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Three main things to consider when starting a business

How far would you go to earn extra cash? What if you could start earning $10 per hour working from home? That’s exactly what you can achieve if you take advantage of the new gig economy. How far would you go to earn extra cash? What if you could start earning $10 per hour working from home? That’s exactly what you can achieve if you take advantage of the new gig economy. There are three main things you should consider before starting a business—legal obligations, tax implications, and financial viability. Startups must also create and manage a marketing strategy. This guide covers each topic in detail, giving you valuable insights into the gig economy. Let’s see in the article below the three main things to consider when starting a business.

LEGAL OBLIGATIONS

Starting your own business comes with legal responsibilities that may not be clear until you get started on your venture. One such example is forming an entity for your new casinos online business. An S-Corporation (a form of corporation created under US federal law, with some state variations) will shield shareholders from personal liability for all debts or lawsuits incurred by the company. However, it’s important to note that this is only true for the business itself; employees may still face individual liabilities (such as student loans).

TAX INCOME STATUS

Business income is taxed differently than regular wages or salaries. In general, any amount made above normal expenses and fixed costs (like rent, payroll taxes, utilities, etc.) is subject to taxation. The way earnings are calculated depends on the type of business; an online music store might have different requirements than a freelance writer does. Taxes vary based on where the business is incorporated too– sole proprietorships and partnerships have their own set of rules, while C corps follow the same guidelines as other businesses.

FINANCIAL VIABILITY

It seems like common sense that running a business requires money. But actually, having enough cash coming in without going broke along the way? That’s a whole ‘another story. When you’re just getting off the ground, it helps to plan out how much capital you’ll need upfront, especially if you don’t have access to outside financing. For instance, a website design startup could require between $1,000 and $2,000 to cover design fees, domain name registration, hosting, software, social media services, and more, depending on how many hours you expect to spend. After launch, you’ll want at least a $5,000 per month operating budget. Anything less and you won’t have enough time to devote to growing your audience. So, figure those numbers into your game plan right away.

In conclusion, there are various factors to take into consideration when deciding to start a business, and we’ve provided these tips here to help you make the best decision possible. Don’t forget to play the australian casino games as well.

THE BEST ROMANTIC MOVIES OF 2020

Romantic movies are enjoyed by almost everyone just like australia online casino games. They take us through a journey filled with heartening feelings. On top of that, they give us some hope to love and be loved. If you are one of those people who enjoy watching romantic movies here is a list of some of the best romantic movies of 2020.

The Broken Hearts Gallery

Date of release – 11 September 2020

Starring – Geraldine Viswanathan, Dacre Montgomery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Suki Waterhouse, and Molly Gordon

In this movie, Geraldine plays a girl in her 20s called Lucy. After being dumped sets to create a gallery where people can leave things from their past relationships. She is helped by a cute guy and her best friends to achieve this.

Words on Bathroom Walls

Date of release: 21 August 2020

Starring – Walton Goggins, AnnaSophia Robb, Andy Garcia, Charlie Plummer, and Taylor Russell

This movie features a young boy who has a mental illness. After being diagnosed he transfers to a catholic school from a public school. At this catholic school he meets a girl who is unique in a very way, they connect and have a relationship like no other.

Valley Girl

Date of release – 8 May 2020

Starring – Jessica Rothe, Ashleigh Murray, Josh Whitehouse, Mea Whitman, and Jessie Ennis,

This movie has a 1983 setup and tells a story about a teen from San Fernando Valley finding love on other tracks. It features amazing costumes and makeup did you know you can play gambling360 online casino games while you wearing these amazing costumes.

The Thing about Harry

Date of release – 15 February 2020

Starring: Jake Borelli, Peter Paige, Niko Terho, Japhet Balaban, and Britt Baron

This movie is about two people who meet again and spend the night together in a hotel catching up and wondering if they could be more than just friends.

Then came you

Date of release – 2 October 2020

Starring: Kathie Lee Gifford, Craig Ferguson, Ford Kiernan, Elizabeth Hurley, and Phyllida Law

A currently widowed lady by the name of Annabelle goes on a trip around the world for memories she shared with her husband. However, on her first destination, she meets a handsome man starting a new spark altogether.

10 Top Tips for Throwing The Perfect Garden Party

Now that the sun is here to stay, it’s the perfect time to throw a dream garden party for your nearest and dearest. Bringing your friends over for a summer soiree is something that we can all look forward to, but it still requires some work to set the right tone. With that in mind, here are ten top tips for throwing the perfect garden party this summer.

