3396 - UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF SEXUAL DIVERSITY AND DISABILITY INTERSECTIONALITY: AMPLIFYING LGBTQIA+ VOICES ON SOCIAL PARTICIPATION

Session: 3268 - THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, AND DISABILITY: CROSS-CULTURAL AND CROSS-GENERATIONAL INSIGHTS
AUTHORS:
Pelletier Pénelope (Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal ~ Montreal ~ Canada) , Rigoulat Célia (École Universitaire de Recherche (EUR) Healthy, Université Côte d'Azur ~ Nice ~ France) , Coveny Vasilisa (Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal ~ Montreal ~ Canada) , Malamud Gabriella (Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal ~ Montreal ~ Canada) , Caamano Carlota (Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM) - Innovation, Technology, and Cognition (INTECOG) Laboratory ~ Montreal ~ Canada) , Martino Alan (Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, Department of Community Health Sciences ~ Calgary ~ Canada) , Yule Ashleigh (Ashleigh Yule Child Psychology, Athabasca University ~ Calgary ~ Canada) , Neumann-Mascis Andreas (The Meeting Point ~ Boston ~ United States of America) , Chourot-Ferland Samuel (Faculté de science politique et de droit, Université du Québec à Montreal ~ Montreal ~ Canada) , Dubois Mégan (Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal ~ Montreal ~ Canada) , Hong-Kim Annette (Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University ~ Montreal ~ Canada) , Turk Céline (Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal ~ Montreal ~ Canada) , Moreno Alexander (Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal ~ Montreal ~ Canada)
Abstract text:
Introduction:
People with disabilities who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and other sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQIA+) often face compounded barriers to social participation. To develop effective recommendations that enhance their inclusion and social participation, it is essential to center the voices of those most affected, actively listening to their lived experiences and involving them meaningfully in the decision-making process.


Purpose:
To examine the priorities in social participation of people with disabilities who identify as LGBTQIA+ in Quebec, Canada.


Method:
Fourteen people with disabilities, as defined by the Quebec government, who identify as LGBTQIA+ responded to the open question: "How does the intersection between your disability and your gender identity/sexual orientation affect your ability to perform daily activities?" Participants identified the six most challenging daily activities from a list of 41 options and explored various solutions to enhance their social participation.


Results:
Qualitative analyses revealed several key themes regarding the impact of intersecting disability and sexual and gender diversity on daily activities and social participation. These included the scarcity of accessible LGBTQIA+ spaces, limited acceptance of sexual and gender diversity by professional caregivers, and a lack of representation and opportunities to connect with others who share both identities. The most frequently prioritized challenges involved participating in physical activities, navigating indoor and outdoor environments, and establishing and maintaining emotional relationships.


Conclusions:
People with disabilities who identify as LGBTQIA+ face numerous challenges in daily activities and social participation arising from the intersection of these identities within the societal context of Quebec. By centering their disclosures and priorities, targeted recommendations will be developed for the Quebec government to enhance social participation and promote greater inclusion. Based on these findings, increasing the availability of accessible LGBTQIA+ spaces, expanding adapted transportation services, and training professional caregivers on LGBTQIA+ realities should be prioritized.