can donate to

The work these groups do will be critical during a second Trump Administration.

Handsome gay men couple on bed together

'Glimmer of hope' as STI rates slow, syphilis decreases among gay men

Primary and secondary syphilis cases dropped 13 percent among gay and bisexual men for the first time since the CDC began tracking the group in the mid-2000s.

androgynous nonbinary transgender person reviewing paperwork home office

7 steps for transgender people preparing for federal crackdowns under Trump

Donald Trump has pledged severe federal crackdowns on transgender people. Erin Reed outlines steps for preparing for these challenges, sharing stories from trans individuals who are already taking action.

teenage boy looking at his phone

Crisis calls from LGBTQ+ youth spiked by 700 percent after Election Day

LGBTQ+ youth are afraid, confused, and anxious about the outcome of the election, The Trevor Project said. Here are some resources.

young cheerful queer transgender LGBTQIA friend group looking hopeful

Scared for the future and LGBTQ+ rights? Here's how to cope with the election results

"We will get through this false story line based on lies, hate, and power — and the queer community will still be there, and in all likelihood, even stronger," a mental health expert tells The Advocate.

Washington DC march rally demanding continued access to abortion care

10 states voted on pro-abortion referendums. 7 of them passed

Millions will now have access to abortion thanks to the passage of state constitutional amendments.

crowd holds a VOTE sign during a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at University of Pittsburgh PA

For trans people reliant on federal programs, this election could change everything

Experts, providers, elected officials, and people with lived experience discuss how election outcomes — up and down the ballot — might impact gender-affirming care in Pittsburgh and beyond.

illustration politics anxiety

A therapist's tips for coping with your 'valid' election season anxiety as an LGBTQ+ person

"It's natural to be pissed off and fearful and defensive. It's about accepting that and finding a way to challenge that," a licensed psychotherapist tells The Advocate.

JD Vance

JD Vance really wants you to know he's 'not gay' while lying about transgender youth

The Republican nominee for vice president compared gender-affirming care to conversion therapy in a recent interview with gay conservative podcaster Tim Dillon.

Democratic presidential nominee US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally

Kamala Harris's 'first priority' as president: To 'stop this pain' and 'injustice' from abortion bans

Vice President Kamala Harris is using her pro-choice platform to carry her over the finish line.