‘It’s part of the armor I put on’: How stigma affects LGBTQ+ experiences with reproductive healthcare

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and sexual or gender minority (LGBTQ+) individuals have unique reproductive health needs. Yet, they face pervasive stigma and barriers to receiving healthcare in the U.S. Individual qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of sixteen LGBTQ + individuals explored their experiences navigating the healthcare system. Results of thematic analysis were categorized into three areas: identifying the hetero-cis-trans-normative system, tolerating or accepting the system, and challenging the system. Participants discussed encountering continuing stigma and lack of inclusion but also indicated ways to combat it. Participants’ suggestions are used to highlight how healthcare can be improved to meet LGBTQ + needs in a sensitive and nuanced manner.