Abstract
BackgroundLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) people experience significant health inequities with well-documented negative health impacts due to their status as a sexual and gender minority population. Insensitive or discriminatory attitudes toward LGBTQ people within the health care system have negatively impacted access to health services and the overall physical and mental health and well-being of this at risk population. Few studies of LGBTQ populations in rural areas have been conducted, with even fewer in the Canadian context. Rural areas often create greater visibility for LGBTQ persons, contain fewer supports and alternatives in the face of discrimination, and are often are less accepting of LGBTQ populations due to increased stigma and social isolation.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to examine the lived experiences of LGBTQ people utilizing health care services in rural Manitoba.Method12 individuals who self-identified as LGBTQ who had accessed health care services in Manitoba were recruited. Using qualitative methodology, interviews were recorded and analyzed for themes.ResultsAnalysis revealed themes including stigma and discrimination, judgments and assumptions, gender identities, lack of knowledge, limited access/systemic barriers, rural considerations, and recommendations for changes to address the gaps in health care services and barriers to access.ConclusionsThis study of the LGBTQ community provides an expression of their opinions and experiences, but also provides a voice to this underserved population. The findings of this study provide a better understanding of the unique health needs and experiences of LGBTQ people in rural Manitoba, creating opportunities for meaningful change in health care delivery
Highlights
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, two-spirit, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) communities experience numerous health inequities and face many barriers when it comes to accessing health care services in Canada (House of Commons Canada [HCC], 2019)
In addition to the health disparities related to sexual orientation and gender identity, many LGBTQ people experience further health differences due to the intersection of other factors regarding their identity, including factors such as age, ethnic origin, income, and access to health care (HCC, 2019; NASEM, 2020)
What are your thoughts and experiences regarding your ability to disclose your sexual identity, as a health care consumer/user? What concerns or fears regarding the reaction of health care providers toward your LGBTQ status?
Summary
Gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, two-spirit, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) communities experience numerous health inequities and face many barriers when it comes to accessing health care services in Canada (House of Commons Canada [HCC], 2019). These health inequities can be attributed to the stigmatization of gender and sexual minorities and the discrimination they can face, as well as the heteronormative and cisnormative nature of society in Canada, leaving LGBTQ people feeling shame regarding their sexual orientation or gender identity (Girard in HCC, 2019). Gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) people experience significant health inequities with well-documented negative health impacts due to their status as a sexual and gender minority population. The findings of this study provide a better understanding of the unique health needs and experiences of LGBTQ people in rural Manitoba, creating opportunities for meaningful change in health care delivery
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