Experiences of LGBTQ+ Healthcare Providers in Workplaces in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Journal
Journal of Advanced Nursing
ISSN
0309-2402
1365-2648
Date Issued
2026
Author(s)
Miao, Nae-Fang
Du, Sih-Cheng
You, Mei-Hui
Wang, Frank T. Y.
Hsu, Chih-Yun
Tran, Nathaniel M.
Abstract
Aims
To examine workplace experiences, perspectives on coming out at work, organisational climate and mental health status of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and other sexual, and gender minority healthcare providers (LGBTQ+ HCPs) within an East Asian cultural context.
Design
Observational, cross-sectional study.
Methods
An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 173 Taiwanese LGBTQ+ HCPs between May and August 2024.
Results
Most of the 173 respondents did not disclose their LGBTQ+ identities to any colleagues, and approximately two-fifths met the clinically significant threshold for depressive symptoms. Furthermore, compared to LGBTQ+ HCPs who disclosed to all, most, about half or a few colleagues, those who had not disclosed to any colleagues reported higher levels of depressive symptoms, lower self-esteem, less comfort with disclosure, greater perceived necessity to conceal their LGBTQ+ identities, lower scores for job stability or security, poorer interpersonal relations and lower agreement that an LGBTQ+-inclusive workplace climate would influence their willingness to remain in their current jobs. Although approximately 80% of the LGBTQ+ HCPs reported that they were familiar with national workplace antidiscrimination laws and that their organisations had grievance mechanisms, nearly two-fifths did not trust the grievance systems or procedures within their organisations.
Conclusion
Results emphasise the urgent need to create an LGBTQ+-inclusive workplace environment with clear and enforceable anti-discrimination policies and inclusive organisational practices to improve both disclosure safety and mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ HCPs.
Impact
The study results extend existing knowledge by identifying the relationship between different levels of disclosure and mental health status among LGBTQ+ HCPs. They also highlight the importance of establishing support groups, a comprehensive mental health referral system and enforcement mechanisms that safeguard legal rights without compromising the privacy or safety of LGBTQ+ HCPs.
Subjects
diversity
healthcare providers
healthy workplace environments
LGBTQ+
survey
workplace discrimination
Publisher
Wiley
Type
journal article
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