LGBTQIA+ people’s service access during the COVID-19 pandemic: Obstacles to care and provider adaptations

Abstract

Members of LGBTQIA+ populations often experience difficulties accessing support services and report inadequate, discriminatory, or stigmatizing treatment from providers. The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded existing access barriers; consequently, researchers and practitioners have called for an examination of how the pandemic has impacted LGBTQIA+ people’s wellbeing. The present study uses qualitative data from interviews with 42 LGBTQIA+ people about barriers to service access during the pandemic, as well as 15 LGBTQIA-focused service providers about how their work has changed and adapted since the pandemic started. Implications and recommendations for service improvement, both during the pandemic and in the future, are discussed.