# @upmchealthbeat on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CfTzzmCMeer
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20935397-upmchealthbeat-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/e73baa2b64.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-06-27T12:56:57.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UPMC (@upmchealthbeat) — https://gondola.cc/upmchealthbeat

## Caption

During #PrideMonth, UPMC is highlighting outstanding employees who work in LGBTQIA+  health.

Alicyn Simpson (she/her) is the community navigator for the Gender and Sexual Development Program at childrenspgh. She is an expert on #genderdiversity and gender-affirming care and strives to improve the access to care and quality of care for UPMC’s #genderdiverse patients.

Alicyn came out at 20 years old, and she became a leader in Pittsburgh’s #LGBTQIA+  community when she moved here in 2012.

Her experiences as a 30-year member of the LGBTQIA+ community and in advocacy help her in her current role, striving for equal care for gender-diverse  people.
Transgender and gender-diverse patients often face stigma and discrimination, she says. Access to gender-affirming care, insurance coverage, and culturally competent providers are among the greatest concerns.

“Providing equitable care requires systemic change and greater education of providers and staff,” Alicyn says. “Both initiatives are well underway at UPMC.”

She says champions and advocates are working hard to provide LGBTQIA+ what they seek in health care: equal access to quality health care, while providing those patients dignity and respect.

“Mistakes will be made, and we still have a long way to go, but we believe in science, we believe in equity, and we will do everything in our power to affirm and support you, and when necessary, make things right,” she says. “Expect to be treated well and hold us accountable when we fall short. Your identity is real and valued, and you deserve our best.”

## Stats

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- **Likes:** 19
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- **Comments:** 2

## Tags

pridemonth, lgbtqia, genderdiverse, genderdiversity

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