LGBTQ+ loss and grief in a cis-heteronormative pandemic: A qualitative evidence synthesis of the COVID-19 literature

Abstract

LGBTQ+ people are no stranger to loss and grief, particularly during times of pandemic such as the 1980s–90s HIV/AIDS pandemic and now, the COVID-19 pandemic. Current COVID-19 loss and grief research remains relatively silent on LGBTQ+ peoples’ loss and grief experiences. The aim of this research was to conduct a qualitative evidence synthesis of LGBTQ+ people’s COVID-19 loss and grief experiences reported in the literature. A systematic search and inclusion strategy identified 22 relevant articles for review. Inductive thematic synthesis resulted in five loss-focused themes across the articles: (1) loss of work and livelihood, (2) loss of social and kinship connection, (3) loss of LGBTQ+ community connection, (4) loss of physical and mental health supports and (5) loss of LGBTQ+ identity authenticity, affirmation and visibility. Discussion of these themes highlights the many layered and often disenfranchised nature of LGBTQ+ people’s loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authors

Lucas JJ, Bouchoucha SL, Afrouz R, Reed K, Brennan-Olsen SL

Year

2022

Topics

  • Population(s)
    • Men who have sex with men
    • Transgender communities
    • General HIV- population
  • Co-infections
    • Other

Link

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