EquiMap

The core issue we tackle in this challenge pertains to the limited healthcare access, stigmatization, prejudice, and additional obstacles experienced by the LGBTIQ+ community in Argentina. This concern is a facet of a broader global predicament where the LGBTIQ+ community frequently faces systemic bias, breaches of human rights, and hindrances in obtaining adequate healthcare and assistance. 

Globally, there are profound disparities in gender identity recognition and rights. In numerous countries, LGBTQ+ rights remain under-recognized and inadequately protected. According to the United Nations, more than 70 countries lack comprehensive anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from various forms of discrimination in employment, education, and health care. 

In Argentina, although significant progress has been made with the Gender Identity Law enacted in 2012, challenges persist. LGBTIQ+ communities continue to experience barriers to healthcare access and suffer from violence, discrimination, stigmatization, abuse, and neglect even when they gain access to healthcare services. As a result, their health and quality of life are severely compromised, leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates compared with the general population and significantly reduced life expectancies.

Concerning local statistics, a 2020 report by CIPPEC emphasized the stark contrast in life expectancy, with trans women averaging only 37 years compared to the country's general population, which has an average life expectancy of 77 years. This disparity results from numerous injustices faced by the transgender community, including limited healthcare access. Another study by the Huésped Foundation and the Association of Transvestites, Transsexuals, and Transgenders of Argentina revealed that 70% of trans men avoid seeking medical advice related to sexual health, with over 60% reporting violence during healthcare encounters.  

In 2017, the Public Defender's Office of Buenos Aires, in collaboration with the Trans Mocha Celis Popular High School, disclosed that trans women and transvestites have an average life expectancy of only 32 years primarily due to systemic violence, social exclusion and a lack of healthcare access.  

Additionally, the Human Rights Secretariat's 2019 survey on the living conditions of the Trans/Transvestite Population found that four out of every ten respondents experienced violence in healthcare facilities and hospitals, predominantly at the hands of healthcare personnel.  

The number of individuals affected in Argentina is substantial, although it may be challenging to determine precisely because of underreporting. 

Key factors contributing to this issue: 

Information Gap: Scarcity of accessible, reliable information on the rights and healthcare choices for LGBTIQ+ individuals, hindering informed healthcare decisions. 

Stigma and Discrimination: Deters individuals from seeking healthcare, resulting in untreated health problems and inadequate preventive care. 

Limited Access to Gender-Affirming Care: Restricted availability of treatments like hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries, coupled with inadequate awareness among healthcare providers. 

Insufficient Support Systems: Lack of supportive community resources isolates many LGBTIQ+ community members, especially transgender and transvestite individuals, intensifying their challenges. 

Addressing a global issue, we aim to improve healthcare access and combat discrimination among the LGBTIQ+ community in Argentina. 

Equimap is an interactive web platform and mobile app designed to empower the LGBTIQ+ community in Argentina by providing essential information on their health rights and sexual and reproductive healthcare access and coverage (SRHR). This digital tool combines information accessibility community engagement, and technology to bridge gaps and create a supportive and inclusive space. Individuals from the LGBTIQ+ community, including adolescents, will actively collaborate with us using the Design Thinking methodology to co-create this key resource. 

This platform has multiple functions:  

• Information Platform: It offers a repository of information on SRHR, health coverage of SRHR services, legal rights, preventive measures, and more, presented in an easy format. 

• Interactive Map: This feature allows users to find nearby healthcare providers, filter them by type of care, and access user reviews and ratings.   

• Community Forum: A safe and inclusive space for users to engage in discussions, share experiences, ask questions, and foster mutual support.

The platform will be accessible through a website and a mobile application compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Equimap will be built on a foundation of open-source technologies to ensure transparency, community involvement, and ease of scaling. For the front-end, we utilize React.js, an open-source JavaScript library that will provide a responsive and intuitive user interface. Our back-end is powered by Node.js, an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment. The project database will be hosted on PostgreSQL, an open-source relational database management system. We will also incorporate Apache Airflow, an open-source platform dand workflows. Using Airflow will allow us to automate critical tasks such as content updates, data analytics, and database backups, offering excellent reliability and scalability for our user data and reviews. 

Geolocation services will be integrated through OpenStreetMap, a collaborative project for creating a free editable map. The mobile app is being developed using React Native, another open-source framework that allows for cross-platform compatibility with both iOS and Android devices. 

