Navigating Intersectional Approaches, Methods, and Interdisciplinarity to Health Equity in LGBTQ+ Communities

Abstract

The broad spectrum of health services and wellness surrounding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities operates within multiple layers of social inequities. Research using intersectionality features numerous research methods purposed specifically for clarity toward increasing health equity. Generated in the scope of various research methods (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods), utilizing intersectionality illustrates potential to explore complex phenomena and outcomes within LGBTQ+ communities. As intersectionality thrives on interdisciplinarity, this article focuses on three overarching purposes: (a) accentuate health equity and social justice across an interdisciplinary scope for LGBTQ+ communities, (b) highlight formative principles grounded in intersectionality, and (c) supplement recommendations for research targeting health equity.

Keywords:

• Feminism
• health equity
• interdisciplinary
• intersectionality
• LGBTQ+
• methodology
• research methods
• social justice

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christian D. Chan

Christian D. Chan, PhD, NCC, Assistant Professor of Counseling, Department of Counseling, Idaho State University. Rachel K. Henesy, PhD, NCC, Visiting Assistant Professor, School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Oklahoma State University. Correspondence regarding this article should be addressed to Christian D. Chan, Department of Counseling, Idaho State University, 921 South 8th Avenue, Stop 8120, Pocatello, ID 83209-8120. Email: [email protected]