The State of LGBTQ+ Nurses and Healthcare

LGBTQIA+ nurses and patients face unique challenges in today’s healthcare climate. Shifts in leadership, reduced institutional support, and limitations on inclusive education pose risks to equitable care and to the well-being of LGBTQIA+ communities. These pressures underscore the urgent need for evidence, dialogue, and action that strengthen both nursing practice and healthcare systems.

This program will highlight key findings from ANA\California’s LGBTQIA+ Equity in Nursing Assessment™ and the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health’s State of LGBTQ Health™ Survey. Speakers will explore how state and national data align, what these findings mean for advancing health equity, and where opportunities exist to build inclusive practices across care settings.

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the current landscape, the implications for nursing and the broader care team, and strategies to better support LGBTQIA+ patients and colleagues in a time of uncertainty.

This webinar is a Continuing Education (CE) Hours event. (2.0) Hours will be awarded upon completion of ANA\California's CE Evaluation Form.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe findings from ANA\California’s LGBTQIA+ Equity in Nursing Assessment™ and the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health’s State of LGBTQ Health™ Survey, noting alignment between state and national data.

2. Examine the implications of these findings for advancing health equity within nursing and the broader healthcare team.

3. Identify opportunities and considerations to strengthen inclusive practice and support across healthcare settings.

   
   

Speakers from the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health

Scott Bertani MNM, PgMP, Director of Advocacy

Scott Bertani (he/him) has worked in HIV, viral hepatitis, STIs, LGBTQ+ health, and related syndemics for over 25 years, bringing perspectives as both a long-term consumer of HIV services and a front-line care as prevention leader. He serves as Director of Advocacy at HealthHIV and advocacy lead for the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health, where he directs the Pozitively Aging Program and Healthy Aging Hub to support older persons with HIV. His past leadership includes oversight of Ryan White services, a decade as HOPWA Project Sponsor, service on WA State’s LGBTQ Commission HIV Medication Access Workgroup, and advocacy that modernized the state’s AIDS Omnibus and STI statutes. His contributions span hepatitis C elimination planning, HIV home testing demonstration innovations, and multi-state End AIDS strategies, including participation and leadership roles on RWP planning councils and bodies. His work was grounded in community-based and HIV services in Denver during the 1990s.

Ben Hughes MPP Health Policy and Advocacy Analyst

Ben Hughes (he/him) has over five years of experience designing and implementing surveys, training, technical assistance, and initiatives in cultural humility, cultural competency, and health equity. His work has included supporting key projects at both HealthHIV and the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health such as the surveys conducted by the organization’s Research and Evaluation team, as well as the Effi Barry Training Institute, DC Engage, and Pozitively Aging. Ben holds a master’s degree in Public Policy, with a concentration in Advanced Policy Analysis, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, with a concentration in Policy, both from American University.

Sarah Brodt MPH, Associate Director of Research and Evaluation

Sarah Brodt (she/her) is a public health professional specializing in a syndemic approach to research, leading a dynamic team in health services research and evaluation. As Associate Director, she oversees strategic initiatives aimed at driving impactful outcomes at the nexus of healthcare innovation and data-driven insights. With a focus on understanding the complex interactions between health issues within populations, Sarah leads research initiatives aimed at unraveling the interconnectedness of multiple health challenges. Sarah holds a Master's in Public Health from Montclair State University and is a Certified Health Education Specialist, with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology from DeSales University.

Jackson Fuller MS, CHES, Research and Evaluation Associate

Jackson Fuller (he/him) brings over seven years of experience in analytics and public health, with a strong focus on advancing health equity. At HealthHIV, he supports research and evaluation initiatives, using data-driven approaches to strengthen health evaluation systems and develop programs that address disparities in underserved communities. His work informs organizational strategies to improve healthcare engagement and outcomes. A Certified Health Education Specialist, Jackson holds dual B.S. degrees in Biology and Health Education from Howard University, along with an M.S. in Computer Science from Georgia Tech.

Speaker from the ANA\California

Misty Cahoon, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, 2025 ANA\California Advocacy Institute Fellow

Misty Cahoon brings more than 20 years of nursing experience in patient care, quality improvement, leadership, and education. She earned her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Nursing from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master of Nursing from the University of Texas Arlington, and she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing at the University of Ohio.

Certified as a Nurse Professional Development Specialist, she serves as co-coordinator of the Rising Nurse Leaders Program, mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders. She also contributes to equity and inclusion efforts as education officer for UC Davis Medical Center’s Pride Employee Resource Group, as a member of the UC Davis Health Staff Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and on the Vice Chancellor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council. Nationally, she supports the Association for Nursing Professional Development’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Dr. Bri DuBose, PhD, MHI, RN, 2024 ANA\California Advocacy Institute Fellow

Dr. Bri DuBose is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt at Sharp HealthCare and a lecturer in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of San Diego, teaching Health Policy Analysis and Reflective Practice. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Nursing from Arizona State University, followed by a Master in Healthcare Innovation, graduating summa cum laude. She later completed her PhD in Nursing at the University of San Diego and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from the University of California San Diego.

Her dissertation, Suicide Mortality of Emergency Department Patients, reflects her commitment to mental health parity and suicide prevention. Dr. DuBose advocates for equity and closing health disparities through root cause analysis and policy reform, combining research, teaching, and applied systems improvement to strengthen patient care and nursing leadership.