To refine our user experience and design, we incorporate Design Thinking methodology. This approach, grounded in empathy, follows a structured five-stage process: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Design Thinking facilitates a deep understanding of users' specific needs, challenges, and aspirations, thereby ensuring the creation of user-centric solutions. This user-centric approach will actively involve members of the LGBTQ+ community in the co-creation process, ensuring that the platform is tailored to meet their specific needs and concerns. 

In line with our commitment to open-source technologies, the platform is designed to be user-friendly, responsive, and accessible. Once accesible, security and data privacy will be paramount; hence, we will use open-source security protocols to safeguard user information against unauthorized access and data breaches. 

Our team is committed to the continuous maintenance and improvement of Equimap. Regular updates aim to enhance user experience, expand our open-source database, and foster a welcoming, informative, and supportive online community. 

Our solution directly addresses the LGBTIQ+ community’s health and rights. This population often faces specific barriers and challenges when it comes to sexual and reproductive critical issues. 

The LGBTIQ+ community frequently encounters scenarios where they have limited or no access to adequate sexual and reproductive health information and services, which negatively impacts their health outcomes and overall well-beign. Barriers to accessing care are linked to stigma, discrimination and provider bias, lack of policies that promote sexual and gender minorities' access to sexual and reproductive health services, among others.  

Our platform aims to bridge these gaps by providing a comprehensive range of services. First, it offers a rich repository of essential information on legal rights and sexual and reproductive health. Second, it features an interactive map of healthcare providers, complete with a user-review section to rate and review experiences at these centers. A cornerstone of our platform is the interactive forum, a safe and supportive space where users can engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, and share experiences. 

Ultimately, our solution is intended to directly and meaningfully serve the LGBTIQ+ community by addressing existing gaps in information and access to sexual and reproductive health services.  

Outputs and outcomes 

Our primary goal is user engagement; we aim for over 10,000 users in the first year. To quantify the reduction in misinformation and improvement in community well-being, we plan to:  

• Conduct pre- and post-engagement surveys to measure a targeted 30% reduction in misinformation. 

• Track user engagement metrics, such as frequency and duration of platform usage, as a proxy for community well-being and mental health. 

• Monitor forum activity to assess the level of peer support and quality of shared information. 

By using these metrics, we can still aim for a meaningful gauge of how the platform is improving the well-being of the community without relying on self-reported well-being surveys 

Partnerships 

We are currently in dialogue with various healthcare providers and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to form strategic partnerships. These alliances not only enhance the platform’s credibility but also extend its reach and impact.   

Through this approach, we hope to create a significant and lasting impact on the well-being of the LGBTIQ+ community, making essential information and support more accessible.

Our ability to design and deliver this solution is rooted in a deep and ongoing commitment to the LGBTIQ+ community. Our multiprofessional team, includes  physicians, psychologists, public health experts and policymakers, anthropologists, eticists, political scientists, and data scientists. This diversity allows us to  to create a solution that considers various medical, psychological, social, and ethical aspects of healthcare and the well-being of the LGBTIQ+ community. 

Our strength lies in combining interdisciplinary skills and team experience in health, gender, and diversity work. Throughout multiple previous projects, we have demonstrated a solid closeness to our target communities. Our team members have personal ties to the LGBTIQ+ community, strengthening our proximity and commitment to the audience we aim to serve. Over multiple previous projects, we have demonstrated a strong closeness to our target communities.  

To address the specific challenges faced by vulnerable populations, especially in SRHR, we are conducting critical research and policy development. Specifically, we have designed key performance indicators to strengthen maternal, sexual, and reproductive health information systems. We've also examined the legislative landscape to identify opportunities for implementing digital health solutions in these areas. Our current initiatives include the development and dissemination of responsible artificial intelligence solutions that improve access, care, and quality of sexual, reproductive, and maternal health services, as well as individual and public policy decision-making, through the creation of a Center for Artificial Intelligence and Health for Latin America and the Caribbean (CLIAS) (https://clias.iecs.org.ar/).

We have developed a foundational study for the establishment of a priority research and policy agenda to address health disparities affecting the sexual, reproductive, and maternal rights of vulnerable populations, particularly women, people with disabilities, LGBTQIQ+ individuals and migrants in LAC.

Our prior projects have provided invaluable opportunities to interact directly with organizations, regional experts, and individuals from these communities, listening to their voices and understanding their challenges to ensure that their perspectives and community needs are integral to our proposals. Using a public health, intersectionality, and a gender perspective approach, we will conduct consultation processes and dialogues to ensure that diverse voices are heard and respected in the platform's design, considering the LGBTIQ+ community as co-creators of the solution. We plan to implement real-time feedback methods such as regular community surveys and focus groups. This ensures that the platform will directly reflect ongoing collaboration with the community. 

