Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning+ (LGBTQ+)

This chapter explores key concepts of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning+ (LGBTQ+) health, mental health and substance use. The chapter presents issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in society concerning discrimination and bullying, relationships with family and the perceived impact of ‘coming out’.

Evidence shows a need to ensure that health and social care professionals are capable of delivering care and support to a diverse population. However, issues with professional conduct and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in health and social care continue to exist in the UK and most probably in most EU countries.

This unsatisfactory position indicates the need to ensure that health and social care professionals’ education includes the exploration of LGBTQ+ issues to enable health professionals to provide quality services that are free from prejudice to this population. However, there are numerous challenges which the educators must address and overcome to achieve this aim, including ignorance and fear; lack of confidence; negative religious, cultural and personal views; the lack of a learning culture that values diversity; and so on (Carr and Pezzella J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 24:553–60, 2017; Davy et al., Qual Res Educ 4:134–63, 2015).

The chapter presents issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in relation to discrimination and bullying, relationships with health and social care professionals as well as family and the perceived impact of ‘coming out’ on their well-being and mental health. Moreover, it addresses basic terminology around LGBTQ+, gender identity and sexual orientation. The chapter draws on the available literature and research on the topic and provides an overview and discussion on the need for LGBTQ+ inclusive services in health and social care.