Conectar
To map existing sexual and gender minority (SGM) health research in Ireland, identify gaps in literature and outline priorities for future research and healthcare. SGM is an umbrella term that includes people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex and is sometimes abbreviated as LGBTQI+.
A scoping review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024.
The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines and PRISMA-ScR framework for scoping reviews. Articles were identified through systematic database searches and screened independently by reviewers.
PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Embase were searched for articles published between January 2014 and April 2024. Sixty studies met inclusion criteria.
The review highlighted a disproportionate focus on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM), particularly regarding HIV and sexual health. Mental health research revealed high levels of anxiety, depression and suicidality, largely attributed to minority stress and systemic discrimination. Transgender health studies documented barriers to accessing gender-affirming care and mental health services. Few studies explored experiences of sexual minority women, older SGM individuals or intersex people. Intersectional perspectives on race, disability and socio-economic status were notably absent.
SGM health research in Ireland reflects significant progress in documenting disparities in mental and sexual health. However, there is a lack of representation for some groups. There is also limited attention to intersectionality. Systematic gaps in sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data impede targeted policymaking and service delivery.
Findings underscore the need for inclusive, culturally competent healthcare services, better integration of SGM health topics into nursing education, and community-centred interventions. Addressing structural barriers and improving provider competence can enhance equitable healthcare access for SGM populations.
This review addresses the fragmented state of SGM health research in Ireland, highlighting gaps in representation and systemic issues.
Authorship includes individuals from various sexual and gender minority communities.
The purpose of this study was to identify the common factors that help and hinder transgender and nonbinary youth accessing gender-specific health care in Ireland and to identify how these factors may be perceived differently by young people seeking gender-affirming care, their parents, and health-care providers.
Qualitative investigation utilizing framework analysis (FA).
In-depth one–one interviews were conducted with transgender and nonbinary youth (n = 10), parents of youth (n = 10), and gender-specific health-care providers (n = 10). Maximum variation and snowball sampling were used to recruit participants across Ireland. An interview guide codesigned with an expert panel of gender-diverse youth was utilized. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. FA was used to code the data and identify key issues and recommendations.
Four themes were derived: (1) “Needing bricks to build” (structural factors); (2) “Enduring and convincing” (diagnostic factors); (3) “Being me, hiding me”; (personal factors); and (4) “It takes a tribe” (interpersonal factors). Each stakeholder group perceived different factors as help or hindrance in accessing care with varying intensities.
Paramount to the future of gender services in Ireland is the investment of resources for children and young adults. Assessment is likely to remain a component of gender care, but youth recommend distinct revisions to the assessment process. Additional research would be useful in exploring the intersection of neurodiversity and gender as it pertains to health-care navigation. Family and peer support is a strong protective factor and enabler of health-care access among youth.
Access to gender-specific health care remains difficult for transgender and non-binary youth. An understanding of the complexity of this healthcare navigation by healthcare professionals may help to mitigate future negative experiences. This study explores some of the clinical considerations that arise for this population from provider perspectives while elucidating the experiences of youth and parents attempting to access care. Further research is needed on longitudinal outcomes following medical and surgical interventions for transgender youth, including nonbinary identities.
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