Prepare the right food

The right food is integral to any successful garden party. Start by thinking about your guest list, and be sure to cater to all tastes and dietary requirements. Make sure you also cover all bases as far as sweet and savory are concerned to guarantee everyone in attendance has something to nibble on.

Think about the weather

The weather is unpredictable at the best of times, so preparing yourself for the worst is important. Keep some umbrellas close to hand and make sure there is enough shelter in the garden for your guests.

Perfect your playlist

There’s no doubt that music can make or break a party, so putting together the right playlist can seem a little daunting. The best thing to do is to figure out what vibe you’re going for in advance before compiling a playlist for the party. You should also add a couple of backup options so you can spice things up if people aren’t sold on your initial suggestions.

Add some comfy seating

Having somewhere in the garden where your guests can put their feet up and sink into a comfy sofa makes a world of difference. Add cushions to your outdoor furniture and provide the perfect space for your guests to chill out around the fire.

Show off your summer style

You hardly need an excuse to dress up for your own garden party. A floating floral dress is a perfect way to rock those summer vibes, and you can round things off with matching shoes and accessories to nail a dream summer outfit that will help you feel relaxed as you host your friends and family.

Let there be light

Lighting makes a huge difference to the atmosphere at any event, and your summer garden party is no exception. Whether you opt for some quaint fairy lights or some colorful party lights, make sure you plan ahead and choose the perfect lighting for the occasion.

Keep the cocktails coming

The best way to round off any garden party setup is to launch your very own cocktail bar. Whether you hire a barman to really impress your friends or practice your own cocktail skills beforehand, a tiki bar setup will make your summer soiree even more memorable.

Play some games

Whether the kids are around or if your garden party is an adults-only affair, playing some games throughout the day will crank things up a notch. Jenga is a great party game, and you can’t go wrong with a pack of cards, particularly where drinking is involved!

Embrace different colors

Summer is all about vibrant colors and fresh blooms. So, to complement the stunning natural world around you, add a splash of color to your garden with the right decor, and your garden will look spectacular as you host your friends this summer.

Enjoy it!

Some people get overly stressed when throwing a garden party, but it’s important to remember to enjoy yourself. After all, what’s the point in going to all of this hassle if you’re not able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of your loved ones?

 

3 Things To Teach Your Kids About Keeping Your Home Swimming Pool Clean

If you have a swimming pool at home and little kids who love to swim, you might have noticed that your pool tends to get dirtier when they swim in it than when other people swim in it. Because kids seem to just naturally attract dirt, grime, and stickiness, it’s important that you take steps to keep this at bay in order to keep from having to hire out swimming pool services more often than you otherwise would have to.

To show you how this can be done, here are three things to teach your kids about keeping your home swimming pool clean.

Clean Around The Pool Before Opening It

When your kids are ready to jump in the pool, the cover will first need to be taken off. But before they proceed with this, consider making it a rule to ensure that the area around the pool is cleaned first.

As the cover comes off of the pool, if there is dirt or leaves or other debris right around the pool, it can easily get blown into the pool by the wind or brought into the pool with your kids when they jump in. But by taking a few minutes to sweep away any debris from around the pool before taking the cover off, a lot of these items can be kept out of the pool completely.

Add Pool Cleaning To Your Kids’ Chores

If your kids are going to be spending time in your family pool, they should also have some of the responsibility of keeping it clean.

For families that already have chores that their kids are responsible for, consider adding some pool cleaning chores to their list over the summer. These pool-related chores can include things like making sure all pool toys are out of the pool at the end of the day, skimming off any leaves that may have fallen in before they jump into the pool, and cleaning the tiles or running the pool vacuum each week to help keep pool maintenance within healthy bounds.

Always Cover The Pool When It’s Not Being Used

Another rule that you should give your kids about using your family pool is that the cover should be put on the pool whenever the pool isn’t being used.

This rule is wise for two reasons. The first is that the pool will remain cleaner if it’s covered more often. This will make it more enjoyable to swim in due to both cleanliness and a more consistent temperature. And secondly, children and pets will be less likely to venture toward the pool when the cover is on. This will help to keep everyone in your home and neighborhood safe from water hazards.

If you want your kids to take some responsibility for the care and maintenance of your home swimming pool, consider using the tips mentioned above to help this be done.

 

How to Trade Bull Flag and Bear Flag Pattern on Financial Markets

Using technical analysis while trading in financial markets is crucial for your strategy. In this article we show you ins and out of bear and bull flag patterns and how to use them in trading.

