Heteronormativity in Canadian Healthcare: Revisioning a Queer-Focused Realm

Abstract

Kia et al.'s (2024) article, "Beyond the Rainbow: Advancing 2S/LGBTQ+ Health Equity at a Time of Political Volatility," illustrates the health discrepancies that the Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other sexual and gender minority (2SLGBTQIA+) community withstand and the Canadian healthcare system's legacy of heteronormativity. This commentary focuses on the straight-centred approach of the Canadian medical system that neglects, harms and fails the 2SLGBTQIA+ population, resulting in a decline in their mental and physical well-being and increased rates of morbidity for queer individuals. The 2SLGBTQIA+ community must be placed in the front and centre of integral decision making and have the final word in policy changes within Canadian regulatory bodies.