Conceptualizations of Allyship with 2S/LGBTQ+ Groups in the Context of Health Settings: A Scoping Review

BackgroundTwo-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender identity diverse (2S/LGBTQ+) individuals experience health inequities rooted in discrimination. Efforts to redress this discrimination in health settings is frequently termed allyship. However, definitions of allyship remain ambiguous, posing challenges for health providers.Review QuestionHow is allyship defined in the literature specific to 2S/LGBTQ+ people and health settings and/or health care in countries where English is the primarily spoken language (Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand)?MethodsThis scoping review drew on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach and qualitative descriptive analysis of 46 sources.ConclusionsThe dearth of specificity in definitions of allyship poses challenges for health-care provision and education.Implications for Practice, Education, or ResearchCommunity-engaged research is needed to elicit the perspectives of 2S/LGBTQ+ people about conceptualizing allyship. A clear definition of allyship is necessary for integration into classroom and clinical curriculum. Further, a clear definition of allyship will inform practice via education and via institutional guidelines, policies, and practice standards with the overarching goal of improving health outcomes for 2S/LGBTQ+ people.