CT PAID LEAVE PROVIDES BENEFITS FOR CHOSEN FAMILY

LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week in March

Hartford CT — Today the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority reminded Connecticut workers that paid leave benefits are available to caregivers to provide physical or psychological care or psychological comfort and reassurance for a family member experiencing a serious health condition. Family members include children, spouses, siblings, parents, grandparents, grandchildren or any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association the employee shows to be the equivalent of those family relationships. “Relationship by affinity” refers to an individual whose close association the worker shows to be the equivalent of one of the family relationships listed above regardless of biological or legal relationship, sometimes referred to as “chosen family” by those in the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week was in March.

“When the legislature passed paid leave, they made sure to include an expanded definition of family — one that makes room for those individuals who are not just family by blood but by choice,” said Erin Choquette, CEO of the CT Paid Leave Authority. “Paid leave makes it possible for members of the LGBTQ+ community to access income replacement when they care for their chosen family member in need.”

Paid leave benefits can be accessed for a variety of qualifying reasons including a serious health condition, bonding with a new child, caring for a family member, military family leave, and safe leave. A serious health condition is an illness, injury or impairment or physical or mental condition that involves inpatient care or continuing treatment.

“Our recent statewide historic landmark survey results showed that many LGBTQ+ people delay or avoid healthcare due to past negative experiences. There’s a serious need for mental health support, substance abuse resources and reproductive care that is inclusive for LGBTQ plus patients,” said Bill Ollayos, administrator of Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ Justice and Opportunity Network. “Programs like Connecticut paid leave are actually really crucial in allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to take medical leave without fear of financial ruin.”

According to the Network’s needs assessment conducted in 2021, 70% of LGBTQ+ respondents accessed mental health services in the past three years, but 15% were refused care due to their LGBTQ+ identity barriers, including affordability. For 20% of respondents, a lack of LGBTQ+ competence among providers and then ultimately, unfriendly environments.

To learn more about the LGBTQ+ Justice and Opportunity Network, visit https://ctlgbtqnetwork.org.

To hear more about LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Month, listen to the latest episode of the Paid Leave Podcast at https://www.ctpaidleave.org/resources-and-guides/paid-leave-podcast.

For more information about CT Paid Leave and how to apply, visit www.ctpaidleave.org.