The intersectionality of marginalized identities creates unique obstacles in access to healthcare, employment, and social participation for LGBTQ+ people. These barriers are complicated further when they involve more than one identity, such as race, gender, disability, and socioeconomic status.
Discrimination based on age, class, religion, education level, or geographic location may also be present, adding to the difficulty faced by this group. While there have been many advances made in terms of legislation that protect these populations from discrimination, challenges remain due to prejudice and misunderstanding.
One area where the effects of intersecting marginalized identities can be seen is in the realm of healthcare. Due to lack of knowledge about specific needs related to their conditions, individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ often experience unequal treatment compared to cisgender heterosexual patients. This includes receiving insufficient care, being misdiagnosed, and facing higher costs for services.
Transgender and nonbinary people face additional challenges due to limited understanding of their bodies' anatomy, hormones, and reproductive systems. Medical providers may refuse care or delay appointments because they feel uncomfortable with treating them. The result is a widespread disparity in health outcomes between LGBTQ+ individuals and their counterparts.
Employment is another field where the combination of multiple identities leads to difficulties. Many workplace cultures do not value diversity and inclusion and may actively discriminate against those outside the norm. Employers may deny job opportunities or promotion promotions simply because an individual belongs to an underrepresented group, such as a racial minority or has a disability. Similarly, discrimination during interviews and hiring processes can lead to lower pay and fewer career options. These factors are compounded when an individual also faces other forms of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, or identity.
In terms of social participation, those who belong to many different groups may find it difficult to access spaces and communities that welcome them without judgement.
LGBTQ+ individuals living in rural areas may struggle to meet others like themselves due to geographic isolation. Those from religious backgrounds that do not accept homosexuality may have difficulty finding support networks and safe places to be themselves. The same applies to individuals who live in poverty, as they may lack the resources necessary to attend events and gatherings that would otherwise provide much-needed emotional support.
To address these challenges, policy makers must take steps towards ensuring equal rights for all people. This includes creating laws that prohibit discrimination based on any marginalized identity, including race, class, religion, education level, and more.
Training should be provided to healthcare providers and employers so that they can better understand how to serve patients and employees with intersecting identities.
Organizations should prioritize fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels welcomed and accepted.
The intersectionality of marginalized identities has profound effects on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. By recognizing this reality and working to create equitable policies, we can begin to mitigate these challenges and ensure that all members of our society receive the care, employment, and social opportunities they deserve.
How do intersecting marginalized identities exacerbate challenges for LGBTQ individuals in healthcare, employment, and social participation, and how can policies address these compounded challenges?
Intersecting marginalized identities such as gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, age, socioeconomic status, and physical ability can exacerbate challenges for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) community when they are seeking healthcare, employment, and social inclusion.