Mar 26, 2018
As a result of cultural homophobia and stigma, many LGBTQ youth struggle with bullying, violence, discrimination, and health disparities. Despite this, LGBTQ youth in our communities show us every day that they are smart and creative and resilient and powerful. Q Card Project exists to give them the tools and language they need to advocate for themselves in healthcare settings so they can live healthy lives. The Q Card is a simple and easy-to-use communication tool that lets youth fill in their name, pronouns, sexual orientation, gender identity, and any questions they want to ask a clinician. It also includes tips for clinicians on providing sensitive care to LGBTQ youth. Since the first printing in March 2014, we have shipped over 150,000 Q Cards to 35 states and four countries. In addition to youth themselves, who offer overwhelmingly positive feedback, adults love Q Cards too! Nurses, therapists, physicians, teachers, librarians, social workers, parents, and non-profit staff love that Q Cards are an easy way to signal that LGBTQ youth are welcome in their spaces.
Joining GSBA has been hugely beneficial to me. As an “accidental entrepreneur” with a background in community-based public health practice, I had a lot to learn about how to run a business. In joining GSBA, I was welcomed into an incredible community of business leaders who care deeply about supporting and mentoring young business owners. Through the Financial Literacy Series, I have gained new skills for running my business, and at monthly Seattle Entrepreneurial Women breakfasts, I’m able to connect and learn from incredible women who share their expertise and insights to help me navigate entrepreneurship. I have learned so much since joining, and look forward to staying involved as my business grows.
—Genya Shimkin, Q Card Project
http://www.qcardproject.com/
