Improving Queer-Affirming Healthcare in South Dakota: Inclusive Care Collaborative Launches Transformative Study
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Inclusive Care Collaborative, a queer-led research project supported by the Bush Foundation, is set to transform queer-affirming healthcare in South Dakota. This three-year, two-phase project is spearheaded by The Transformation Project, with a mission to improve both access to and the quality of healthcare for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals across the state. Through comprehensive data collection and targeted educational campaigns, the Collaborative aims to significantly increase the number of queer-affirming
Addressing Healthcare Barriers for Queer Individuals in South Dakota
Access to safe, respectful healthcare can be a challenge for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The Inclusive Care Collaborative seeks to bridge these gaps by identifying barriers, gathering real-world data, and developing strategies to help healthcare systems better serve queer communities.healthcare providers and raise awareness around the need for inclusive care for the queer community in South Dakota.
“This project is incredibly important because it’s a way for us to show that queer people exist in this state and that South Dakota is our home too,” says Cody Ingle, Senior Research & Evaluation Specialist at Lost&Found and principal investigator of the Inclusive Care Collaborative. “We (queer people) deserve to feel safe and receive affirming care. By gathering data, we’re (the research team) hoping to highlight where gaps exist and ultimately help providers develop resources to better serve queer people.”
Inclusive Care Collaborative: A Two-Phase Approach to Queer Health Equity
The project will roll out in two phases:
The Research Phase
The Collaborative will conduct five surveys targeting distinct groups: queer adults, queer youth, caregivers of queer youth, healthcare providers, and mental health providers. This comprehensive approach allows the Collaborative to gain insights into the unique health and mental health needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It also aims to identify gaps in services and reveal opportunities to provide a more holistic approach to queer-affirming healthcare across South Dakota.The Education Phase
With the research findings, the Collaborative will launch two educational campaigns. The first campaign will focus on raising public awareness about the health disparities faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The second will provide direct education to healthcare and mental health providers, equipping them with best practices for gender-affirming care. These efforts will ensure providers have the resources they need to offer respectful, affirming services to queer individuals across the state.
The Importance of Queer-Led Research in South Dakota
For South Dakota, a state where being openly queer can pose challenges, particularly in rural areas, the Inclusive Care Collaborative represents a meaningful step forward. Danny Richardson, a mental health therapist in South Dakota, highlighted the importance of affirming care: “This initiative goes beyond simply collecting data; it’s about capturing the authentic experiences of queer individuals in our communities. As a mental health provider, I’ve witnessed the positive impact of affirming care—and the gaps when it isn’t available. The Inclusive Care Collaborative is an opportunity to bridge those gaps, helping to create healthcare environments where queer people in South Dakota feel valued, understood, and safe.”
By actively including 2SLGBTQ+ voices in the research and education process, the Collaborative is paving the way for lasting improvements in the quality of care.
“We have to meet people where they are,” says Jack Fonder, Community Health Worker and Community Outreach Manager for The Transformation Project. “This project is about ensuring that every queer person who steps into a healthcare setting can feel safe, respected, and cared for without having to educate their providers or defend their identity.”
How to Support the Inclusive Care Collaborative
The Inclusive Care Collaborative is calling on healthcare professionals, queer individuals, caregivers, and community allies to participate in its surveys and support the study’s goals. By building connections across South Dakota’s communities, the Collaborative aims to create a bridge between healthcare providers and the2SLGBTQ+ community, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can receive the care they need.
About the Inclusive Care Collaborative
The Inclusive Care Collaborative is a queer-led initiative dedicated to advancing health equity for queer individuals in South Dakota. Through comprehensive research and targeted educational resources, the Collaborative strives to improve healthcare access, create affirming care environments, and foster understanding within healthcare systems. This project is funded by the Bush Foundation and led by The Transformation Project.
For more information, please visit our website or contact us.
Jack Fonder
The Transformation Project
(605) 534-4046
jack@transformationprojectsd.org
Cody Ingle
Lost & Found
(765) 412-3547
cingle@resilienttoday.org
