2S/LGBTQIA+ individuals in Quebec and elsewhere are significantly more likely than heterosexual and cisgender individuals to report unmet health needs or barriers to accessing healthcare services. This issue is compounded by the persistence of stigma within the healthcare system, leading many 2S/LGBTQIA+ community members to either refrain from seeking medical care, conceal their sexual orientation and history when seeking medical attention, or endure microaggressions during healthcare consultations. Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has introduced additional challenges, shedding light on various deficiencies in the Quebec healthcare system and worsening the access difficulties experienced by this population.

It is in this context that the study Towards an inclusive healthcare system was launched. The study’s primary objective is to describe the healthcare access experiences of 2S/LGBTQIA+ communities and to identify ways for rendering healthcare access more equitable and inclusive.

Between November 2021 and March 2022, 56 gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and two-spirit men shared their experiences in focus groups held online to rethink and reimagine healthcare services.

We are currently recruiting women and individuals who identify as lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, or queer (cisgender or transgender) in Quebec to share their healthcare experiences in a 1.5-hour online focus group. Groups are held in French. Specific focus groups for racialized people are planned.

A compensation of $75 is offered to participants.