CO Outreach and Advocacy Award Recipient Fosters Inclusivity and Advances Health Equity

The LBGT PA Caucus empowers PAs to drive meaningful and lasting change within their profession and communities

May 14, 2026

By Alex Morse 

This year’s AAPA CO Outreach and Advocacy Award recognizes the LBGT PA Caucus for advancing health equity, strengthening PA leadership, and fostering inclusive professional communities during a period of rapid change and increasing need within healthcare. 

In 2025, the LBGT PA Caucus launched a coordinated portfolio of educational programs, leadership initiatives, national events, and advocacy efforts that delivered substantial value to physician associates, PA students, allies, and community partners. 

Education formed a central pillar of the Caucus’s work. Through CME-accredited webinars, its CME Library, and multi-day educational series, the organization delivered timely, evidence-based content on workforce diversity, LGBTQ+ health, documentation practices, and more. These offerings equipped PAs across specialties and practice settings with practical tools to provide inclusive, patient-centered care.  

“The most rewarding aspect of being part of the PA profession, especially through the lens of the LBGT PA Caucus, is the ability to create meaningful impact while advancing equity, inclusion, and community in healthcare,” said LBGT PA Caucus President Victoria Ho, PA-C. “We foster a strong sense of belonging by creating safe, inclusive spaces where PAs, students, and allies can connect, share experiences, and support one another.” 

Alongside education, the Caucus prioritized community connection through national events such as Pride & Connection, the Health Equity Reception, and multi-city meetups. These gatherings brought together PAs across geography, career stage, and identity, offering affirming spaces that reinforced professional purpose while celebrating diversity within the PA community.  

“By building safe, welcoming spaces, we promote connection, reduce isolation, and support individuals in bringing their full identities into their professional lives,” said Ho. “By cultivating a diverse pipeline of future leaders and fostering strategic partnerships, we empower the PA community to lead with integrity, advocate for equity, and drive meaningful, lasting change in healthcare.” 

The Caucus’s work also extended into local communities through partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations such as the Alexander Foundation and The Center on Colfax Rainbow Alley, as well as queer-owned businesses including Denver Sweets. These collaborations strengthened community engagement and helped anchor national efforts in local, community-centered experiences. 

“PAs are at the forefront of advancing equitable and inclusive healthcare,” said Ho. “We are committed to ensuring that all patients, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, receive compassionate, evidence-based, and affirming care.” 

The Caucus encountered several unanticipated challenges during the year, largely driven by the rapidly evolving legal, political, and social landscape impacting LGBTQ+ individuals and healthcare delivery. These challenges were addressed by engaging legal and policy experts, strengthening cross organizational communication, and adopting flexible programming models that allowed for timely educational webinars and coordinated advocacy efforts. 

Through adaptability, collaboration, and mission-driven leadership, the Caucus transformed these challenges into opportunities to strengthen partnerships, refine program design, and reinforce its role as a responsive and trusted leader within the PA profession.  

The LBGT Caucus was officially recognized by AAPA during AAPA’s eighth annual conference, held in New Orleans, and will now be honored at AAPA 2026 in New Orleans. Coming full circle makes this moment even more special, said Ho.  

“This award represents meaningful recognition of the LBGT PA Caucus’s commitment to advancing health equity, fostering inclusive leadership, and strengthening community and representation within the PA profession,” said Ho. “It motivates us to expand our reach, deepen partnerships, and remain a strong, values-driven voice within the PA profession.” 

Alex Morse is AAPA’s Communications Manager. She can be reached at [email protected].