Providing and finding access to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive care matters when building a health care system that is welcoming of everyone.
Our Pride Week 2025 series aims to shed light on the 2SLGBTQIA+ experience with aging and health care.
Many 2SLGBTQIA+ people living with advanced illnesses face uncertainty regarding access to care through their end of life journey. Finding and accessing inclusive care can be a challenge for many. However, the first step always begins with you – by identifying what matters to you and your care needs.
Providing inclusive healthcare means an institutional recognition of discrimination that has been prevalent in the 2SLGBTQIA+ experience. It also means a commitment to change and active practice of providing care compassionate care.
When we have inclusive health care, we have a system that is welcoming to everyone.
Inclusive care for the Community
Strength often comes from within community where networks of support, care and advocacy are built.
Gaining access to inclusive care starts with identifying what matters to you. Sharing concerns with friends and family, and identifying when past negative experiences have resulted in an avoidance or delay in seeking care.
2SLGBTQIA+ seniors may face additional issues to aging such as:
- Limited income or financial challenges
- Lack of connection with biological family
- Social isolation resulting from being single or without children
- Higher risk of depression or a negative self-image because of discrimination
Inclusive care from Providers
It is essential that care providers recognize and acknowledge the effects of discrimination, a history that has lead to uncertainty or even mistrust from queer patients. By addressing each person as a whole, care providers can present equal access to opportunities and resources that may have previously been behind barriers.
According to a report out of the UK from the Marie Curie end of life charity, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community experience a number of key issues when transitioning into end of life:
Anticipating discrimination
Three in Five gay people are not confident that social care and support services will be able to understand their needs. This leads to people accessing palliative care services too late, or not at all.
Complexities of religion and end of life care
Palliative and end of life care services may not always ensure 2SLGBTQIA+ patients and their supports have the same spiritual needs addressed at end of life.
Assumptions about identity and family structure
Health and social care staff often make assumptions about people’s sexuality or gender identity. These assumptions have an impact on the experience of palliative and end of life care.
Varied support networks
At end of life, 2SLGBTQIA+ people may choose to be surrounded by chosen family, close friends and support groups alongside biological ones. Many feel concerned that their loved ones will not be respected or recognised as next of kin.
Unsupported grief and bereavement
Many partners feel isolated or unsupported during bereavement because of a lack of inclusive spaces that offer support in dealing with grief.
Increased pressure on 2SLGBTQIA+ carers
Due to experiences with discrimination, many 2SLGBTQIA+ people are accessing care late or not at all. This places increased pressure on informal carers.
Policies and practices that aim to eliminate barriers and discrimination are a first step to ensuring a whole person approach to care.
Resources
Finding 2SLGBTQ Inclusive Care
Finding Inclusive Continuing Care