Demystifying DEIB by Bridging Health Equity Gaps for LGBTQ+ Employees

We are thrilled to be joined in conversation by the founder & CEO of equalityMD Justin Ayars, JD to discuss how his company is changing how the LGBTQ+ community perceives and receives healthcare. Topics for this chat will include an overview of why the NIH classifies the LGBTQ+ community as a "Health Disparity Population” and exploring impacts of health equity and data gaps that affect the LGBTQ+ community in the workplace—where healthcare has failed, employers can thrive. Justin will also discuss the value of culturally competent care and the importance of feeling safe to bring one's whole self to work while also highlighting the role that mental health and overall wellness plays at work. Finally, we’ll outline strategies employers can embrace to accomplish their DEIB objectives while authentically addressing systemic discrimination the LGBTQ+ community has endured for generations from within the healthcare system.

Justin Ayars, JD

Bridget Finkeldey

I’m a former healthcare trial lawyer turned healthtech entrepreneur. I’m a Rock Health Innovation Fellow, a serial entrepreneur, a marketing/sales guru, a former history teacher at a royal naval boarding school in rural England, and an award-winning LGBTQ+ leader. DEI is in my DNA. I listen actively, communicate intentionally, think critically, and live deliberately. I have the mind of a philosopher, heart of a poet, and spirit of a starship captain. In all that I do, curiosity is my true North Star.