LGBTQ individuals face unique challenges that can make it difficult to access healthcare, find stable employment, and experience full participation in society. Intersecting marginalized identities can further compound these challenges.
A transgender person who is also a person of color may face discrimination in both their gender identity and race, making accessing quality healthcare even more difficult.
A disabled lesbian woman may struggle to find an inclusive workplace where she feels safe and supported. This paper will explore how intersecting marginalized identities exacerbate challenges in healthcare, employment, and social inclusion for LGBTQ individuals.
Healthcare Challenges
Healthcare challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals are numerous and varied. Firstly, many LGBTQ people report feeling uncomfortable disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity to medical providers due to fear of discrimination or stigma. According to a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, one-third of LGBTQ patients surveyed had experienced discrimination from a doctor or other healthcare provider in the past year. As a result, they may avoid seeking care altogether, delay treatment, or seek alternative forms of care outside of the traditional system.
LGBTQ individuals often lack access to comprehensive healthcare services tailored specifically to their needs. Many doctors and nurses have not received adequate training on caring for LGBTQ patients, leading to misunderstandings, misdiagnoses, and poorer outcomes. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that only 14% of medical schools include topics related to LGBTQ health in their curricula.
Intersecting marginalized identities can also exacerbate these challenges.
Transgender people who are also people of color may face additional barriers when accessing gender-affirming care. Trans people of color are more likely to experience poverty and homelessness, which can limit their access to quality care. They may also encounter stereotypes about their sexuality, race, and gender identity that further compound the difficulty of finding competent healthcare.
Transgender individuals with disabilities may struggle to find providers who understand both their physical and mental health needs.
Employment Challenges
Employment challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals are also significant. Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity remains legal in many states, making it difficult for LGBTQ individuals to secure employment opportunities. According to the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, nearly half of LGBTQ employees report experiencing workplace discrimination, including harassment, denial of promotion, and termination. This discrimination often leads to economic hardship, as LGBTQ individuals are less likely to be able to save for retirement, own a home, or achieve financial stability.
Intersectional identities can also exacerbate these challenges. Queer women of color, for example, may face double discrimination due to their race and gender identity. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that queer women of color earn an average of 61 cents for every dollar earned by white heterosexual men, compared to 80 cents for lesbian white women. As a result, they may have difficulty accessing higher-paying jobs and promotions. Disabled LGBTQ individuals may also struggle to find inclusive workplaces where they feel supported and valued.
Social Inclusion Challenges
Social inclusion challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals are similarly complex. Many LGBTQ people experience isolation and loneliness due to the lack of supportive communities and social networks. They may also face stigma from family members, friends, and peers who do not understand or accept their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicide risk.
Intersecting marginalized identities can further compound these challenges. A transgender person of color, for instance, may face additional barriers when trying to build community. They may lack access to safe spaces where they feel accepted and affirmed, leading to feelings of isolation and disconnection.
Disabled LGBTQ individuals may struggle to participate fully in society due to physical limitations or limited mobility.
Intersecting marginalized identities exacerbate challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals across various domains. From healthcare to employment to social inclusion, marginalized identities create unique obstacles that make it difficult for LGBTQ individuals to thrive. It is essential for medical providers, policymakers, and advocates to recognize and address these challenges to ensure equitable access to quality care, employment opportunities, and meaningful participation in society.
How do intersecting marginalized identities exacerbate challenges in healthcare, employment, and social inclusion for LGBTQ individuals?
Intersecting marginalized identities such as race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, age, and religion can exacerbate various challenges that LGBTQ individuals experience in the areas of healthcare, employment, and social inclusion (Herrman & Gross, 2018; Sweeney et al. , 2020).