LGBTQ+ persons receive worse sexual and mental healthcare than heterosexuals
and this disparity is even greater in rural and Northern communities
What causes this inequality in healthcare access?
After surveying persons in the Northwest Territories in the Canadian Arctic, researchers have now identified three key factors
Small communities had few healthcare facilities, leading to privacy concerns
Sexual healthcare was biased towards heterosexuality, limiting appropriate care
Stigma was perceived against LBGTQ+ identities and sexually transmitted infections, creating shame and fear
To better serve LGBTQ+ persons, inclusive and non-judgmental approaches are needed
such as self-identifying gender and taking a sex-positive approach
and providers must thoroughly understand LGBTQ+ sexual health issues
These strategies could help reduce stigma and improve health education, creating more inclusive care
Logie, Lys, Dias, Schott, Zouboules, MacNeill, and Mackay. “Exploring sexual healthcare experiences...” Health Soc Care Community (2019)