Experiences of Healthcare Providers of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Foster Youth

Abstract

As a disproportionately overrepresented group in public child welfare, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) foster youth have unique health disparities and needs related to their marginalized identities. This thesis discusses current research related to healthcare providers and their experiences serving LGBTQ foster youth in Washington State. The purpose of this study is to better understand the experiences of healthcare providers working with LGBTQ foster youth to improve their health outcomes. This research is performed through eight semi-structured key informant interviews, which provide a qualitative assessment of the experiences of healthcare providers of the LGBTQ foster youth population of Washington State, as well as these providers’ insight into the intersectional issues of LGBTQ foster youth, including race, transgender and gender nonconforming identities, and homelessness.