Navigating healthcare challenges for sexually and gender diverse adolescents: Understanding barriers and promoting equity

Abstract

This chapter describes the barriers sexually and gender diverse (SGD) adolescents encounter in formal healthcare settings and provides recommendations for affirming care. Discrimination by healthcare providers creates a significant barrier, resulting in inadequate care or service avoidance. Healthcare providers often lack a comprehensive understanding of SGD adolescents’ healthcare needs, particularly of those who are gender diverse, and may assume that these adolescents identify as heterosexual and cisgender. SGD adolescents frequently express concerns about disclosing their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), confidentiality, and healthcare affordability. To create inclusive environments, waitlist barriers must be addressed and safe spaces for adolescents to disclose their SOGI need to be established. Providers should be encouraged to undertake continuous training on SOGI-related health issues and implement affirmative care policies.