An Analysis of Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Research Funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Abstract

Purpose: Gender identity and sexual orientation are essential factors that must be incorporated into health research to ensure we unearth comprehensive and inclusive insights about the healthcare needs and experiences of diverse people. Despite the calls for more focus on sex and gender in health research, scant attention has been paid to gender identity or sexual orientation. Past research found that 0.35% of Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grant abstracts mentioned studying lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or Two-Spirit (2S/LGBTQ+)-specific health outcomes. However, the nature of that research was not explored. Methods: Here we examine the publicly available database of grant abstracts funded by CIHR from 2009-2020 to analyze what type of 2S/LGBTQ+-specific health outcomes would be studied. Results: We found that 58% of awarded grant abstracts mentioned studying sexually transmitted diseases, the majority of which were on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Less than 7% of funded 2S/LGBTQ+ grant abstracts mentioned studying cisgender women. Almost 40% mentioned including trans women/girls, and 30% mentioned including trans men/ boys. None of the studies examined mentioned work with the Two- Spirit community. Conclusion: These results reflect larger social and health inequities that require structural level changes in research to support lesbian, bisexual and queer women health.