Grant: Op. Gr. Adv. 2S_LGBTQI+ Heal. Thr. Res. - Advancing 2S/LGBTQI+ Health

The availability of gender, sex and sexual orientation (GSSO) information about patients is critical for safe and inclusive health care. In research, this information can help identify and address gaps in availability, access, and quality of health care, and resulting effects on the health and wellbeing of members of the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and more (2S/LGBTQIA+) community. Efforts to develop and apply a new guideline for the collection of GSSO patient information across health care settings in Canada is underway. However, communities contributing their identity-based information have voiced their concern about how their data will be used. Community members have emphasized that protecting their data depends not just on having guidelines, but on how they are actually used in everyday health system practices and decisions. In a health system that has a history of discrimination, queer- and transphobia the availability of this sensitive information can present opportunities both for safer, more inclusive care and risks of oppression and harm. Working together with 2S/LGBTQIA+ communities, we will develop data access and use guidelines for GSSO information. We will consult with individuals, groups and organizations gathering, storing or using gender, sex and sexual orientation patient information to understand how guidelines are put into practice within health systems, to help prevent misuse of data, and reduce the risk of harm. We will ensure safe and inclusive engagement and successful completion of this work through sharing with all participants the responsibility for guiding, undertaking, completing and disseminating knowledge about this project; and using widely inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible approaches. Through this work, we will ensure that safeguards for patient privacy, control and use of GSSO information continue to protect 2S/LGBTQIA+ individuals, ultimately improving health equity.