Heterosexism in Health and Social Care

The early twenty-first century has witnessed a transformation in the political landscape for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Increasingly liberal attitudes, alongside the repeal of repressive legislation, have created a climate that has never been so accepting. Yet despite these signs of progress, there are few enabling social policy initiatives and LGBT needs for health and social care are poorly understood. These changes require new understandings of the social conditions of LGBT people for which the term ' homophobia' is inadequate. The author develops a theory of heterosexism to conceptualise LGBT oppression and provides examples from everyday health and social care environments. This timely study engages with current debates, including intersecting identities, and presents a coherent analysis of LGBT health and social care needs. The author argues for mainstreaming sexual identity issues in public policy.