Experiences of Sexual and Gender Minorities Caring for Adults with Non-AIDS-Related Chronic Illnesses

A number of marginalized communities receive inadequate attention in the extensive body of existing research on informal caregivers; this is particularly true of the sexual and gender minority (SGM) community. This article features a review of the evidence regarding the experiences of SGMs involved in the informal care of chronically ill friends or family members and examines the specific research strategies that have been involved in developing knowledge in this area. The review found that the SGM caregiving experience is characterized by experienced and anticipated sexual and gender prejudice within health and social services systems, involvement of families of choice, and the invisibility of the needs of SGM caregivers as a community and as individuals. Existing research in this area, which is largely qualitative, provides rich description of caregiver experiences; however, the evidence base would be strengthened by research including a more diverse range of methods, particularly studies aimed at generating results generalizable to the broader SGM community.