A strong continuation pattern that represents a brief pause in an uptrend. The formation resembles a flag on a pole where the pole forms following a sharp rise in the asset price. The flag can be a horizontal rectangle or a descending channel that represents a consolidation in price and a reduction in volume. When volume begins to rise, traders can expect a sharp price breakout resembling the length of the previous mast.

The psychology behind the formation of the Bull Flag is that after a strong rally, the bears step in to try to drive the price down, but are squeezed out of position by the bulls. The price then rises rapidly and the upward trend continues.

A bear flag pattern is the same formation just reversed and is a powerful signal for a continuation of a downtrend.

How to Trade the Bull Flag

Mark the low and high of the uptrend (mast) and identify the upper and lower boundaries of the consolidation channel (flag).

If the price retracement is above 50% of the mast, then the formation may not be a flag.

Keep an eye on the volume. If volume is rising rapidly, enter a long position either at the bottom of the flag or at the top of the flag in anticipation of a breakout.

The break must be similar to the length of the previous mast.

Bullish pennants are continuation patterns very similar to bullish flags. The difference being that the consolidation period looks like a pennant or triangle at the end of the mast, not a rectangular channel (Bull Flag).

A bearish pennant is the same formation just reversed and is a powerful signal for a continuation of a downtrend.

How to trade the bullish flag

You can trade bullish and bearish pennants in the same way as flag patterns. Conservative traders should wait for confirmation of the direction of the breakout first, as it could go either way.

Falling wedge

The falling wedge is a bullish chart pattern formed by two converging downward sloping trend lines. The two trend lines slant at different angles giving the appearance of a wedge. Bears begin to lose momentum as bulls step in to slow the pace of price decline. The formation occurs during a downtrend and is usually a strong indication of an uptrend reversal.

The opposite of the Falling Wedge is a Rising Wedge which is typically seen in downtrends.

How to trade the falling wedge

Identify the downtrend by marking the lower highs and lower lows with trend lines.

Keep an eye on the volume. If volume is rising rapidly, enter a long position in anticipation of a breakout or wait for confirmation of the breakout.

Place your stop loss and profit targets based on previous resistance levels or based on your own risk/reward ratio.

Unfortunately, there is no trading crystal ball or foolproof way to predict the market 100% of the time. Fortunately, as traders, our job is not to be right all the time. We just have to be right more often than not and not lose more than we win. We do this by using technical analysis to read charts and strict trade management.

The market reflects human nature. We are creatures of habit so the market is a creature of repetition. Learning to spot these repeating patterns can help traders understand market sentiment and see potential breakouts.

 

Best Social Games to Play Online

Socialization is a vital part of life. It is only through interactions that we gradually become able to see ourselves through the eyes of others and discover how to navigate the world properly. It is how culture gets learned, and it represents an engrained emotional need that all people share. By definition, socialization is the process with which people establish a profound relationship with one another and grasp how to conform to rules that benefit everyone living in the same community. Today, the latter applies to the planet as a whole.

Thankfully, technology has made interconnecting with one another more accessible than ever. Nowadays, people do not even have to leave their homes to have meaningful conversations with those they hold dear or total strangers. They can also partake in fun activities with others from the palm of their hands. That is so thanks to the miracle of the internet and smartphones. Many have opted for such entertainment in the past two years, and below, we rattle off five quality picks that anyone looking to bond with friends while enjoying a good time should try.

Words with Friends 2

Developed by Newtoy, Words with Friends is a multiplayer word game that takes its inspiration from Scrabble. Its initial version hit Google Play in 2009, but it was a cross-platform product also available on Facebook for Windows phones, Kindle Fire, and Nook Tablets. Its rules more or less mimicked those of two-player Scrabble with a few nuanced differences, such as the point distribution system used and the arrangement of premium squares. It quickly became the most popular mobile game in the US. In September 2017, the sequel, simply titled Words with Friends 2, came out, and it represented a dramatic improvement compared to its predecessor. It lets players engage in lightning duels and participate in solo challenges.

Online Bingo

Bingo is a globally popular gambling option that people enjoy in vast halls with dozens of other players. The goal of bingo is for gamblers to form various patterns on printed cards from balls drawn by a machine. In the UK, 90-ball bingo is the standard, while the 75-ball version is the norm in the US. Online, for-fun app variations can get found on Google Play and the Apple Store. But online bingo can also get played in top paying casinos on the internet. The fun-credit versions feature video chat options, while the real money ones have text-based communication. Both supply a decent amount of social fun for those willing to interact.

