In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on healthcare inequalities and inequities among sexual and gender minorities. Though public perceptions of sexual and gender minorities are changing, they continue to face discrimination within healthcare systems. This Research Topic aims to explore discrimination and stigma that members of sexual and gender minorities experience in healthcare systems where LGBTI communities are legally recognized. Our primary focus is on the barriers that these groups face while seeking gender-affirming services—not the legal proscriptions in certain environments.

Examining and highlighting disparities in healthcare access for sexual and gender minorities is pivotal in unveiling potential discrepancies and injustices prevalent within these communities. Analyzing research on health inequalities serves as a valuable avenue for comprehending the distinctive health requirements of the LGBTI community, thereby aiding healthcare systems in delivering empathetic and efficacious healthcare services. The imperative to address the health needs of diverse communities is paramount in thwarting disease and enhancing society's collective health. Ultimately, the identification and mitigation of these disparities play a crucial role in shaping health policies and programs that are not only more substantive but also attuned to the nuanced needs of sexual and gender minorities.

This Research Topic seeks to provide valuable insights into the ongoing discussion on inclusive healthcare practices and promote positive transformations in policies and attitudes, through the lens of Queer Theory, Minority Stress Theory, and Intersectionality. These theories enable a comprehensive understanding of discrimination against sexual and gender minorities, unveiling intersecting identities, societal biases, and the psychological impact of these experiences. Ultimately, incorporating these theories into the context of discrimination within LGBTQ healthcare, we aim to foster positive transformations in healthcare policies within its legal contexts, striving towards genuine inclusivity and equality.

In particular, this Research Topic aims to:

● Explore the experiences of sexual and gender minorities in healthcare systems where LGBTI communities are legally recognized

● Describe manifestations of stigma and discrimination within these healthcare settings

● Analyze our understanding of societal biases that contribute to the inequalities faced by sexual and gender minorities in the context of healthcare services

● Identify barriers that contribute to disparities in healthcare access for sexual and gender minorities

● Investigate views of sexual and gender minority communities and reflect the lived experiences of those directly affected

● Provide evidence-based recommendations and best practices to reduce stigma, discrimination, health disparities, and inequities among sexual and gender minorities.

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Frontiers in Sociology

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