The board of directors of GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality unanimously approved the formation of a section specifically for nurses, with details to be finalized over the next few months. The organization has taken this step not only to meet the needs of its growing nursing membership but also its interdisciplinary membership as a whole as a means to assure critical inter-professional collaboration to address the healthcare needs of LGBT individuals. Sections are a new concept for GLMA, designed to allow members from specific healthcare professions to convene and address LGBT health concerns relevant to their discipline. Stay tuned for a formal announcement with more details about the GLMA nursing section and GLMA sections generally in the coming months.

There are a couple of ways to stay connected to this very exciting new venture!

• Join us on September 10 for the GLMA Nursing Summit in Baltimore, immediately preceding the GLMA conference being held through September 13.  This will be the second year of the Summit, and once again will be an all-day event that will be focused on actions to promote and encourage greater inclusion of LGBT health issues in nursing education, research, practice and policy.  We will also take the first formal steps in establishing the GLMA nursing section.  Plan to be there!
• Join the GLMA nursing google email list!  We will be posting details about the formation of the nursing section on this email list, so sign up today to receive the latest information as it happens!

The GLMA web site is a rich resource for all health care providers and LGBT individuals and families.  For example, there is a Directory of Providers who are welcoming of LGBT patients, and resources for advocacy on behalf of LGBT health. If you are a healthcare provider who wants to be part of a multi-disciplinary movement to improve healthcare for LGBT patients and families, join GLMA!