Encounters in the Swedish health and welfare sector: experiences of people identifying as LGBTQ+

Abstract Background People identifying as LGBTQ + experience challenges when encountering the health and welfare sector. They experience heteronormativity and discrimination even though the health and welfare sector should value everyone equally and counteract discrimination. Research about the health and wellbeing of people identifying as LGBTQ + is mostly conducted in North America, and less research is conducted in Sweden; therefore, this study seeks to explore encounters with professionals in the health and welfare sector experienced by people identifying as LGBTQ+. Methods This study used a qualitative method involving 22 persons identifying as LGBTQ+. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data was analysed with content analysis. Results The main category, Varying encounters in the health and welfare sector, includes the two generic categories, Caring encounters and Uncaring encounters. Caring encounters include three sub-categories: Welcoming environment, Respectfulness and Competent professionals. Uncaring encounters includes three sub-categories: Heteronormative assumptions, Intimidating behaviours, and Experiences of discrimination. Conclusions Professionals in the health and welfare sector need to demonstrate that they support inclusion by having LGBTQ + competence and knowledge. More effort is needed to encourage professionals in the health and welfare sector to understand individuals identifying as LGBTQ+. Professionals need to be given the prerequisites to develop guidelines for caring encounters and competence in using inclusive language.