Health Equity Scholars Program
Lance Nelson
Undergraduate Institution
Columbia University and San Diego Mesa College
Research Interests
Sex worker-led health policies, Decriminalization of sex work, Sex worker identity, Enhanced sexual health education, Community building and support groups
Cohort Entry Year
2024
Biography
Scholars were asked "What does health equity mean to you?"
Health equity is visiting a medical provider and feeling comfortable to share your sexual and testing history without stigmatization or legal ramifications. It's seeing a mental health professional and not being judged for how you are getting by financially or where you slept the previous night. It's reaching out to law enforcement and not being punished for doing so. It's proudly applying for a job and disclosing your nontraditional work experience. These aims require appropriate care that, as part of a multidisciplinary team, are best championed by the people who are receiving those services.