Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual And Trans People Research Articles

"There isn't anybody else like me around here": the insider-outsider status of LGBT residents in housing with care schemes for older people.

The intersections between aging, social minority status and housing needs in later life is a neglected area of sociological exploration, even more so for older people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT). Recent sociological findings indicate that older LGBT people in housing schemes stress the importance of bonding social capital and look to other people in their social networks who reflect their identities and experiences as sources of support. In this paper, we examine the insider-outsider status occupied by older LGBT residents living in housing schemes that provide some form of care and support, for example extra care and independent living schemes. We present qualitative findings generated from a mixed-methods study of social inclusion practices in housing with care in England and Wales (UK) (2019-22). In this study 15 LGBT residents participated in semi-structured interviews (55-79 years of age) across a total of 31 interviews. Through a queer gerontological lens we examine how older LGBT people are socially situated within mainstream housing schemes in which they experience partial visibility while also encountering exclusionary pressures that locate them as "the other." This insider-outsider status undermines the premise of housing with care schemes to provide safe, secure spaces to grow old. We discuss three core themes: (1) how LGBT residents navigate their outsider status in scheme life and how the intersection of disability and minority status amplifies this social location; (2) the exclusionary practices exercised by other residents that reinforce boundaries of sexual and gender normalcy; and, (3) the heightened importance of maintaining external social connections among LGBT residents. We conclude by introducing an alternative notion of marginal aging and expanding on the implications for housing providers, reflecting on their responsibilities for promoting and maintaining queer-friendly environments.

Is LGBT homelessness different? Reviewing the relationship between LGBT identity and homelessness

This article explores existing evidence concerning the causes and experience of homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people. A total of 88 sources, published after 2000, were included in the review. This represents the most comprehensive evidence review to date on the issue, mapping out what is known about LGBT homelessness and identifying gaps in knowledge for future research. With a few notable exceptions, the experiences of homeless LGBT people have been neglected in UK housing and homelessness literature. Despite this caveat, we found clear evidence that LGBT people are overrepresented among homeless populations. We argue, however, that the how and why of LGBT identity increasing a person’s chance of becoming homeless is complex and not yet well understood. The article therefore calls for a future research agenda that offers theoretically informed causal analyses to better understand the intersections of LGBT identity and homelessness.

A narrative systematic review of sexualised drug use and sexual health outcomes among LGBT people.

Chemsex is a specific form of sexualised drug use (SDU) that is an emerging public health issue among men who have sex with men (MSM). Although the recent focus on chemsex is a reflection of the associated harms it is important to understand SDU more broadly and its associations with risk behaviours. Additionally, some of the reasons suggested for MSM engagement in SDU are also likely to apply to women who have sex with women (WSW) and trans people. The aim of this review was to investigate SDU, including chemsex, among lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people internationally in relation to sexual health outcomes (HIV status, STI diagnosis, condom use). Papers that were published between January 2010 and June 2020 reporting SDU in MSM, WSW, or trans people were identified through Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus and Web of Science. Results were synthesised using a narrative approach. The search identified 2,710 publications, of which 75 were included in the final synthesis. The majority of studies measured SDU among MSM (n=71), and four studies measured SDU among trans people. Research into SDU had been conducted in 55 countries and 32 countries had recorded the use of a chemsex drug among MSM, although the drugs used to define chemsex varied. Among studies that researched MSM, SDU was most commonly investigated in relation to condomless anal intercourse (n=42), followed by HIV prevalence (n=35), and then STI diagnoses (n=27). Drug use was generally associated with sexual health outcomes, but particularly in chemsex studies. SDU research is lacking among WSW and trans people, despite trans women having a high HIV prevalence. Among MSM, most drugs were associated with sexual health outcomes, and therefore it is important to include both chemsex drugs and other drugs in SDU research.

A healthier way to meet people: the experiences of LGBT people exercising with a peer group.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) individuals have been shown to have poorer health when compared to those who identified as heterosexual. Additionally, they encounter barriers that deter participation in sports. To understand the experiences of LGBT individuals who participate in physical activity with peers. An exploratory-descriptive qualitative (EDQ) study with data collected via face-to-face interviews from 12 participants. Data were thematically analysed to identify findings. exercising with peers represents a healthier way to meet people. Participants experienced improved physical, mental and social health. Engaging with a peer group for physical activity can have a transformational effect on members of the LGBT community, impacting on all aspects of their wellbeing. Nurses, and other health professionals, should be aware of the multifaceted benefits that exercising with a peer group can have, using their regular interactions with this patient group to recommend peer-supported exercise.

