SOGIE-diverse inclusivity: An analysis of 2SLGBTQ+ representation on Ontario, Canada public health unit websites

The objectives of this study were to: 1) examine how often sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE)-diverse terms appeared on websites of public health units (PHUs) in Ontario, Canada, and 2) determine the contexts within which these terms appeared on these PHU websites.

This study employed a summative content analysis of 34 Ontario PHU websites.

The study involved compiling a list of SOGIE-diverse terms, searched PHU websites using their integrated search systems, and retrieved webpages where relevant search terms were found. The data analysis included enumerating how often the SOGIE-diverse terms appeared and summarizing the contexts within which the terminology appeared on the 34 PHU websites.

Across these websites, terms commonly found were variations of "LGBT," "sexual/sexuality," and identity terms, including "bisexual," "gay," "queer," and "lesbian." SOGIE-diverse communities were reflected in two broad categories: sexual health and infectious diseases; and mental health, SOGIE-diversity discrimination, and resources.

In this website review, most PHUs offer some relevant information about and for SDCs; however, they also lacked in specific, SOGIE-relevant ways. While sexual health and mental health are pertinent concerns, this myopic view of relevant health concerns for SOGIE-diverse communities excludes holistic health conceptualizations and lacks nuanced understanding of SDCs' rich lived experiences. The implications of this work are to ensure that PHUs have mutual understanding of SOGIE-diversity related terms, and how they represent SDCs via their websites and the information and services offered for these communities. Ontario PHUs, especially through public-facing platforms such as websites, have a unique opportunity to educate both SDCs and the broader public. Clear, consistent, and collaborative communication can minimize inequitable health outcomes for these communities.