Database for LGBT women - cross posting

[Guest guest]

Hi All, After a series of discussions with others I have decided to create a database of LGBT Friendly lactation experts. Why? Simple really. I know that not everyone in our field is OK with the LGBT community (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender). For me, I don’t care what someone’s personal bias is as we have a right to our own personal opinions and I respect that right (even though I may not agree with one’s personal bias). But same-sex couples who need breastfeeding help (or just an HCP) do care. The LGBT community is often faced with being treated with disrespect by their HCP due to personal bias. I myself have been subjected to this treatment within the past year. It can be very scary for a mom in a same-sex relationship to call for help, fearing judgment and disrespect by someone who does not agree with or approve. I hear it frequently from the same-sex couples I work with and have spoken with around the country and in LGBT groups I am a member of. While I know some may not understand why there may be a need for this database, I do NOT want to start a debate on this subject. Many of you are already work wonderfully with same-sex couples. But many same-sex couples do not know who is safe to talk to. I want them to know who they can trust – who they can go to for support. We in the LGBT community deal with discrimination and disrespect all the time – we do not need it when we have a baby to care for or need help with breastfeeding – an intimate situation that calls for the best and most accepting of caregivers. Knowing who we can go to without the risk of being rejected is a wonderful gift! As an Out Lesbian IBCLC, I get a lot of calls and emails from around the country (and some from other parts of the world) from same-sex couples looking for an LGBT Friendly LC or HCP. It has been an interesting challenge, to say the least, on my part to find them the support and acceptance they need and deserve. So I have decided to create a database with my Wife’s help (she is amazing with databases and Excel spread sheets!) that will allow the LGBT community to find LGBT Friendly Lactation Support in their area. It will take time to put together but when it is done, I hope to be able to make it available to all in some manner. If you are LGBT Friendly, and are interested in being a part of this database to support and assist same-sex couples in their journey of parenting and breastfeeding please send the following information to ibclc@... NameLocation (city, state, zip country)Contact information you can be reached at (phone, email, etc)Website if you have one. If you ARE LGBT please let me know – I’d like to chat! I am only 1 of 2 lesbian LC’s I know of and I am the only one who is Out internationally. J There have to be more of us! J Thank you!Warmly,Jaye Jaye Simpson, CLC, IBCLC, CIIM, MoMBreastfeeding Networkwww.breastfeedingnetwork.net