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The Fenway Institute Study Finds Dramatically Worsening Mental Health and Health Disparities Among Transgender and Gender -Diverse Adults in the US

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Surge in anti-transgender legislation and public policies restricting access to gender-affirming care over the past decade has likely contributed to significant and growing health disparities

BOSTON, June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — A Research Letter published online today in JAMA Internal Medicine highlights significant and growing health disparities between transgender and gender -diverse (TGD) adults and their cisgender peers across the United States. Findings from “Health Status and Mental Health of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adults” suggest that the surge in anti-transgender legislation and public policies restricting access to gender-affirming care over the past decade has likely contributed to these disparities. The letter was authored by researchers from The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health.

Our study reveals a burgeoning mental health crisis among transgender and gender-diverse people, with more than half reporting a diagnosis of depressive disorders.

“Our study reveals a burgeoning mental health crisis among transgender and gender-diverse people, with more than half reporting a diagnosis of depressive disorders,” said Michael Liu, MPhil, lead author of the study. “There is an urgent need for the health care sector to adhere to established, evidence-based standards of care and advocate for policies that protect the health and fundamental rights of these vulnerable populations.”

“Health Status and Mental Health of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adults” analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System between 2014 and 2022. Researchers utilized statistical models to calculate and compare representative state-level trends in health outcomes between TGD and non-TGD adults. Despite some limitations, such as potential recall and response biases and variation in data collection across states, findings from this study provide important insight into the unprecedented health challenges faced by TGD adults.

Key findings include:

Poor or Fair Health Status: The prevalence of poor or fair health status among TGD adults increased from 26.6% in 2014 to 35.1% in 2022. In contrast, this metric slightly decreased among cisgender adults during the same period.

Frequent Mental Distress: The percentage of TGD adults experiencing frequent mental distress (defined as 14 or more poor mental health days in the past month) rose dramatically from 18.8% to 38.9%. For cisgender adults, the increase was more modest, from 11.2% to 15.5%.

Depression: The prevalence of depression among TGD adults more than doubled, from 19.7% in 2014 to 51.3% in 2022. Among cisgender adults, the increase was significantly smaller from 18.6% to 21.1%.

“It is deeply concerning that mental health disparities among TGD adults have worsened over the last decade, despite our increasing understanding of the harm caused by multi-level stigma and discrimination,” said study senior author Dr. Alex S. Keuroghlian, who directs the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center at The Fenway Institute and the Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Gender Identity Program. “The damage from these new laws that restrict access to life-saving care as well as the toxic rhetoric promulgated by these legislative campaigns is incalculable. It is imperative that clinicians understand established, evidence-based standards of care, and that they follow them when caring for TGD people.”

Findings from “Health Status and Mental Health of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adults” build upon those of other recent work published by the same authors examining the impact of public policies on the health and well-being of TGD people.

A Perspective published by the New England Journal of Medicine provided guidance on how the health care sector can improve the health of sexual and gender minorities amid the recently enacted and proposed legislation that restrict the rights and protections of these populations. “Achieving the Triple Aim for Sexual and Gender Minorities” was published on July 23, 2022 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

A Viewpoint published in JAMA Pediatrics found that the numerous bills filed in 2021 and 2022 seeking to block access to gender-affirming care for TGD adolescents have far-reaching repercussions for clinicians who provide gender-affirming care and for the broader medical community. “Clinician-Level Implications of Bans on Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Youth in the US” was published online by JAMA Pediatrics on August 8, 2022.

A commentary published by Nature Medicine asserted that the viability of gender-affirming health care is inextricably linked with governmental policies, institutions, and structures that protect and support the rights, dignity, inclusion and belonging of all transgender and gender-diverse people. “The context, science and practice of gender-affirming care” was published online in Nature Medicine on December 15, 2022.

“Health Status and Mental Health of Transgender-Diverse Adults,” is available online here.

Founded in 1971, Fenway Health advocates for and delivers innovative, equitable, accessible health care, supportive services, and transformative research and education. We center LGBTQIA+ people, BIPOC individuals, and other underserved communities to enable our local, national, and global neighbors to flourish. The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health is an interdisciplinary center for research, training, education and policy development focusing on national and international health issues.

Media Contact
Christopher Viveiros, Fenway Health, 6177217494, cviveiros@fenwayhealth.org, www.fenwayhealth.org

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SOURCE Fenway Health

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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4 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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