Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) is founded in Boston in response to a police sting operation targeting gay men.
GLAD has played a crucial role statewide in fighting discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. This organization, along with others like Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign, has been instrumental in advocating for legal and social changes that directly impact the health of the LGBTQ+ community.
Discrimination and stigma are not just social issues; they have profound implications for individual health. Studies show that experiences of discrimination can lead to long-term stress, which in turn exacerbates health problems like heart disease and mental health disorders. By working to eliminate discrimination, GLAD and similar organizations help in reducing these health disparities, ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals receive equal treatment in healthcare settings and are not denied necessary services based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