Exploding Kittens

Exploding Kittens was a Kickstarter project that drew global interest and morphed into a worldwide phenomenon. It is a strategic card game where the aim is to avoid, at all costs, getting blown up by exploding kittens. Each round starts with players drawing cards from a deck facing down. When someone picks an exploding kitten, that person must exit the session unless they have a defuse card. Two to five people can play this game simultaneously, and physical versions are available at stores like Target. Online, Google Play and the Apple store host its digital iteration, where in-app purchases can run users up to $1.99. Think of this game as a kitty-powered version of Russian Roulette.

Clue: The Classic Mystery Game

Also known as Cluedo, Clue is a murder mystery game devised by Anthony E. Pratt, a British board game designer, in 1943. The original version could be played with three to six players, and the rights for this legendary product are now in the hands of the toy company Hasbro. Now, a variation of Clue is on Google Play, the Apple Store, and Steam, thanks to Marmalade Game Studio. Hence, it is an option for mobile and desktop gamers alike. It allows for worldwide multiplayer detective action or local fun via private rooms where players can invite friends and family members. There are ten themes in this game, and users who do not wish to look at ads can choose to spring for a premium version. It offers hassle-free investigations.

Mario Kart Tour

Owners of the original Super Nintendo Entertainment System likely remember playing the first entry in the Mario Kart Series. The same holds for PlayStation One gamers. However, the franchise is not exclusive to old-school video game fanatics only. Its latest release – Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit for the Switch console, sold over 164 million copies, becoming a massive hit in most markets. Well, lovers of Mario racing action can enjoy a smartphone version of this series released by its native developer, the Nintendo Company. It allows players to race against up to six friends in multiplayer sessions that can feature customizable rules that include karts speeds and the number of item slots.

 

Things You Should Know Before Travelling To Iran

Make sure you don’t believe everything you read or hear about Iran in the media. In a country steeped in old heritage, there is a startling tinge of contemporary flare to discover.

Iran has numerous surprises in store for tourists, such as the climate, which may vary widely depending on the region and time of year, shattering the long-held idea that Iran is nothing more than a large, hot desert. Iran also has a rich cultural heritage, which is worth exploring. While it’s good to be surprised when traveling, it’s also necessary to be as prepared as possible to avoid unpleasant shocks.

Iran may provide a unique travel experience despite its negative reputation, particularly for ancient history and archeology. There is a warm and eagerness to share their land and traditions with guests, those that travel there are bound to come away with a bit more knowledge and understanding of their own country and past.

The Iranian Tourist Visa Application Process is Difficult.

Allow yourself plenty of time and submit your visa application as soon as possible.

If you’re an independent traveler from the United Kingdom, Canada, or the United States, you’ll have to join a guided tour, which is terrible. It is the responsibility of your tour organization to arrange visas for you.

Iran has a permissive approach to the concept of dual nationality. They do not accept dual citizenship formally; however, they acknowledge dual nationals of Iran who are also Iranian citizens.

Take Care Not to Send the Wrong Message

Do not use the ‘thumbs up’ hand signal when communicating with someone who speaks a different language and wants to convey ‘good’ or ‘okay.’ In Iran, this gesture is identical to the rude finger, which is referred to as “up yours.”

Dress Modestly While in Iran

Women should always be prepared by having a simple colored scarf or two on hand to keep their hair covered at all times. Bring a long-sleeved, mid-length jacket to keep your modesty intact when out in public.

Embrace the Iranian Hospitality

In Iran, you will most likely encounter someone on the street whose sole desire is to show you around their nation who will frequently insist on paying for everything and asking you to their home in exchange for nothing. Be open to these encounters since the Iranian people are nothing like what you expect based on what you hear in the news!

Alcohol Is Illegal

It would better help if you kept in mind that importing alcohol into Iran is highly prohibited. As a result, tourists will not take advantage of their duty-free alcohol quota while visiting Iran. Make sure any chocolates you send from overseas, which are usually loved, do not include any alcoholic beverages before you deliver them.

Weekend Is Friday

The weekend in Iran is on Friday because it is the Islamic Republic following Islamic norms and calendar. Certain offices are open until Thursday evening or even until midday on Friday. Likewise, in every country, they have weekends where physical shops will not be operating; this gives the online business advantage, such as online casinos like NetBet.

Iran Has a Strict Dress Code

Women must wear loose-fitting shirts that cover their arms and come down to their mid-thigh or knees. Trousers are an absolute must. A headscarf must be worn over your hair, but your face is permitted to be shown completely unveiled.

