Minimizing oppression and discrimination faced by gay and lesbian youth in Northern British Columbia.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at high risk of not receiving necessary care as a function of marginalization anti-LGBTQ violence and abuse and, social exclusion. This study explores the subjective experiences of gay men and lesbians in Northern British Columbia (B.C.) who self-identified as having difficulties in accessing health care services. An in-depth face to face interview and a critical hermeneutic phenomenological approach were used to share their subjective experience of oppression, and recommendations for future improvements of health-care services delivered to LGBTQ youth in Northern B.C. five main themes emerged from these interviews: no support for LGBTQ youth, lack of a desire to access health-care services, professional skills, challenges, and services delivery. While these themes overlap and reinforce each other, lack of respect from health care professionals was an overwhelming and ongoing concern presented by participants. In addition, I examined thirteen sub-themes in the daily experience of LGBTQ youth: not enough health-care professionals, nowhere to socialize, discrimination and denial of health-care services, fear and internalized homophobia, lack of education on LGBTQ issues, not enough services, no need to access healthcare services, lack of psycho-education program for health-care professionals, equal treatment for everyone, questions and harassment, isolation and depression, lack of support and advocacy services for LGBTQ. These themes offer insight into the everyday effects of multiple forms of oppression and marginalization, and the possibilities for innovative forms of health-care services that could be delivered to LGBTQ youth. The findings from this research can increase understanding for health-care professionals in servicing LGBTQ youth. The findings can also be applied to enhance community outreach, develop services for LGBTQ youth, and improve relationships within and among marginalized communities. --P. i.