On the other hand, the key point of our solution is that we work together with community leaders and activists from the LGBTIQ+ community in co-creating the website and/or app using the Design Thinking methodology. This methodology focuses on the user and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration. It is based on the principles of:  

Empathy: Grasping the needs and viewpoints of the stakeholders. 

Problem definition: Deeply understanding user needs and desires. 

Ideation: Sourcing solutions directly from users. 

Prototyping and feedback testing: Developing prototypes and gathering user feedback. 

Iteration: Regularly refining ideas based on feedback. 

By intertwining our team's expertise with the genuine experiences and needs of the LGBTIQ+ community, we ensure an inclusive and effective solution. 

Our solution is a prototype since we have already created the structure of the web platform, our team is already searching and analyzing the information about rights and health providers, and we have a draft to work with the LGBTIQ+ community using the Design Thinking Methodology.

Our project introduces innovation through an open-source foundation that prioritizes transparency, community involvement, and scalability in delivering information and support to the LGBTIQ+ community. It further adopts a groundbreaking user-centric design thinking approach, actively engaging community members in the platform's co-creation, setting a new standard for user-centered development and participatory research. Additionally, the project goes beyond information provision by incorporating educational content and fostering awareness, understanding, and empathy. These innovative aspects catalyze positive impacts by promoting inclusivity and empowering the community, potentially inspiring others in this space to adopt similar practices, ultimately changing the scenario by setting new standards for transparency, community engagement, and education within support platforms. 

For the next year, our primary impact goal is to have a measurable positive impact on the well-being of the LGBTIQ+ community in Argentina through improved access to sexual and reproductive health information and services. To achieve this goal, we will focus on the following key milestones:  

User Engagement: We aim to have over 10,000 users actively using our platform, regularly accessing information healthcare resources, and engaging in the community forum within the first year. High user engagement is critical to our mission, as it reflects the community's trust in our platform and their active participation.  

Misinformation Reduction: We plan to conduct pre- and post-engagement surveys to measure a targeted 30% reduction in misinformation related to sexual and reproductive health among LGBTIQ+ individuals. By providing accurate and comprehensive information, we aim to contribute to better-informed healthcare decisions.  

Quality of Information and Care: Monitoring forum activity and user reviews will help us assess the quality of shared information and experiences regarding healthcare services. Over the next year, we will strive for a growing number of positive reviews, indicating that users are accessing quality care.  

In the next five years, our broader impact goals are focused on making Equimap a recognized, widespread, and essential resource for the LGBTIQ+ community in Argentina and potentially expanding its reach to other countries with similar challenges. Our long-term impact goals include:  

Community Expansion: We aim to significantly increase user numbers, with a target of at least 100,000 users within the first five years. We expect this growth from word-of-mouth recommendations and partnerships with local LGBTIQ+ organizations and healthcare providers. 

Reduction in Healthcare Disparities: Over five years, our objective is to track and measure a significant reduction of healthcare disparities. We plan to conduct in-depth research and collaborate with organizations to collect comprehensive data on these disparities and track improvements over time.  

Inclusivity and Accessibility: We will actively pursue partnerships with more healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and NGOs focused on LGBTIQ+ issues to expand the number of accessible and inclusive healthcare services listed on our platform.  

Policy Impact: Over the next five years, we will strive to contribute to policy reforms that promote the rights and healthcare access of LGBTIQ+ community. Our long-term goal is to see legislative changes and improved healthcare guidelines that reflect our mission.  

Holistic Well-Being: Our ultimate goal is to improve the overall well-being and quality of life for LGBTIQ+ individuals by providing them with a safe, supportive, and informed space.  

To achieve these long-term goals, we will continue to collaborate with local and international partners, engage in data-driven research, refine our platform to meet evolving user needs, and actively advocate for the rights and well-being of the LGBTIQ+ community. We are committed to maintaining and improving Equimap to ensure that it remains a relevant and valuable resource over time. 

Equimap can significantly address Argentina's LGBTIQ+ community's challenges using our theory of change. 

Inputs: 

• Team ability to design and deliver this solution rooted in a deep and ongoing commitment to the LGBTIQ+ community based on previous projects.  

• Extensive research conducted on the challenges faced by the LGBTIQ+ community, as well as insights from interactions with community members. 

