At the start of each week we share a quick “best of” from the week that was with our Inner Circle members. What’s trending in the Femtech Insider community and beyond? We’ve got you covered! In this week's brief we talk about...
- Spotlight: LGBTQIA+ Health
- Startup Spotlight: Mina Health & Menopeer
- And more!
Everyone has a right to good health and healthcare regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. While for most of us, there’s a presumption that medical care will be delivered in a non-judgmental and safe way, for many members of the LGBTQIA+ community, this is not the case.
Currently there is a lack of consideration in public health efforts of the perspectives and needs of LGBTQIA+ people, which needs to change in order to eliminate health disparities. In addition to considering the needs of LGBTQIA+, there is also a need for culturally competent care and prevention services that are specific to this population.
Transgender and non-binary people often face barriers to healthcare from scarcity of facilities, to insurance company denials to outright discrimination.
👉 Challenges
In a recent survey by the Center of American Progress 14% of LGBTQIA+ people report that they have had a doctor show visible discomfort due to their identity, 8% have experienced harsh language; 7% unwanted physical contact. 25% report having postponed or avoided treatment after facing discrimination.
According to the survey:
- Due to cost, many LGBTQIA+ Americans have found it hard to get necessary medical care in the past year
- Many LGBTQIA+ Americans did not pursue medical treatment due to discrimination
- Transgender individuals face unique obstacles when accessing healthcare
- LGBTQIA+ Americans have experienced significant mental health issues related to COVID-19
In order to address the challenges faced by this population new models are needed, that address the needs and preferences of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
👉 Some Opportunities
- Affirming Virtual Care
- Affirming Mental Health Services
- Services for Transgender Youth
- Prosthetics
- Family Creation Services
👉 Innovators
Last week we covered the covered FOLX recent $30M round, but the company is not the only one working on innovation in this space. 👇
Folx Health is a digital-native health platform designed specifically for the Queer Community.
Plume provides online access to HRT for the trans-community at the touch of a button from the comfort and safety of home.
Included Health is a comprehensive health platform partnering with employers to connect LGBTQ+ members to culturally competent, quality providers who understand the unique needs of the community.
LVNDR is giving LGBTQ+ people equal access to healthcare
Luvie connects the LGBTQIA community to vetted sexual wellness professionals, support and car
Queerly Health helps its users to connect with LGBTQ+ friendly health and wellness practitioners on their own time, from anywhere.
Lighthouse helps its users to find the right LGBTQ friendly healthcare and wellness providers for them.
Startup Spotlight
Wanna know which startups get us excited these days? Below are a few of our recent (femtech-healthtech-ish) discoveries. 👀
Mina Health offers at-home menopause hormone testing kits that give women insights into menopause timing, duration and phase.
Menopeer is a new menopause platform targeting the Japanese market. The company pans to simplify HRT access, but also wants to offer general consultations and mental health services.
