Examining the Development of Positive Space in Health and Social Service Organizations: A Canadian Exploratory Study

All health care sectors are currently examining factors that influ- ence delivery of high-quality services for diverse groups with an understanding that minority populations experience barriers to service access that contribute to well-documented ill health and health inequities. with a goal of understanding dynamics that can improve access to care in the home care sector, this qual- itative exploratory study examined processes to create inclusive, positive space for diverse lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgen- der, and queer (lgbtq) people in community-based health and social service agencies. a purposeful sample of eight key infor- mants from agencies in toronto, ontario, canada, which offer programs and services to lgbtq communities, completed in-depth interviews. conventional content analysis and a critical lens were used. themes offered insight into the histories, challenges, and turn- ing points which shaped the development of lgbtq-positive spaces in these organizations. community engagement and leadership emerged as relevant, as did strategies to embed lgbtq voices and visibility within everyday organizational functioning. given the gap in literature addressing lgbtq access to home care and the unique dynamics that shape care in the home, implications address the application of these study findings for creating positive space in the home care sector.