LGBTQ+ and Allies Engagement Group

LGBTQ+ and Allies Group

Mission

Advocating for an environment of inclusion, equity, and involvement of the LGBTQ+ community in ACS CAN’s initiatives and campaigns. Together, we are working toward ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer.  
 

About the Engagement Group

The LGBTQ+ & Allies Engagement Group provides learning, strategy, and idea exchange for people that are working to increase awareness and advance policy concerning the unique challenges and cancer disparities LGBTQ+ communities face and provide access to safe, quality, comprehensive, and inclusive care without the fear of discrimination.

The Engagement Group also advises ACS CAN on initiatives that impact LGBTQ+ communities through supporting outreach and engagement strategies, increasing awareness, and providing information and resources for specific communities, volunteers, and partners.  

Note: The plus sign represents diverse sexualities, gender identities, and gender expressions which may not be explicitly included in the LGBTQ acronym. 
 

Meet the Engagement Group

The Engagement Group in Action

ACS CAN PrideThis year ACS CAN participated in more than 50 Pride events. The LGBTQ+ & Allies Engagement Group provided guidance and council for ACS CAN’s engagement in events throughout the country to support a community that carriers a disproportionate burden of cancer. We know events and opportunities to connect with LGBTQ+ communities happen all throughout the year. Check out the ACS CAN Pride materials. 

ACS CAN Pride materials  

Watch Planning for 2023 Pride webinar

Ally-Specific Resources

Pride eventAn ally is someone who stands up for, supports, and encourages the people around them. Learn more about specific ways you can be an ally for the LGBTQ+ community.  

Take Action

Volunteers cheering

Ask Congress to make cancer research and prevention funding a priority, and help end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

Add your name to urge Congress to pass bold legislation in support of the Cancer Moonshot to increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and help save more lives from cancer. 

Resources


The health-related disparities, increased cancer risk, and opportunities for risk reduction for LGBTQ patients and community.

The barriers to receiving health care experienced by gay men, the cancers that men are at most risk for, and how to find these cancers early.   

The barriers to receiving health care experienced by lesbian and bisexual women, the cancers that women are at most risk for, and how to find these cancers early.

Decades of Big Tobacco targeting has disproportionally impacted the LGBTQ+ community resulting in higher smoking rates including menthol cigarette use.

Latest Updates

June 26, 2023
National

According to a new survey, half of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) cancer patients and survivors report they are concerned they may face discrimination in a health care setting. More than one-third have experienced discrimination in a health care setting due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, and 75% of those who say they experienced discrimination feel it impacted their health care.

April 3, 2023
National

More than a dozen patient groups representing millions of Americans with serious and chronic health conditions are urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to preserve protections in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) patients receiving health care services in the case of Neese vs. Becerra .

November 29, 2022
National

The U.S. Senate voted today on legislation that would help ensure marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples and their families, as well as protect their ability to access employment benefits, such as health insurance.

Contact the Engagement Group

Do you have a question, request, opportunity, or message for the LGBTQ+ & Allies Engagement Group?

Please Contact Us