Advancing health equity among racialized immigrant LGBTQ+ older adults

The lack of engagement with racialized immigrant LGBTQ+ older adults in research and health care planning perpetuates health disparities, inequitable access to safe care and misses the opportunity to gain knowledge on resilience strategies held by racialized immigrant LGBTQ+ older adults.

This study is based on preliminary discussion among racialized immigrant LGBTQ+ older adults and community stakeholders in Toronto. It aims to promote immigrant health equity, co-creating models of best practices in policy action, and building a pan-Canadian, interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral network of research excellence in immigrant integration.

What are the sociocultural and structural determinants of bio-psycho-social wellbeing of immigrant LGBTQ+ older adults in Canada?

Specifically:

1. What are the experiences of racialized immigrant LGBTQ+ older adults in accessing currently available senior care?
2. To what extent are racialized immigrant LGBTQ+ older adults included in current health and social care research, service planning and policy development?
3. What is the best practices model / framework to guide inclusive health and social care planning and implementation for racialized immigrant LGBTQ+ older adults?

This study is guided by the principles of equity, access, and social justice, which are essential components of critical populations health promotion. It is also underpinned by the concepts of meaningful engagement, collective self-determination, capacity building, and collective empowerment. To address the research questions, the study will use a mixed methods approach that includes scoping reviews, program scans, focus groups, individual interviews, questionnaires, and arts informed community re-imagination and co-creation sessions.

The project is currently ongoing.

Expected completion date: December 2026

Health equity; LGBTQ+; older adults; racialized immigrants