• Multidisciplinary team to develop the project, including physicians, psychologists, anthropologists, ethicists, political scientists, and data scientists. 

• Team experience in the field of digital health tools  

• Strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups 

Activities: 

• Design Thinking Application: Engaging in an iterative process of Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test to ensure user-centric tool development. 
• Information Gathering: Conduct research to populate the platform with up-to-date legal rights and health information, ensuring content relevance and accuracy. 
• Mapping of Service Centers: Collaborate with healthcare providers, listing LGBTIQ+-friendly centers, detailing their services, contact information, and user reviews. 
• Backend & Frontend Development: Prioritize a robust backend infrastructure, ensuring data privacy, while crafting an intuitive and mobile-responsive frontend for user accessibility. 
• Graphic Design: Engage with designers to create a platform that's both visually appealing and easy to navigate, with diverse and inclusive graphics. 

Outputs: 

• Motivation of the LGTBIQ+ community participated in the construction stage of the tool (future users) 
• Launch of the Equimap platform with a comprehensive information on SHRS. 
• Interactive map displaying nearby healthcare providers and a community forum for discussions and peer support. 

Intermediate Outcomes: 

• Increased Awareness among the LGBTIQ+ community: Users will have easy access to crucial information about their sexual and reproductive health and rights.   
• Enhanced Accessibility: The platform will break down barriers to accessing gender-affirming healthcare and support. It will connect users with nearby healthcare providers and offer a user review section, increasing transparency and trust in the quality of services.  
• Community Engagement: The forum will foster community engagement by providing a safe space for discussions, questions, and shared experiences. Users will benefit from emotional and informational support, which is often lacking in their daily lives. 
• Improved Decision-Making: With a wealth of information and a supportive community, users will make more informed decisions about their healthcare, promoting better health outcomes. 

Impact: 

• Healthier LGBTIQ+ Community: As users become better informed about their sexual and reproductive health and rights, they will be better equipped to maintain their health and well-being. This, in turn, may lead to healthier lifestyles and improved health outcomes. 
• Reduction in Disparities: By enhancing accessibility and reducing misinformation, our solution aims to address the significant health disparities and discrimination faced by the LGBTIQ+ community, ultimately contributing to a fairer and more inclusive society. 
• Holistic Well-Being: Over time, the community will experience improved overall well-being. With support, access to quality healthcare, and greater awareness of their rights, individuals can lead more fulfilling lives. 
• Social Change and Advocacy: The platform will empower the community to advocate for its rights, leading to potential policy reforms and greater inclusion in society. 

Full-time staff: 3, part-time: 4 and support personal for coding and programming. 

Our team has been working on gender issues since 2020. Specializing in artificial intelligence and sexual reproductive and maternal health (SSRM), we've rigorously analyzed policy gaps in SSRM for vulnerable populations. While we formally united as a team in 2020, individual members bring a wealth of prior experience from private, public, and systemic sectors, enriching our collective expertise. 

Our approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work is embedded in the very essence of our project. The Equimap solution is not just about providing information and support to the diverse LGBTIQ+ community in Argentina but is also a testament to our commitment to these principles. Our leadership team is a diverse mix of professionals, each bringing a unique perspective and expertise to the project. Our team includes family physicians, psychologists, anthropologists, philosophers, pediatricians, political scientists, and data scientists. This diversity enables us to take a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by the LGBTIQ+ community and create a solution that considers various medical, psychological, social, and ethical aspects of healthcare and well-being. We value diversity not only in terms of professional backgrounds but also in terms of gender, sexual orientation, and cultural perspectives. 

One of the key elements of our project is the active involvement of the LGBTIQ+ community in co-creating the platform through the Design Thinking methodology. This methodology focuses on the user and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that the solution is tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the community. By involving community leaders and activists, we aim to create a platform that truly reflects the diverse voices and experiences within the LGBTIQ+ community in Argentina. This approach is a testament to our commitment to inclusion. 

The core principles of Design Thinking, which we employ in the co-creation process, include empathy and problem definition. This entails deeply understanding the needs and perspectives of the people involved in the problem or the solution. It involves listening, observing, and putting ourselves in the shoes of the users. We prioritize understanding the unique challenges and barriers faced by the LGBTIQ+ community to create a more effective and inclusive solution. 

Our primary goal is to address the significant disparities in healthcare access and information that the LGBTIQ+ community faces. Equity is at the core of our mission. We aim to provide access to accurate sexual and reproductive health information and healthcare services, reducing disparities and promoting well-being. Our Design Thinking approach also focuses on problem definition, which allows us to target systemic barriers that have prevented the full participation of marginalized groups within the LGBTIQ+ community. 

