02/24/2023

Friends of Franz Podcast S2 E10: Taking Pride in LGBTQ+ Primary Care with Asia Sullivan (Couture in Clinic)

According to a 2021 systematic review by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, members of the LGBTQ+ community have higher rates of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, substance abuse, and suicide, compared to the cis-heterosexual population. Beyond mental health, physical health was also seen to be compromised through a higher prevalence of cancers, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections. Though multi-factorial, the nuances of these statistics definitely have a root in the diminished quality of and access to healthcare among the queer community. Persistent stigma and discrimination and the fear of being subject to these from healthcare providers and institutions continue to bar members of the LGBTQ+ community from receiving and seeking the care that they need.

We are joined today by Asia Sullivan, a board-certified physician assistant (now physician associate) working in the field of primary care, specializing in LGBTQ+ healthcare. Previously a professional model, she received her Masters of Public Health and Physician Assistant studies. She began her blog, Couture in Clinic, to document her journey through the amazing field of medicine. She now works closely with the queer population of Los Angeles, being a part of the community herself, where she provides education, treatment, and care of HIV/AIDS and PrEP/PEP, sexual health, and immunization as we do in this episode.