Integrated care for LGBTQ+ people

Abstract

While LGBTQ+ people have received increased media coverage over the past two decades, awareness has not necessarily been productive towards including all identities. Rather, some identities have been ‘othered’ or neglected within research and practice, for example, bisexual, pansexual, trans and non-binary people. Health and social care organisations have a key role in addressing discrimination to ensure minoritized gender and sexual identities are included within integrated care systems. There is an opportunity to rebuild systems, procedures and policies using contemporary knowledge of LGBTQ+ peoples' lives to contribute to a more inclusive form of integrated care. It is hoped that in doing so, the public sector can embody an integrated care approach that includes and empowers LGBTQ+ voices and perspectives to inform ethical, respectful and equitable practice. This chapter explores the ways in which health and social care sector staff and systems can work together to build a shared knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ people, as well as a coordinated approach to assessing and responding to their specific needs.