Dr Jill Biden has begun her new role as US first lady by visiting Whitman-Walker Health in Washington DC, which specialises in LGBTQ+ healthcare and HIV/AIDS treatment. The centre was founded in 1978, and was one of the first organisations to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It’s website states: “Our mission is to offer affirming community-based health and wellness services to all with a special expertise in LGBTQ+ and HIV care. We empower all persons to live healthy, love openly, and achieve equality and inclusion.”
According to GLAAD, Jill Biden’s visit aimed to “highlight and promote support services for cancer patients and caregivers, and hear about the impact of Covid-19 on access to health care, including cancer screenings and prevention efforts”. Many praised the first lady’s dedication to LGBTQ+ inclusivity, with renowned queer activist, Charlotte Clymer, tweeting: “Today, in the afternoon, First Lady Dr Jill Biden is visiting DC’s beloved Whitman-Walker Health, which specialises in LGBTQ+ health care. It hasn’t even been 72 hours since the inauguration. The level of care and empathy for LGBTQ+ people under this White House is immediate.”
Many social media users also highlighted the important work the health centre is doing, with one responding to Clymer’s tweet saying: “Whitman-Walker saved my son’s life. They deserve every bit of recognition. Way to go, Dr. Biden.” Another tweeted: “I did a double take because this is the group that helped my fiancé start his transition! They’re fantastic and I wish we had groups like them all over the states.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.