Gender Affirming Care Health Summit

Join us in 2025 for UWM first Gender Affirming Care Health Summit! Explore the latest advancements, best practices, and challenges in providing comprehensive healthcare for transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse individuals. This summit brings together leading experts, activists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing inclusive and affirming care for transgender and nonbinary individuals. Explore the latest research, best practices, and policy initiatives shaping the future of gender-affirming healthcare. Together, let’s build a healthier, more equitable world for everyone. Submissions and Registration will open in 2025!

QMED Mentorship Program

The UW QMED Mentorship Program connects LGBTQ2S+ identifying UW Medical Students with sexual and gender minority faculty, staff, and graduate trainees for the purpose of building community with shared intersectional identities and providing mentorship that supports professional development.

LGBTQ+ Pathway

The goal of the LGBTQ Health Pathway is to provide several educational opportunities and experiences to medical students that will better prepare them to provide culturally responsive care for the LGBTQ2S+ population. Learn more about the LGBTQ+ Pathway.

Paths of Pride

Paths of Pride aims to foster meaningful connections between 2SLGBTQ+ Students, Residents, Fellows, and Faculty through weekend retreats in National and State Parks across the WWAMI region. This initiative is built on the recognition of the significance of connecting with nature as a means of healing, fostering community, and positively influencing both individual and collective well-being. Paths of Pride cultivates an environment of inclusivity and support, which enriches mentorship experiences and promotes personal growth. 

Spending time outdoors in nature through activities such as camping, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking… has been shown to significantly benefit mental health. These advantages hold particular significance for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, which disproportionately experiences high rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Through this initiative, we aim to mitigate this disparity by providing a nurturing space for community growth and flourishing that will sustain Students, Residents, and Fellows throughout their 3–7-year journey. 

The natural environment reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation, which can be important for individuals who face unique and compounding stressors related to their identity(ies). The physical exertion triggers endorphin release, enhancing mood and emotional well-being. Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin production, contributing to feelings of happiness. Nature also improves cognitive functioning by providing mental clarity and fostering creativity, and the physical exercise involved in these activities boosts overall fitness which can lead to better sleep patterns.

Shared experiences in nature strengthen social bonds and provide essential emotional support, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Having a core community is critical and affirming for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.  Overcoming outdoor challenges enhances resilience and self-esteem, creating a profound sense of self trust, and accomplishment. Overall, the combination of physical, emotional, and social benefits from wilderness activities leads to improved mental health.