Considering the impact of stigma on lesbian, gay and bisexual people receiving palliative and end-of-life care

Int J Palliat Nurs. 2016 Jul 2;22(7):334-40. doi: 10.12968/ijpn.2016.22.7.334.

Abstract

Stigma is a common characteristic among lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people's lives. The LGB population faces a challenge in finding ways to adapt to its stigmatised identity. Stigma and its related processes can have an isolating and negative affect on the LGB individual, who is seen as and often perceives themselves as different. Stigma can also have a negative effect on health and wellbeing and can influence the type of care received from health and social care professionals, including those working in palliative care. This paper presents a discussion of the impact that stigma has on LGB people who access and receive palliative and end-of-life care.

Keywords: End of life; LGB; Palliative care; Sexuality; Stigma.

MeSH terms

  • Emotional Adjustment
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Palliative Care / psychology*
  • Patient Care Team
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Quality of Health Care
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities / psychology*
  • Social Stigma*
  • Terminal Care / psychology*