Understanding and Improving LGBTIQA+ Safety and Responsiveness in Mainstream Healthcare

This thesis examines how mainstream public health services support LGBTIQA+ people, who make up a growing proportion of the population but continue to face discrimination and unsafe experiences as both consumers and employees. Using surveys and interviews with LGBTIQA+ and non-LGBTIQA+ health professionals, the thesis explores knowledge, attitudes, and everyday practices related to healthcare and inclusion. The findings show that while many health professionals often intend to provide respectful care, gaps in training, organisational systems, and culture can create barriers. The thesis outlines practical strategies such as education, policies, resource allocation, inclusive documentation systems, and lived-experience leadership to build safer, more responsive healthcare and employment in public healthcare for LGBTIQA+ communities.