Access to Health and Human Services
Literature on LGBT people’s use of health and human services acknowledges the impact of stigma attached to non-heterosexual orientations and transgender identities is often a determining feature of the difficulties people experience in accessing them (Johnson, Mimiaga & Bradford, 2008). Emergent research on the experiences of LGBT people seeking or using health and human services (inclusive of carer supports) has recognised a variety of potential barriers to, and gaps in, appropriate service provision as well as fear of self-disclosure among LGBT service users (Albuquerque, de Lima Garcia, da Silva Quirino, Alves, Belém, dos Santos Figueiredo,... & de Abreu, 2016; Coon, 2007).
Many services designed for community and individual wellbeing, safety or capacity building (such as housing, policing, justice, legal, education and employment services) are perceived as unreliable or untrustworthy by LGBT people. LGBT populations have reported inequitable assistance and discriminatory practices in these sectors and highlighted many providers are simply inappropriate or ill-prepared to meet LGBT client needs (Aldridge & Somerville, 2014; Campo & Taylor, 2015; Rossman, Salamanca & Macapagal, 2017).
Circumstances surrounding LGBT communities suggest the need for tailored health and human services, which target the unique challenges and risks they face (Burwick, Gates, Baumgartner & Friend, 2014; Coon, 2007). LGBT people experience sizeable disparities in health and wellbeing outcomes compared to non-LGBT people. Among these are poorer mental health, greater suicide and self-harm risk, increased risks to sexual health, chronic illness, high rates of substance misuse as well as a higher likelihood of being a victim to bullying, violence and harassment (McKay, 2011; Scott, Pringle & Lumsdaine, 2004; Whitehead, Shaver & Stephensen, 2015).
Experiences of discrimination, stigma and harassment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is recognised as a key determinant of health and connected to poorer mental health outcomes among LGBT people (Rutherford, McIntyre, Daley & Ross, 2012). Research on LGBT mental health has identified links between discrimination and levels of depression, suicidal ideation and anxiety (Rosenstreich, 2013; Leonard, Pitts, Mitchell, Lyons, Smith, Patel,... & Barrett, 2012).
Furthermore, while research on comparative health risks and outcomes between the distinct subgroups under the LGBT umbrella remains innovative, significant disparities and differences between each cohort are noted in available data (LGBTI Health Alliance, 2016; Whitehead, Shaver, & Stephenson, 2016). Where there is overlap between cohorts, for example gay transgender men, these risks may be magnified.