Applying a Capabilities Approach to Understanding Older LGBT People's Disclosures of Identity in Community Primary Care.

Internationally, there is increasing recognition that lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) populations experience substantial public health inequalities and require interventions to address these inequalities, yet data on this population is often not routinely collected. This paper considers the case study of the UK, where there are proposals to improve government and health data collection on LGBT populations, but also a degree of apparent uncertainty over the purpose and relevance of information about LGBT status in healthcare. This paper applies a health capabilities framework, arguing that the value of health information about LGBT status should be assessed according to whether it improves LGBT people’s capability to achieve good health. We draw upon 36 older LGBT people’s qualitative accounts of disclosing LGBT status within UK general practice healthcare. Participants’ accounts of the benefits and risks of disclosure could be mapped against multiple domains of capability, including those that closely align with biomedical accounts (e.g., longevity and physical health), but also more holistic considerations (e.g., emotion and affiliation). However, across all domains, individuals tend to assess capabilities at an individual level, with relatively little reference to population-level impact of disclosure. Clearer articulation of the benefits of disclosure and data collection for the collective capabilities of LGBT populations may be a beneficial strategy for improving the quality of information on LGBT populations.

The experiences of older LGBT+ people in social care settings

Nursing and Residential CareVol. 22, No. 4 CommentThe experiences of older LGBT+ people in social care settingsKathryn AlmackKathryn AlmackProfessor of Health, Young People and Family Lives, University of HertfordshireSearch for more papers by this authorKathryn AlmackPublished Online:18 Mar 2020https://doi.org/10.12968/nrec.2020.22.4.5AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View articleReferencesAlmack K, Yip A, Seymour J et al.. The Last Outing: exploring end of life experiences and care needs in the lives of older LGBT people. Final Report. 2015. University of Nottingham Google ScholarAlmack K. ‘I didn't come out to go back in the closet’: ageing and end of life care for older LGBT people. In King A, Almack K, Suen T-Y, Westwood S. Older lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people: minding the knowledge gaps. London: Routledge: 2019;158–171 Google ScholarAlmack K, King A. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans ageing in a UK context: critical observations of recent research literature. Int J Aging Hum Dev, 2019. OnlineFirst https://doi.org/0091415019836921 Crossref, Google ScholarBenison L. Raising the bar against discrimination in social care. NRC. 2020; 22(1):12–17 Google ScholarCare Quality Commission. Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people: a different ending: addressing inequalities in end of life care. 2016. www.cqc.org.uk/sites/default/files/20160505%20CQC_EOLC_LGBT_FINAL_2.pdf (accessed 5 February 2020) Google ScholarHafford-Letchfield T, Willis P, Almack K, Simpson P. Developing inclusive residential care for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people: an evaluation of the Care Home Challenge action research project. Health Soc Care Community. 2018; 26(2):e312-e320. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.12521 Crossref, Google ScholarHafford-Letchfield T, Willis P, Almack K, Simpson P. Assessment and development tool for promoting LGBT&I inclusiveness in care settings. Middlesex University in association with Comic Relief. 2016. www.researchgate.net/publication/308723055_Assessment_and_Development_Tool_for_promoting_LGBTI_inclusiveness_in_care_settings?channel=doi&linkId=57ecfc7608ae93b7fa968879&showFulltext=true (accessed 5 February 2020) Google ScholarSimpson P, Almack K, Walthery P. ‘We treat them all the same’: a survey of attitudes, knowledge and practices of staff concerning LGB&T residents in care homes for old people. Ageing and Society. 2018; 38(5): 869–899. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X1600132X Crossref, Google ScholarWestwood SL, & Knocker S. One-day training courses on LGBT* awareness—are they the answer? In Westwood SPrice E (eds). Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* individuals living with dementia: concepts, practice and rights. London: Routledge: 2016:155–167 Crossref, Google ScholarWillis P, Almack K, Hafford-Letchfield T, Simpson P, Billings B, Mall N. Turning the co-production corner: methodological reflections from an action research project to promote LGBT inclusion in care homes for older people. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018; 15(4):E695. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15040695 Crossref, Google ScholarWomen and Equalities Committee, House of Commons. Health and social care and LGBT communities. First report of session 2019. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201920/cmselect/cmwomeq/94/94.pdf (accessed 5 February 2020) Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byCaring for older LGBT+ peopleDrew Payne1 July 2022 | British Journal of Community Nursing, Vol. 27, No. 7 2 April 2020Volume 22Issue 4ISSN (print): 1465-9301ISSN (online): 2052-2932 Metrics History Published online 18 March 2020 Published in print 2 April 2020 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

