Advancing 2S/LGBTQ+ Health Equity: A Call for Structural Action

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity
• Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• Diverse Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (2S/LGBTQ+) populations face significant threats to their social, mental, physical, and sexual health.
• Divisive policies and rhetoric negatively impact 2S/LGBTQ+ individuals globally and within Canada, mirroring international trends.
• Growing threats to the human rights and health of 2S/LGBTQ+ communities in Canada necessitate urgent attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical role of health system leaders and scholars in addressing health inequities.
• To focus on the urgency of tackling social and structural determinants of health for 2S/LGBTQ+ communities.
• To advocate for improved health equity within a context of political volatility.

Main Methods:

• This themed issue examines the social and structural factors impacting 2S/LGBTQ+ health.
• Analysis of current political and social trends affecting 2S/LGBTQ+ populations.
• Literature review and synthesis of research on health determinants.

Main Results:

• The health and human rights of 2S/LGBTQ+ individuals are increasingly under threat in Canada and globally.
• Social and structural determinants significantly contribute to health inequities experienced by 2S/LGBTQ+ communities.
• Political volatility exacerbates existing health disparities.

Conclusions:

• Health system leaders and scholars must actively learn about and address 2S/LGBTQ+ health inequities.
• Advocacy for health equity is essential to counteract negative policy and societal impacts.
• Urgent action is required to mitigate the adverse effects of social and structural determinants on 2S/LGBTQ+ health.