Public Health is a "Drag": Innovating LGBTQ+ Public Health Initiatives

During this session, participants will explore the idea of drag queens as public health ambassadors, challenge the way we think about LGBTQ+ programming, and encourage us to think outside the box by not overlooking the impact of Queer culture.

Ideal For: Public Health Professionals & LGBTQ+ Groups Looking to Partner with Public Health Entities

Eliminating health disparities and improving health among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) individuals is imperative to achieving health equity. This 1-hour session aims to educate public health professionals on what they can do differently in their work to reach and promote the health of LGBTQ+ individuals and connect LGBTQ+ groups with public health entities to kickstart more conversations and encourage future collaboration.

What to Expect

This 1-hour session will cover several topics related to LGBTQ+ health including: current trends in public health, health disparities, barriers and solutions and the impact of drag-based models for public health outreach, education and engagement. During this session, participants will also learn more about how to apply evidence-based, community-health principles to LGBTQ+ public health initiatives in an effort to make programming more innovative, inclusive and accessible for Queer populations and develop action plans within a collaborative environment to begin implementing revolutionary LGBTQ+ public health programming and outreach in their local community.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas with one another in a facilitated discussion following the presentation.

Interested in Attending a Future ETL Session?

Please visit this webpage to see future dates in this series and sign up to be notified when registration goes live.

We strive to host inclusive and accessible events that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities to engage fully. Please let us know of any accommodations that will assist your full participation.

By the end of this presentation and discussion, the audience will be able to:

1. Describe current trends in public health, including health disparities, related to the LGBTQIA+ community.
2. Discuss barriers and solutions for Queer communities accessing mental health programming. 
3. Discuss the impact of drag-based modules for public health outreach, education, and engagement.
4. Apply evidence-based, community-health principles to LGBTQIA+ public health initiatives. 
5. Brainstorm and develop action plans within a collaborative environment to begin implementing revolutionary LGBTQIA+ public health programming and outreach in your local community.

Dr. Zackarina Jenny-hoe (not a doctor) is a Denver, CO based drag queen who sits right at the intersection of campy, Gen Z fun and public health activism. Through the art of drag, her goal is to spread messages around public health, Queer social justice and personal well being for LGBTQ+ communities around the globe using mixed methods including social media, drag shows, philanthropy events, academic conferences, research, film/television and more. From hosting traditional drag events and fun shows to running community-based health fairs, PrEP and HIV education sessions and speaking at national public health conferences, the ‘Doc’ can do it all! She fights for the LGBTQ+ community's health and wellbeing from local levels all the way through state and federal legislation. She holds a master’s degree in biomedical sciences and is a national board certified health and wellness coach. Zackarina continues her work out of drag as a harm reductionist leading innovative programming, outreach and education in addition to coordinating and instructing Colorado’s only LGBTQ+ specific Adult Mental Health First Aid course series. If you come to one of Dr. Zackarina's events or follow her on social media (@dr.zackarina), not only are you going to learn, grow and have fun, but you're also supporting on-the-ground public health activism to make a better future for our LGBTQ+ community. 

Dr. Zackarina is excited to facilitate a conversation around mobilizing the Queer community through the art of drag when it comes to various public health issues!