LGBT people and suicidality in youth: A qualitative study of perceptions of risk and protective circumstances

Evidence suggests that lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people are more likely to attempt to take their own lives in their youth when compared to heterosexual and/or cisgender people. This study draws on in-depth interviews with 17 LGBT individuals living in England, and explores the narratives used by participants to better understand their perceptions of risk and protective circumstances to explain suicide attempts in youth. Using a Goffman-informed thematic analysis, results identified three key themes that were linked to attempts to end life in youth. The first theme considers the conflicts resulting from first disclosure of sexual orientation and/or gender identity/trans status and being ‘out’ to others. The second theme explores participants' accounts of their concurrent mental health issues and how diagnoses of the mental health issues helped them make sense of their own experiences of attempted suicide. The final theme explores the experience of grieving over lost relationships and how that grief is received by others, including health professionals. Our results indicate that some LGBT individuals have effectively, although often arduously, navigated suicidal crises by utilising various approaches to coping. We provide a rich and layered picture of LGBT suicide risk in youth and potential resilience scenarios, although these are a reflection of our specific group of participants' experiences and realities. We argue that it is important to understand how LGBT individuals with a history of suicide attempts narrate and make sense of their experiences in early life and we suggest that the early negative experiences continue to have an effect on LGBT adults today.

TRAJECTORIES OF CARE FOR LGBT (LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANS) AGEING POPULATIONS

AbstractThis symposium presents research from the UK, US and Canada which focuses on aspects of care and the care needs for ageing lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people. The symposium will offer insights which contribute to broader understandings of the heterogeneity of ageing. It showcases cutting edge research in the field which provides compelling evidence for the need to recognize and address the unique care needs of older LGBT individuals - a diverse new ageing population worthy of more attention within gerontology. In particular, this symposium demonstrates that despite recent socio-legal shifts, LGBT people are still an invisible and marginalised population in care settings and their life-stories and relationships are frequently overlooked by care providers. The paper by Hafford-Letchfield et al., present findings from a pilot scheme designed to find ways to enhance the inclusion of older LGBT residents in English care homes. Flatt et al., address the area of long term care in the US, identifying predisposing, enabling and need factors of older LGBT people. The papers by both Almack and De Vries et al., focus on the unique experiences and diversity of support needs of LGBT older people towards the end of life, in the UK and Canada respectively. All four papers raise issues of intersections between ageing, gender identity and sexual orientation in different geographical contexts and across a range of care settings.

Domestic violence and companion animals in the context of LGBT people’s relationships

The link between domestic violence and animal abuse has now been well established, indicating that where there is one form of abuse, there is often the other. Research on this link, however, has almost exclusively focused on heterosexual cisgender people’s relationships. Lacking, then, is an exploration of the possibly unique links between domestic violence and animal abuse in the context of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people’s relationships. In this article we adopt a feminist intersectional approach informed by Critical Animal Studies to advocate for a non-pathologising approach to understanding LGBT people’s relationships with regard to the link between domestic violence and animal abuse.

‘We treat them all the same’: the attitudes, knowledge and practices of staff concerning old/er lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans residents in care homes

ABSTRACTThe distinct needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) residents in care homes accommodating older people have been neglected in scholarship. On the basis of a survey of 187 individuals, including service managers and direct care staff, we propose three related arguments. First, whilst employees’ attitudes generally indicate a positive disposition towards LGBT residents, this appears unmatched by the ability to recognise such individuals and knowledge of the issues and policies affecting LGBT people. Statements such as, ‘We don't have any [LGBT residents] at the moment’ and ‘I/we treat them all the same’ were common refrains in responses to open-ended questions. They suggest the working of heteronormativity which could deny sexual and identity difference. Second, failure to recognise the distinct health and social care needs of LGBT residents means that they could be subject to a uniform service, which presumes a heterosexual past and cisgender status (compliance with ascribed gender), which risks compounding inequality and invisibility. Third, LGBT residents could be obliged to depend largely on the goodwill, knowledge and reflexivity of individual staff (including people of faith) to meet care and personal needs, though such qualities were necessary but not sufficient conditions for inclusion and no substitute for collective practices (involving commitment to learn about LGBT issues) that become integral to care homes’ everyday functioning. A collective approach is key to advancing inclusion, implementation of legal rights to self-expression and securing equality through differentiated provision.

