Lgbtq+ adults often feel vulnerable when receiving health care

A Deeper Dive Into Dignity 2024: Qualitative Findings brings additional understanding to the Dignity 2024: Experience of LGBTQ+ Older Adults quantitative data.  Deeper Dive adds nuances and

narratives with real life stories that help create empathy and humanize the issues that impact LGBTQ+ adults as they are getting older, particularly around physical and mental health, health

care, caregiving, relationships and social isolation. LGBTQ+ PEOPLE FEEL VULNERABLE IN HEALTH CARE SPACES, WHICH COMPROMISES THE QUALITY OF THEIR CARE. A simple health care visit requires

individuals to be honest with the provider to receive an accurate diagnosis and proper care. This can be difficult to achieve for some LGBTQ+ people who are often cautious and looking for

signs of a welcoming environment — leading some to hide their identity (when possible) or even avoid the health care system altogether. THERE ARE VARYING WAYS THAT DISCRIMINATION IS

EXPERIENCED IN THE HEALTH CARE SPACE. Respondents’ stories of discrimination in health care reveal challenges that range from a feeling of discomfort, worrying about their physical

well-being, perceiving that the health care professional or staff has a negative attitude, to professionals voluntarily ignoring one’s identity or using it to shame and misdiagnose them.

LGBTQ+ PEOPLE WANT AND DESERVE TO FEEL SAFE AND TO BE SEEN. LGBTQ+ people have utilized strategies to protect themselves against discrimination such as hiding their identities or proactively

planning for worst case scenarios. LGBTQ+ older adults seek compassion, education, empathy, transparency and individualization. METHODOLOGY In June 2024, Firefish USA conducted a

qualitative study focusing on LGBTQ+ community members living in the United States. The recruitment targeted LGBTQ+ residents age 45 or older to participate in online focus groups to ensure

a wide range of geographic representation.  Firefish USA aimed to recruit a diverse group of participants to capture inclusive voices from the LGBTQ+ community, encompassing various gender

identities, sexual orientations, health conditions, and racial and ethnic backgrounds. A total of 10 LGBTQ+ community members participated in the 60-minute online focus groups. The

discussions were guided by an interview guide developed by Firefish USA in collaboration with AARP staff. For more information, please contact Cassandra Cantave Burton at [email protected].

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