2024 LGBTQ+ Power Players

Doug Wirth has served as president and CEO of Amida Care since 2006. Under his tenure, Amida Care has empowered thousands of New Yorkers living with HIV to take control of their health. Amida Care has grown to become the largest Medicaid managed care Special Needs Health Plan (SNP) in New York, with more than 9,500 members, including people living with HIV/AIDS and people of transgender experience, who represent nearly 30% of membership.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Each day, you can decide what to share with others, but be truthful with yourself first, and always. Read more about the civil rights movement to see the clear interconnections between racism, anti-Blackness, misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia. It really is true, “No one is free until we are all free.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
Cecilia Gentili rises to icon status for me. I loved the dance with her as co-chairs of NEW Pride Agenda’s Board of Directors.  And while no one accomplishes much alone, Cecilia’s lasting electropositive impacts during her fierce life are many. Scores of LGBTQ+ organizations – including Amida Care – are better because of Cecilia’s hand and heart weaving justice and love into their fabrics.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
It’s critical for NYS policymakers to stand up against anti-trans discrimination.  Increasing funding for the Lorena Borjas TGNC Wellness/Equity Fund to ensure that TGNC-led organizations can thrive across NYS is important. Policymakers should also address the disproportionate impact of HIV on LGBTQ+ New Yorkers by extending housing assistance for people living with HIV statewide, modernizing HIV testing laws and implementing innovative sexual health programs centering on people placed most at risk for HIV.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Given the large numbers of people living with HIV over 50, and the many LGBTQ+ seniors in NYC, we’re working to advance a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Too often, traditional health care models lack the competency and care to support LGBTQ+ and HIV+ seniors. Who wants to go back into the closet at 60+ or be told that you’re no longer a sexual being? I’m back in school learning about PACE.

Dr. Tucker Woods, associate medical director and emergency department chair at Lenox Health Greenwich Village, also serves as the executive sponsor of the LGBTQ+ Subcommittee for Emergency Medicine Services at Northwell Health. He was recognized for LGBTQ health care advocacy with two previous awards for spearheading initiatives ensuring equitable access to care. His latest achievement enables ER physicians to refer patients to LGBTQ-affirming physicians addressing a critical need in the community and advancing inclusive health care practices.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
If I could give my younger self advice, I would encourage a young Tucker Woods to embrace his true identity without fear or hesitation. You should live how you want to live and not how others expect you to live. Coming out of the closet early in your life will allow you to live authentically and confidently, fostering a sense of self-acceptance and empowerment that you will cherish forever.

Is there an LGBTQ+ icon or member of the community that you look up to?
This may be a stereotype, but my icon is Cher. She embodies resilience, courage and unwavering authenticity, making her an iconic figure within the LGBTQ community. Her fearless advocacy for equality and acceptance, coupled with her unapologetic self-expression, inspires me to embrace my identity with pride and confidence. Cher’s enduring support and solidarity with the LGBTQ community serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, reminding us to stand tall and celebrate our true selves.

What can New York policymakers do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community?
NY policymakers can support the LBTQ community by prioritizing legislation that ensures equitable access to health care. This includes funding for LGBTQ-affirming health care services and training for medical professionals on LGBTQ-specific health needs. Advocating for LGBTQ education in schools and promoting awareness campaigns to combat stigma are crucial steps towards fostering a healthier and more inclusive society.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
As a board-certified addiction medicine physician, I’m dedicated to raising awareness about the complex nature of addiction and combatting the stigma surrounding it. By educating individuals on the multifaceted causes of addiction, we can foster empathy and understanding, leading to more effective prevention and treatment strategies. It’s crucial that we shift societal perceptions and provide support for those affected by addiction, providing a compassionate and evidence-based approach to addressing this public health crisis.