Sociolegal and practice implications of caring for LGBT people with dementia.

The needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people with dementia are poorly recognised. This is due partly to assumptions that all older people are heterosexual or asexual. One quarter of gay or bisexual men and half of lesbian or bisexual women have children, compared with 90% of heterosexual women and men, which means LGBT older adults are more likely to reside in care homes. Older LGBT people may be unwilling to express their sexual identities in care settings and this can affect their care. Members of older people's informal care networks must be recognised to ensure their involvement in the lives of residents in care settings continues. However, healthcare professionals may not always realise that many LGBT people rely on their families of choice or wider social networks more than on their families of origin. This article explores sociolegal issues that can arise in the care of older LGBT people with dementia, including enabling autonomy, capacity and applying legal frameworks to support their identities and relationships. It also highlights implications for practice.

Few and Far from Radical? LGBT-Related Contributions in European Social Work Journal Publishing

The acquisition of an appropriate and theoretically informed knowledge base constitutes an important requirement for the development of competent social work practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people. This article discusses problems and potentials of addressing LGBT issues in social work and presents the findings of an inventory on LGBT-related content in European social work journal publishing from 2010 to 2015. Although the number of contributions is very limited, the findings confirm an attention to social aspects of LGBT issues and a strong focus on LGBT people’s needs in social work debates. More attention is, however, required in relation to theoretical choices capable of challenging heteronormativity on a more radical level.

'Them Two Things are What Collide Together': Understanding the Sexual Identity Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans People Labelled with Intellectual Disability.

Previous research aiming to understand the lives of lesbian, gay bisexual and trans (LGBT) people labelled with intellectual disabilities is limited. There are few recent studies and available findings are often contradictory and inconsistent. This study aimed to explore how LGBT people labelled with intellectual disabilities experienced their sexual identities. Five LGBT people labelled with intellectual disabilities were interviewed, and data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis methodology. Four superordinate themes represented the following: common experiences of bullying/abuse, understanding sexualities, other's responses to intellectual disabilities and sexualities, and navigating acceptance. Strategies for coping with abuse maintained participant's engagement in local communities. Sexuality was often problematized by others despite being generally accepted by participants. Coming out was a continual process of decision-making to facilitate safety and acceptance. To feel fully supported, participants desired holistic service provision sensitive to their sexuality and intellectual disability needs. Clinical and research implications are suggested.

Suicide in lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans populations: systematic review of a decade of research (2004-2014)

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) populations have a high prevalence of suicide behaviors. To review the literature on suicide among LGBT populations. A systematic review of the scientific literature published between 2004 and 2014 on suicidality among LGBT people was conducted. Forty-five articles were selected for a thematic analysis. The research on suicide among LGBT people has increased during the last decade. The vast majority of studies have been conducted in the U.S. and other English speaking countries. At the same time, in a great part, these studies have been published in journals specializing in mental health and public health of sexual minorities. In general, they provide a significant foundation on protective and risk factors for suicide as well as their epidemiology. The focus of research on suicide among LGBT populations is mainly exploratory. More attention on these at-risk groups is required from the suicide research community in order to provide useful evidence for prevention and development of focalized and effective interventions.

P025 Improving local sexual health services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people

Background/introduction LGBT people have different care needs to other sexual health clinic attendees. Many STIs are known to disproportionately affect men who have sex with men (MSM). We wished to ascertain how to optimise LGBT, and in particular MSM, service provision by our urban sexual health clinic. Methods 100 questionnaires were completed by attendees to the local Pride event. Results 61 respondents self-defined as female, 34 male, 4 transman and 1 demifem. 27 (20 women, 4 men) stated their sexual partners were both male and female, 38 (12 women, 25 men) had same-sex partners, and 34 (28 women, 5 men) had opposite-sex partners only. 81 had not attended the local clinic. Reasons for this included previously living elsewhere (22), not feeling they required the service (15) or not knowing it existed (9). 67 reported they would like a specific LGBT sexual health clinic, with 63 requesting evening clinics. 9 did not want specific clinics, with 2 respondents citing concerns about discrimination. 61 felt more LGBT sexual health services outside the city centre are needed. Features they would like included web-based bookings (64), home-testing kits (49), pre-exposure prophylaxis (79) and HPV vaccination (69). Discussion/conclusion The questionnaire was successful in capturing opinions of those who hadn’t previously attended our service. However it is not possible to ascertain whether views expressed were representative of the local LGBT population as a whole and less than a third were MSM. We will consider developing a specific LGBT service in response to the survey’s findings.

