Navigating LGBTQ+ Rights and Health Equity
This episode examines the evolving healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community and the challenges health systems face in delivering affi rming, high-quality care. With nearly 8% of the U.S. population—and one in five Gen Z adults—identifying as LGBTQ+, the need for inclusive, trauma-informed care is more urgent than ever. We discuss the impact of recent executive orders, the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals—especially among Gen Z—and what providers must do to address disparities, improve mental health support, and create safer, more responsive healthcare environments for all LGBTQ+ patients.
Listen Now
About Our Guests
Tari Hanneman
Tari Hanneman (she/her) is the Senior Director, Research and Education at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) where she leads the Research and Education team which leverages expertise in surveys, benchmarking, and data analysis to produce insights that educate the public, change institutional policies and practices, strengthen advocacy efforts, and influence policymakers on key issues facing LGBTQ+ people. Prior to assuming this position, Tari served as the Director of the Health and Aging Program at HRC, where she oversaw the annual LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Index, the Long-Term Care Equality Index, and other projects related to LGBTQ+ health and aging.
Tari has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector, primarily focused on the areas of health and women’s issues. Prior to joining HRC, she served as the initial Director of The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem where she led all aspects of developing The Fund’s programs and brand in the community. Prior to her move to North Carolina, she served in a number of roles at The California Endowment, one of the nation's largest health foundations. She has also worked for elected officials and non-profits focused on the environment, reproductive rights, and HIV. She has a Master’s in Public Administration with an emphasis on Nonprofit Management from the University of Southern California.
More About Ms. Hanneman
Carl Streed Jr.
Dr. Carl Streed, Jr. is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Section of General Internal Medicine at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and the Research Lead for the GenderCare Center at Boston Medical Center. As the Research Lead for the GenderCare Center at Boston Medical Center he collaborates with researchers, clinicians, and communities to assess and address the health and well-being of transgender and gender diverse individuals.
Nationally, Dr. Streed has chaired the American Medical Association Advisory Committee on LGBTQ issues, served on the board of GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality, is on the Faculty Advisory Board of the Medical Student Pride Alliance, and currently serves as the President of the US Professional Association for Transgender Health.
Dr. Streed’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of sexual and gender minority persons and communities have earned him several awards, notably from the University of Chicago and Johns Hopkins University Alumni Associations, the American Medical Association Foundation (twice), the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, as well as recognition from the Obama White House.
More About Dr. Streed
