Where Is LGBTQ+ in Ontario’s Health Care Policies and Programs?

Abstract

Introduction: The LGBTQ+ community experiences health inequities that are linked to the social determinants of health (SDH), though the full extent of these health inequities is not fully understood. Methods: This study is a comparative thematic content analysis of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s (MOHLTC) website and the websites of each of the 14 local health integration networks (LHINs) in 2009 and 2017. It provides a snapshot and evaluation of the amount and type of online content concerning LGBTQ+-specific health needs and determines how well the programs and services aligned with the Ministry’s stated priorities and population health/SDH philosophy. Results: We found very little content that suggested a population health approach on the Ministry’s website. We also found very little LGBTQ+-specific content on the LHINs’ websites in both periods, with two notable exceptions in 2017. Our analysis revealed a persistent emphasis on HIV/AIDS risk containment in the LGBTQ + community over the two periods. Conclusions: We argue that to promote healthy equity, the MOHLTC needs to acknowledge inequalities and intervene through political and social mechanisms that extend beyond HIV.