Exploring the Care Act’s potential for anti-discriminatory practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans older people

Purpose – The planning and provision of care for older people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities is an increasing challenge to traditional welfare systems. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of the newly implemented Care Act 2014 in England for developing an anti-discriminatory approach. Design/methodology/approach – The review draws on existing research and conceptual literature to identify how key provisions of the new act can be interpreted in light of current knowledge. Findings – Overall the provisions of the Care Act lend themselves well to positive interpretation in relation to the needs of older LGBT people and their support networks. A potential tension, however, arises in the locality focus of the legislation that could constrain good practice with geographically dispersed communities. There is also a need to challenge both heteronormative and ageist assumptions that lead to older LGBT people remaining unrecognised. Practical implications – Applied with imagination and commitment, the provisions of the new act could enable new forms of person-centred care to emerge to support older LGBT people. Social implications – Social workers are in a key position to influence how the Care Act is interpreted and applied in practice and can act as change agents for a societal move towards older LGBT people having greater choice and control over their well-being. Originality/value – This review presents examples of how the provisions of the legislation can be utilised to support positive change for older LGBT people.

Understanding the experiences and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans Australians living with dementia, and their partners.

To outline the experiences and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) Australians living with dementia - and their partners. In-depth interviews were conducted with LGBT people, their partners and service providers. LGBT people living with dementia experience unique challenges including the failure of some families of origin and service providers to understand and value their sexual orientation or gender identity. The fear of discrimination by service providers results in greater reliance on intimate partners for care and compounds social isolation. The unique experiences of LGBT people with dementia are not well understood. There is a need to recognise historical experiences, including familial relationships, and provide advocacy to ensure sexual and gender rights are not violated. There is also a need to ensure that the experiences and perspectives of LGBT people living with dementia inform the development of services.

Prepare for Impact? Reflecting on Knowledge Exchange Work to Improve Services for Older LGBT People in Times of Austerity

This article reflects on the experience of undertaking a knowledge exchange project with a local government authority to improve services for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) adults. It frames this project in terms of local government equality work, existing research and initiatives concerning older LGBT people and the coming of austerity. The project methodology is detailed, including discussion of the generation and measurement of impact. Some critical issues that arose during the project are considered, including suggestions that these may have been related to economic austerity. The article concludes that although knowledge exchange work with older LGBT people faces challenges in such times, future research and initiatives are warranted.

A place to feel secure

A new health and wellbeing centre has opened in Birmingham to address the health inequalities in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) community. Working alongside other service providers to target issues such as attempted suicide, depression, self-harm, smoking, drinking and sexual health, the centre will act as a'one-stop shop' providing ongoing support for LGBT people.

‘It's Something You Just Have to Ignore’: Understanding and Addressing Contemporary Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Safety Beyond Hate Crime Paradigms

AbstractIn common with the experiences of many other groups – and despite changing legal landscapes and increasing recognition within social policy of different groups’ needs – LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) people continue to face discrimination and abuse, and improving safety continues to be a key touchstone for policy makers and practitioners engaging with LGBT lives. Based on evidence from Count Me In Too, an LGBT participatory research project in Brighton & Hove, UK, the paper challenges approaches to dealing with LGBT safety that narrowly focus on reporting within a hate crime paradigm, and recognises the shift towards multi-agency approaches to LGBT safety. Our evidence shows that many LGBT people differentially recognise or do not recognise abuse, instead ‘normalising’ much of the abuse they experience in order to carry on with day-to-day life. By focusing on the effects of abuse and how it is dealt with by individuals and communities, rather than focusing on what constitutes abuse, we show the importance of addressing LGBT safety in ways that move beyond questions of criminal justice and the reporting of hate crime. We argue for a broader social policy framework that uses multi-agency approaches to community safety for those who experience abuse on the basis of their sexual and/or gender identities, which should attend to how safety services may provide more appropriate contexts of care and support, and which should build upon relevant knowledges within LGBT communities. Fostering solidarities among LGBT people may also empower them to work towards broader social transformation.