Healthcare Rights for Gender and Sexual Minorities

Abstract

There is broad consensus that a key factor for human flourishing is access to safe, effective, and appropriate healthcare. Whilst health inequalities exist for many marginalised and minoritised groups, the impact of broader social inequities on healthcare delivery and health outcomes is particularly notable in gender and sexual minority groups. Health inequalities faced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and other gender and sexual minority groups exist across domains of physical, psychological, and emotional wellbeing; many stemming from experiences of broad social exclusion and discrimination, explained through the concept of ‘Minority Stress’. This chapter will explore the concept of health inequality and inequity faced by LBGTQI+ groups, considering the relationships between social inclusion, legislative protection, and access to healthcare. It will also question why, even in societies with high acceptance rates of gender and sexuality diversity, health inequalities remain evident. Furthermore, the chapter will present strategies to enhance the healthcare rights of sexual and gender minority groups.