Treading water: Healthcare experiences of racialized queer and trans young adults

Research suggests that racialized, queer, and trans communities experience significant health inequities. This study explored the lived experiences of four racialized, queer, and trans young adults who have engaged with healthcare services in British Columbia. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, lasting approximately 45 minutes. Data analysis employing hermeneutic phenomenological analysis indicates several barriers to accessible healthcare. Identified themes include several challenges encompassing system navigation, limited and unavailable practitioners, financial barriers, interpersonal and medical incompetence, discrimination, and disjointed care. Participants connected these themes to negative affect, lack of motivation to seek care, and unattended health concerns. Themes revealed a subset of positive experiences relating to competency and choice of practitioners. Additionally, participants shared strategies to safeguard themselves and navigate current healthcare challenges, along with their hopes for improved services. This study also informs several areas of future research, community initiatives, and counselling practices to better advocate for and facilitate positive healthcare experiences.