Critical perspectives on the diversity of research into sexualities and health in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Thinking outside the boxes

Abstract

In this article we provide a critical narrative review of the diverse contemporary research into sexualities and health in Aotearoa/New Zealand. We outline the specific colonial context of Aotearoa/New Zealand and the implications of this context for health research with lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) communities. The review draws on examples from our own experience carrying out LGBTQ health psychology research and wider research outside the boxes of psychology as a discipline, outside sexualities as simple identity categories, and outside HIV/AIDS as focus of much LGBTQ health research in recent decades and at present. We review existing LGBTQ health research from Aotearoa/New Zealand with regards to three central themes: (1) holistic approaches to health and healthcare for LGBTQ communities; (2) challenges in working towards health equalities for LGBTQ communities; and (3) theorisation of the impact of discrimination on the health of members of LGBTQ communities. Throughout the review we emphasise critical perspectives on research into sexualities and health and the importance of considering whether LGBTQ communities benefit from research. We also make suggestions for enhancing the criticality of LGBTQ health research in Aotearoa/New Zealand and illustrate how research into sexualities and health in Aotearoa/New Zealand provides useful examples for LGBTQ health researchers in other contexts.