Take Away

You are planning to travel to Iran. Consider the facts mentioned above about Iran and do more research; this will prevent you from falling into any problem.

4 Myths About Retirement

Some people just assume that retirement is the same for everyone—you move into an assisted living facility, you join a bowling league, and you start getting passionate about Bingo. While this may be true for some people, retirement doesn’t look the same for everyone. In fact, there are many myths about retirement that you might not even realize. Take a look at some of the most common misconceptions about retirement, that after knowing, may change the way you see things.

You Need to Have a Specific Number of Dollars Saved

It goes without saying that retirement doesn’t look the same for everyone. Therefore, the cost of retirement for one person may look completely different from another one. Many people believe that you have to have one specific amount of money put away, or your retirement is a failure. However, the truth is that the amount of money you should save will be a direct reflection of your overall lifestyle.

If you’re someone who lives quite a simple life and doesn’t need much, then obviously you’re going to need less than the person who prefers a more luxurious lifestyle. The same goes for people who live in different parts of the world. Someone who retires in India won’t have the same living expenses as someone who retires in New York. There are many different factors that go into how much you should save for retirement.

You’ll Sleep More

Many people assume that older people require more sleep, and as such, they’ll spend more time sleeping. Yet, contrary to popular belief, older adults find themselves sleeping less in many cases. As you age it gets harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. So before you assume that you’ll be spending your retirement sleeping in every day, you might be surprised to find that you’re waking up earlier than you ever did during your working years.

You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Don’t assume that once you’re stuck in your ways there’s no getting out of them. Getting older doesn’t have to be about settling into your habits for the rest of your life. For many people, retirement can be a rebirth of sorts, and an opportunity to learn new things, try out new mentalities and lifestyles, and challenge yourself more than you ever did before. Many retired people find that retirement is the perfect time to try out new things, and purge old ways of living that are no longer serving them. In other words, old dogs really can learn new tricks!

Your Memory Will Disappear

While your chances of dementia can increase as you get older, it’s not automatically sure that you’ll forget everything. Many older adults keep their memories sharp by practicing brain exercises, and visiting the doctor regularly to address any issues they feel are becoming a problem.

Remember, aging looks different for everybody. Your retirement will be your own unique experience, and no one can tell you otherwise. The best you can do is plan ahead, and practice healthy habits and you’ll increase your chances of a fantastic retirement!

 

10 Things to Do in Lisbon For a Day

Lisbon is an incredible place with so much to do. So, how do you even begin to choose what to do? Because it is so rich in history and culture, many of your activities should revolve around immersing yourself in it.

Read on to discover ten things you can do in Lisbon for a day.

1. Enjoy the Rossio Square

Among one of the staples of Lisbon is the Rossio Square. Here is where many locals pass by on their way to work, play games in the park, or run to on their daily exercise. Whatever the reason may be, the ancient cobblestone of this square is often filled with life and local culture. It is the perfect place for visitors to come, take a load off, and watch as Lisbon goes about its daily business.

2. Take a Ride on Tram 28

Lisbon is riddled with trams lines that many use as their primary means of transportation every day. Among these trams is the infamous tram 28, which takes passengers from Graca to Estrela Basilica. Being one of the main trams of the Alfama District, you can find tourists and locals alike sharing this cute rattling tram.

3. Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium

One of the largest aquariums in all of Europe resides directly off the shore of Lisbon on the Tagus Estuary. Home to more than 450 different species of aquatic life, this oceanarium has become quite a tourist attraction. It is divided up into four separate tanks, each representing four different types of oceanic ecosystems. With so much to do and see, it would be easy to spend several hours enjoying this preview of what the ocean has to offer.

4. Take In the Night Life at Bairro Alto

During the day, this quaint part of town is a peaceful place with restaurants and bakeries. However, as soon as the sun goes down, the environment completely shifts. Known as the hot spot for nightlife, Bairro Alto is the place to go for drinks, live music, dancing, and any other nightlife activities you could hope for.

5. Visit the Belem Tower

The Belem Tower, or Torre de Belem, is a gorgeous tower that has been perched elegantly on the face of the Tagus River since the 1500s. From watchtower to prison, this tower has taken on many roles over the years. Now it stands as a place that anyone can visit and marvel at the rich history that preceded them.

6. Wander the Streets of the Alfama District

Lisbon is a beautiful town, and perhaps the most beautiful part about it is the Alfama District. Getting its fame for narrow winding roads and alleys that make it almost impossible to navigate alone. It has become a joy to visitors and locals alike to wander through this district looking at gorgeous architecture, going to local fado pubs, and enjoying the fresh Portuguese air.

