How can LGBTQIA+ people create greater public understanding of our menopause experiences? On World Menopause Day, ChatGPT has some answers.

Chat GPT 3 Colour Palette

World Menopause DAY is here

Here we are again on 18th October. With all the horrors going on in the world, which only seem to accelerate as time passes, I’ve more than once wondered whether it’s even worth continuing talking about menopause at all, let alone trying to bring more attention to the LGBTQIA+ experience of it. However, menopause isn’t going anywhere, so I will continue.

I’m reflecting on why there are still so few LGBTQIA+ folks out there talking about their menopause experiences.

It would be so great to see more people offering talks and trainings. I don’t offer these things - but the demand, and for sure the need, is there.

Although there is a long way to go, in general I’m seeing more people and organisations being publicly inclusive in their use of language and/or inclusion, which is brilliant. But we need way more of this.

I’m still ongoingly hoping to encounter people who are able to accept referrals for suitable (paid) public engagement and collaboration. PLEASE NOTE: This isn’t to do things for/with me personally, but to create a referrals network.

I askED ChatGPT TO SHARE ITS THOUGHTS

I put the question in the title of this post to them, and they replied. [My thoughts in square brackets and italics.]

Creating greater public understanding of LGBTQIA+ people's menopause experiences is essential for fostering inclusivity, empathy, and awareness. Here are some steps LGBTQIA+ individuals can take to promote understanding:

1. **Share Personal Stories:** Sharing your personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs related to menopause as an LGBTQIA+ individual can be a powerful way to humanize the issue and raise awareness. Consider writing blogs, contributing to publications, or sharing your stories on social media.

[Yes, please do this - if you have the capacity and feel safe enough to do so of course.]

2. **Educate Yourself and Others:** Take the time to educate yourself about LGBTQIA+ menopause experiences, as well as the specific challenges and concerns that LGBTQIA+ individuals may face during this life stage. Knowledge is a powerful tool for promoting understanding.

[Again, people need to share their experiences - there is a wide variety of experience here.]

3. **Join or Create Support Networks:** Join existing LGBTQIA+ support groups or create new ones specifically focused on menopause. These spaces can provide a platform for sharing experiences, seeking advice, and connecting with others who understand your journey.

[This is really important, and will hopefully bring a feeling of solidarity. But of course people need to have the capacity to do so.]

4. **Collaborate with LGBTQIA+ Organizations:** Partner with LGBTQIA+ advocacy and support organizations to raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ menopause. Collaborate with these groups to host events, workshops, and educational programs.

[There is interest in this subject. Funders would love to support you if you can bring a good proposal.]

5. **Participate in Research:** Contribute to research on LGBTQIA+ menopause by participating in studies, surveys, and medical trials. This data can help researchers better understand the unique needs and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals during this life stage.

[We need more folks researching this subject, preferably LGBTQIA+ researchers. However, a cis het researcher could do this work if well held by sufficiently informed and knowledgeable supervisors and department. The latter may be hard to find - but we need more research to be done.]

6. **Advocate for Inclusive Healthcare:** Advocate for inclusive healthcare policies and practices. Push for healthcare providers to receive training in LGBTQIA+ cultural competence and provide gender-affirming and LGBTQIA+-inclusive care.

[Yes, when it feels safe enough to do so. Particularly trans people can feel unsafe when accessing healthcare, and not everyone has the capacity to challenge the system.]

7. **Raise Awareness:** Organize awareness campaigns, public events, or social media campaigns focused on LGBTQIA+ menopause. Use these platforms to share facts, resources, and personal experiences.

[Again, not everyone wants that limelight, but some may be okay with it and if this is you, your input is very welcome.]

8. **Create Inclusive Resources:** Develop or promote resources and educational materials that are specific to LGBTQIA+ menopause. These resources can be used to educate both LGBTQIA+ individuals and healthcare providers.

[Creating these resources takes labour, but it needs doing.]

9. **Engage with Healthcare Professionals:** Build relationships with healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable and supportive of LGBTQIA+ patients. Encourage them to educate their peers and provide LGBTQIA+-friendly care.

[Yes, they are out there.]

10. **Challenge Stigmas and Myths:** Speak out against stereotypes and myths related to LGBTQIA+ menopause. Address and correct any misinformation or biases you encounter.

[Yes, this needs to happen more.]

11. **Promote Intersectional Awareness:** Recognize that LGBTQIA+ individuals have diverse identities and experiences. Understand that the LGBTQIA+ menopause experience can vary significantly based on intersecting factors such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, and socioeconomic status.

[This may be challenging as multiple identities means multiple contrasting needs, values and capacities.]

12. **Foster Allyship:** Encourage allies within the LGBTQIA+ community and among friends, family, and coworkers to learn about and support LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing menopause. Allies can play a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for inclusive care.

[Again, they are out there.]

13. **Seek Legal Protections:** Advocate for legal protections against discrimination and bias in healthcare settings. Work with LGBTQIA+ organizations and legal experts to push for inclusive policies and laws.

[This takes us into concerning territory, particularly regarding trans acceptance and rights, and what is already going on in the UK.]

14. **Support Mental Health and Well-being:** Recognize the potential mental health challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals may face during menopause. Promote access to mental health resources and support networks.

[So where are the support networks? We need more of them and more explicitly.]

Creating greater public understanding of LGBTQIA+ menopause experiences is an ongoing effort that involves the active participation of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. By raising awareness, educating others, and advocating for inclusive healthcare and social support, you can contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society for LGBTQIA+ individuals going through menopause.

——ENDS—-

This is a pretty THOROUGH list OF SUGGESTIONS…

…except that it misses out the human aspect. LGBTQIA+ folks, increasingly in this day and age, have to think twice before speaking out about anything. If people are navigating health challenges, financial challenges, or the literal danger of simply being themselves, this reduces capacity for looking outside ourselves. Menopause may come a poor second to survival.

At some point many people in the queer/trans menstruation movement are going to come into age-related perimenopause and I predict a big wave building. I look forward to this.