Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1191176
60 ascp skin deep january/february 2020 This is not just a niche market; it is a need. In 2019, the board of directors of the American Academy of Dermatologists (AAD) adopted a position paper titled Sexual and Gender Minority Health in Dermatology.1 The AAD made a significant leap in recognizing health-care disparities for the sexual and gender minority (SGM) community, which includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. Specific skin care challenges exist for this group that have not received prior attention. As reported in the position paper, the SGM community experiences higher rates of cancer, sexually transmitted disease, HIV, and skin issues related to hormone treatment therapies. The AAD notes that hormonal affirmation therapy has multiple potential impacts on skin health, and their position is to promote not only awareness but also competence and sensitivity in treatment and care. In 2015, the Sexual and Gender Minority Research Office (SGMRO) was established as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI).2 They have proposed adopting the term sexual and gender minorities to replace the LGBTQ terminology. Part of their mission is to create allies and awareness of the health issues and related research. The links between overall health and wellness and skin concerns are well documented.3 It's not just the health-care community that is accepting the growing diversity of the American population. In 2016, CoverGirl named Instagram and YouTube sensation James Charles as the first CoverBoy. In 2016, he was a high school senior from Bethlehem, New York, with an Instagram following of 90,000. Today his following is 15.9 million on Instagram alone.4 SIZE OF THE COMMUNITY Just how large is the SGM community? While a recent Gallup Poll indicated that the percentage of the US population who identify as SGM is 4.5 percent, or roughly 10 million individuals, most demographers agree that this may be underreported. SGM identification is most prevalent in the millennial age group and decreases with older age groups. More women identify as LGBTQ (5.1 percent) as compared with 3.9 percent of men.5 Current issues that challenge accurate reporting are not only privacy concerns but also confusion around the language and terminology used in surveys or other measures. Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are not interchangeable concepts.6 This is made even more challenging with individuals who identify as gender neutral, intersex, pansexual, or omnisexual. In 2018, nearly 17,000 individuals aged 18–65 were interviewed for participation in the 2019 MINDBODY Wellness Index Report, Beauty in America: Behaviors, Attitudes and Trends. The survey group was 49 percent male and 51 percent female. The report noted that 4 percent identified as SGM. The sample size was too small to be used for comparisons— and it missed the opportunity for data specific to the beauty industry.7 Regardless of our inability to collect specific information on the actual numbers or current beauty preferences of the SGM community, these individuals provide a significant opportunity for services, treatments, and retail offerings. How can the skin care professional adapt and adopt a gender- sensitive approach? Let's take a look. IMPORTANCE OF INTAKE Consider the case of Tasha, an esthetician who is known for her waxing skills. A new guest requested an appointment online