7. Climb to the Castle of Saint George

Perched atop the beloved Alfama District is the gorgeous Castle of St George. This castle can be seen from nearly anywhere in the city and is a great place to spend your time. To get there, you can either climb the steep hills of the Alfama district or take one of the local trams. If you have been shopping and do not want to carry your bags on your trek, that is no problem. Simply drop them off at one of the facilities for luggage storage in Lisbon, and begin your journey up to the castle.

8. Marvel at the Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Lisbon is full of history and culture, so it is crucial to make a point to learn about it and see it with your own eyes. The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is one of the primary landmarks to help you with this. It was built as a memorial to the Portuguese men who played critical roles in its history.

9. Walk the Gardens at the Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira

The Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira is known all over Portugal for its incredible architecture and lush gardens. A walk around this beautiful facility will grace you with fresh smelling air, gorgeous architecture, and a sense of true immersion into what it was like back in historic Lisbon.

10. Enjoy the Beaches of Costa da Caparica

Lisbon is no stranger to gorgeous European beaches, including those on the lovely resort Costa da Caparica. Here you can lay out, go for a swim, or simply take a walk down the breathtaking coastline.

The Takeaway

Lisbon is rich in history, great tourist attractions, and local hidden gems. While you are there, be sure to pay attention to the details. It’s crucial to eat the local food, talk to a few people who live there, and just experience the culture as a whole. Doing that on top of visiting any of these 10 locations, your time in Portugal can be fun, educational, and filled with great memories.

Does the LGBTQIA Community Have Equal Access to Health Care?

Like any marginalized group of people, the LGBTQIA community has its fair share of struggles when it comes to matters like equal rights, access to health services, job opportunities, and having a voice in issues that impact them more than others. The acronym “LGBTQIA” stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual. And there’s often a “plus” symbol added to include other gender identities, such as nonbinary or gender nonconforming. Unfortunately, the reality is that society has a long way to go when it comes to creating inclusive laws, equal opportunities, and ensuring that the health care needs of people in the LGBTQIA community are met. For a closer look at health care and the issues currently facing LGBTQIA individuals, read on.

Does the LGBTQIA community have equal access to care?

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The LGBTQIA community has been coming out proud for years. And for the past few decades, the community has grown increasingly more vocal about facing discrimination and legal inequalities. While many people would like to think that recent legislation and new legal rights mean the same treatment for people both in and out of the LGBTQ community, the truth is that there’s still a long way to go when it comes to securing equal rights for this marginalized group.

Change can begin with knowing the facts. While it’s helpful to be a supportive ally, it’s even more important to understand the current issues this community faces. Too often, heterosexual cisgender people make the mistake of assuming that because they, personally, don’t have any issue with other people’s LGBTQIA identities that society and its systems don’t either. Sadly, this isn’t the truth. The reality is that people in this community have trouble accessing some of the most basic levels of health services.

For example, an LGBTQIA person could be struggling with their identity and seek the help of a licensed professional about coming out. A licensed therapist will likely have the training to help, but a general practitioner may not understand the daily stigma that queer people of color or asexual people feel in the workplace. While general practitioners might sign off on surgeries or hormone treatments or arrange for a family therapy session, their personal biases could inevitably impact treatment. While access to care could appear the same, in this case, equal access to helpful care is compromised until all qualified professionals are on board.

How are advocates working for change?

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Because the general public has a long way to go when it comes to understanding inclusivity, gender norms, perceptions, and LGBTQIA people’s needs, more and more students are seeking degrees like a

bachelor of public health to help spread awareness and advocate for change. By informing the public and talking about inequality when it comes to health services, communities can work toward better legislation and even more inclusive reform.

What health care issues are specific to the community?

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Health issues for the LGBTQ community extend well past coming out. For many, the ability to afford hormones or seek mental health treatment to deal with depression, or bullying isn’t accessible. This group is at higher risk of self-harm due to inequity within the care system, especially when it comes to the needs of the LGBTQ population. Thankfully, there are now resources like With Therapy that make services more accessible.

Being an ally can be key to helping individuals navigate the difficult circumstances they face every day. On top of supporting the LGBT community to advocate for equal rights, another great way to get involved is to do your own learning and listen to the community’s needs. Being welcoming to new ideas, showing interest in public health, and getting involved are all great ways to stand up for change and help improve the accessibility of health services for all.