Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs
News & Notes
 Our Healthcare Matters
Mayor Bowser has signed the LGBT Cultural Competency Continuing Education
Amendment Act making D.C. the first jurisdiction in the nation to require LGBTQ
cultural competency training for health care providers. Unfortunately, most medical schools and other
training programs for healthcare providers often do not provide their students
with the knowledge and skills to care for LGBTQ patients. This new law will help to close the gap in
many health disparities facing LGBTQ residents. The law sets a basic standard
for training for any health care professional that is required to receive
continuing education to obtain at least two credits of LGBTQ-related clinical
or cultural competency training.
Ensuring that Washington,
DC residents have access to high-quality healthcare is a top priority for the
Mayor. On her recent tour of Cuba, she
met with Dr. Mariela Castro and visited CENESEX, a teaching and research
institution in the area of human sexuality, best known for advocating for
tolerance of LGBTQ residents, and a leader in education concerning
contraception and AIDS. Mayor Bowser was
impressed by the advanced state of healthcare for LGBTQ residents she found in
Havana, Cuba. “A city is only as strong as the health and well-being of its
residents,” said Mayor Bowser. “No matter your background or economic
status, everyone has the right to quality health care - and it’s encouraging to
see that Cuba has made that a top priority. The District will continue to identify
opportunities – at home and abroad – that lead to expanded medical research,
more affordable preventative care, and proven programs that protect the health
of future generations.”
The LGBT Cultural
Competency Continuing Education Amendment Act is an important step in that
direction. The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ
Affairs would like to thank Members of the DC Council, policy experts and LGBTQ
community leaders who worked together to make this new law a reality. Currently, the law is under Congressional review,
afterwards the Department of Health and each licensing board will develop
regulations to implement the training requirements.
News Clips
 Kudos for Homeless Plan
Mayor Bowser’s administration deserves
praise for presenting a plan to close the homeless shelter at the old D.C. General
Hospital. - See more at: http://www.washingtonblade.com/2016/03/02/kudos-for-homeless-plan/#sthash.MJrgnTGu.dpuf
Bowser meets with Mariela Castro in Cuba
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Monday met
with the daughter of Cuban President Raúl Castro who promotes LGBT-specific
issues. - See more at: http://www.washingtonblade.com/2016/02/22/bowser-meets-with-mariela-castro-in-cuba/#sthash.X7OlGQWm.dpuf
D.C.
Council passes LGBT ‘cultural competency’ bill –
The D.C. City Council voted unanimously
on Tuesday to give final approval of a bill that requires continuing education
programs for licensed healthcare professionals that include LGBT-related
“cultural competency” training. Mayor Muriel Bowser has said she plans to sign
the legislation, the LGBT Cultural Competency Continuing Education Amendment
Act of 2016. The measure then goes to Capitol Hill where it must undergo a 30
legislative day review by Congress before becoming law. - See more at: http://www.washingtonblade.com/2016/02/03/d-c-council-passes-lgbt-cultural-competency-bill/#sthash.ntJNUUDq.dpuf
New
HIV Cases Continue to Decline in D.C.
A preliminary version of the city’s
annual HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report shows that newly reported HIV cases in D.C.
during 2014 declined for the seventh consecutive year. - See more at: http://www.washingtonblade.com/2016/02/03/new-hiv-cases-continue-to-decline-in-d-c/#sthash.MlZE2RD5.dpuf
The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ
Affairs is seeking highly motivated college students and graduates
who are interested in getting hands-on experience in local government,
communications and media advocacy and community
outreach. Interns will learn the basics of local government and
community outreach. The internship will run from the beginning of
March through the end of May 2016.
Please send a cover letter and resume to glbt@dc.gov
African American LGBTQ Task Force
When: March 15, 2016 6:30pm - 7:30pm
The Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender Affairs has formed a partnership with the Mayor’s Office on
African-American Affairs to form a task force dedicated to addressing the needs
and concerns of the District’s African-American LGBT population.
Topic: HIV/AIDS and the
District government’s response to the epidemic
Please RSVP to terrance.laney@dc.gov
Where: 2000 14th St. NW – 2nd Floor Community Room
Transgender Task Force
Where: March 22, 2016 6:30pm - 7:30pm
The Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender Affairs will host a task force meeting dedicated to addressing the
needs and concerns of the District’s transgender residents. Please RSVP to terrance.laney@dc.gov
Topic: Employment Opportunities for Transgender Job
Seekers
2000 14th St. NW – 2nd Floor Community Room
Mayor’s
Office of Talent and Appointments (MOTA)
Mayor’s Office of Talent and
Appointments (MOTA) assists the Mayor by making recommendations for outstanding
community leaders to serve as appointed leadership staff or members to boards
and commissions. The MOTA team recruits
energetic, committed and forward-thinking individuals to committed helping the
District of Columbia make a fresh start.
DC Department of Human Resources
Applications must be submitted
online. You can obtain assistance by visiting the D.C. Department of Human
Resources (DCHR) Customer Care Center located in the South Lobby at 441 4th
Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, or by visiting one of our partner agencies.
Please visit Career Opportunities Site Locations to locate partner agencies and
community based organizations that provide computer and internet access. All
questions and inquiries should be directed to HR Answers at (202) 442-9700.
Department of Employment Services
Project Empowerment is a transitional
employment program that provides job readiness training, work experience, and
job search assistance to District residents who face multiple barriers to
employment. Participants attend an intensive, three-week training course and
upon completion have the opportunity to be placed in subsidized employment for
up to six months. In addition to job readiness training and job search assistance,
Project Empowerment provides supportive services such as adult basic education,
job coaching and occupational skills training. The goal of Project Empowerment
is for participants to secure permanent, unsubsidized employment.
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