Our interactive community forum is designed to be a safe and inclusive space for users to engage in discussions, share experiences, ask questions, and foster mutual support. By creating an environment in which all members of the LGBTIQ+ community are welcomed, respected, supported, and valued, we aim to promote inclusion and ensure that everyone's voice is heard. 

We believe that by actively involving the LGBTIQ+ community in the co-creation of our solution and by prioritizing equity and inclusion, we can address the significant challenges they face in accessing healthcare and support. Our goal is to empower and create an inclusive environment where all members of the LGBTIQ+ community in Argentina can access the information and support they need to lead healthier and happier lives. 

Our business model based on the Social Business Model CANVAS it focuses on the following key elements: 

1.Beneficiary Segment: LGBTIQ+ individuals of Argentina. 

2.Type of intervention: A digital platform and mobile app designed to empower the LGBTIQ+ community in Argentina, offering educational resources, an interactive healthcare map, and a community engagement forum. 

3.Value Proposition: 

We provide the LGBTIQ+ community and allies with a user-centric digital platform delivering essential information on legal rights and sexual and reproductive health. It also offers an interactive map of healthcare providers and a supportive community forum, aiming to foster awareness, inclusivity, and easy access to healthcare resources while improving the community's well-being and quality of life. 

Our key impact measures include tracking user engagement, forum activity, pre- and post-engagement surveys and user feedback regarding the quality of healthcare services. 

4.Customer Segment: LGBTIQ+ individuals, organizations, allies, and supporters seeking information, support, and community engagement. Healthcare providers and institutions seeking educational resources and promoting their services. 

5.Customer Value Proposition: We offer an open and inclusive platform for community engagement and support. User-centric design and co-creation to meet community needs. Educational content on LGBTIQ+ issues for awareness and understanding. Security and privacy protocols for user data protection. 

6.Channels: We reach our users and customers primarily through our website and mobile app, complemented by social media and online forums for community interaction. 

Key Resources: dedicated team of professionals with diverse expertise in healthcare, technology, and community engagement. Funded by donations, grants, and LGBTQ+ partnerships. We utilize open-source technologies and design thinking for platform growth, prioritizing secure hosting, data storage, and legal safeguards. 

Customer Relationships: Community engagement through co-creation, feedback, and content contributions. Support channels for user assistance, addressing concerns, and queries. Regular updates and communication to keep the community informed and engaged. 

Revenue Streams: Donations and grants. 

Key Activities: program activities focused on platform development and maintenance, which includes continuous updates and content creation and curation. Non-program activities encompass marketing and outreach efforts to promote the platform, server hosting, data storage, employee salaries for team members involved in the project, and legal and compliance activities to safeguard user data. 

Partners + Key Stakeholders: a) LGBTIQ+ community organizations to promote collaboration and support, b) Healthcare providers and educational institutions for resources and content, c) Potential partnerships with national organizations that support the LGBTIQ+ community. We may need special access or permissions to collaborate effectively with healthcare providers and educational institutions, ensuring they contribute relevant content and resources to the platform. 

Cost Structure: Development and maintenance of the platform. Marketing and outreach expenses. Server hosting and data storage costs. Team salaries and community engagement efforts. Legal and compliance costs for data protection. Scaling-up phase costs, including additional resources like laptops and tablets for PHC clinics (to be provided by partners). 

Surplus: All funds will be directed towards platform refinement and growth, aiming for an enhanced user experience and greater reach within the LGBTIQ+ community. 

Revenue: Donations and Grants 

Our platform will initially rely on seed funding from grants and donations, particularly those focused on health and LGBTIQ+ advocacy. We will diligently pursue funding from governmental organizations, foundations, regional and international organizations dedicated to promoting health equity and inclusion. These funds will be utilized to develop, deploy, and market the platform, as well as to conduct crucial research, ensuring that it effectively addresses the needs of the LGBTIQ+ community.  

On the other hand, we'll proactively identify and establish partnerships with agencies and organizations that resonate with our mission. Their funding will not only provide immediate capital but also opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Such alliances can lead to joint projects, grant opportunities, and capacity-building workshops. 

Finally, given our expertise and the wealth of information we will gather, we foresee the demand for workshops, training sessions, or consultancy for institutions, schools, and businesses. These could address topics like inclusivity, rights awareness, and health considerations for the LGBTIQ+ community. Such sessions can be a consistent revenue source while also furthering our mission.