In the latest episode of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Leo Goldsmith of ICF and  Dr. Michael Mendez, Assistant Professor of Environmental Planning and Policy at the University of California, Irvine, to discuss their new paper, Queer and Present Danger: Understanding the Disparate Impacts of Disasters on LGBTQ+ Communities. Mike and Leo discuss the unique vulnerabilities of this community in disaster relief; the myth of gay affluence; how faith-based groups have a history of discriminatory practices in disaster relief; how cohesive is the LGBTQ community and how race is a problem even in LGBTQ groups. Mike and Leo also lay out specific policy recommendations on how adaptation planners can properly consider this community in their planning. Topics covered: This paper was the first highlighting the lack of laws and policies protecting the LGBTQ community in disaster relief. What is the myth of gay affluence? How faith-based groups are on the front lines of disaster relief and how some of them discriminate against the LGBTQ community when providing that relief. The evolution of the word ‘queer’ and what it means to the LGBTQ community. Examples of discrimination in disaster relief to the LGBTQ community. Is the LGBTQ community a cohesive group? Incorporating language recognizing the LGQBT+ Community would lead to more holistic adaptation planning. Discussion of latest federal executive actions to protect the LGBTQ community. Policy recommendations on how adaptation planners can incorporate the concerns of the LGBTQ community. (Cover photo by Cecilie Johnsen) Sign up for a free two-week trial of Wondrium. Stream video lectures, documentaries & more! Make sure you use the America Adapts link when you register here: Wondrium.com/adapts Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here! Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-a-m%C3%A9ndez-1b754b4/ https://twitter.com/MikeMendezPhD https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-goldsmith-21a37910a/  Donate to America Adapts Follow on Apple Podcasts Follow on Android Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here! Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization! Links in episode: https://www.whitehouse.gov/equity/#environmental-justice https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/FEMA-EO13985-equity-summary.pdf http://www.michaelanthonymendez.com/about-michael-a.html https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/disa.12509 https://www.kqed.org/news/11906110/disaster-planning-leaves-out-queer-people https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300232158/climate-change-streets/ https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/hrc-releases-competency-guide-for-emergency-responders “When people are planning for social vulnerability, they totally discount the LGBTQ+ community because it's characterized as being white & wealthy." https://www.kqed.org/.../queer-communities-often-left-out...   Queer and Present Danger: Understanding the Disparate Impacts of Disasters on LGBTQ+ Communities  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/disa.12509  Policy Brief on The Need for Equitable Disaster Response for LGBTQ+ Communities  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T2vODQCT_XOXvXW4q61WZ5ksus0fDm2A/view?usp=sharing  Queer & Present Danger - Understanding the disparate impacts of disasters on LGBTQ+ communities.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xHTa7dAwkE Climate Justice Must Include All Womenhttps://atmos.earth/climate-change-womens-rights-justice-trans/ America Adapts was published in the Federal Reserve Newslette