Today, more than ever, there is a need for nurse researchers to conduct studies on LGBTQ+ nurses to close the gaps and work together to rise above the current political climate surrounding the potential end of funding for diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and transgender care. DEI is a set of initiatives designed to address societal and workplace environments, enabling everyone to be valued and to succeed. After the presidential executive order eliminating DEI, the National Institutes of Health canceled grants for research on LGBTQ+ health and gender identity. These mandates not only prevent our developing understanding of these communities but also discount the contributions that individuals in these communities make every day in healthcare and other settings. At the same time, the current president and his administration recognize only two genders: male and female.

The exact number of individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ is difficult to calculate due to stigma and safety fears. These factors limit our ability to understand and support LGBTQ+ nurses. The lack of support will continue to create barriers and challenges not only for LGBTQ+ nurses but also for patients who identify as members of this community.

The American Nurses Association and the National League of Nursing, along with scholarly researchers, continue to emphasize the need for nurse researchers to conduct research and bring awareness to the LGBTQ+ community to bridge the gap in access to healthcare, knowledge of nurses in terminology and care delivery, and promotion of DEI. Most articles focused on identifying and creating an inclusive and safe work environment for LGBTQ+ healthcare workers have been written by physicians, psychologists, and sociologists. However, most written articles by nurse researchers focus on students, faculty, patients, and blue-collar workers who identify as LGBTQ. These articles and accompanying research provide much-needed education and insight into the lives and needs of this population, which can help providers offer culturally appropriate care and services.

Several studies have investigated the lack of LGBTQ+ knowledge among non-LGBTQ+ nurses and new nurses. An area that continues to see limited research is LGBTQ+ nurses’ experiences working in healthcare. Most articles about LGBTQ+ nurses date back to the early 2000s; the two most recent articles were written in 2023 and 2024. These studies are not enough to fully understand or support LGBTQ+ nurses.

Nursing organizations and other researchers highlight the lack of understanding of minority LGBTQ+ nurses and their work experience in healthcare. A need also exists for research that examines single identities (such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer) of nurses’ experiences working in healthcare settings. Ultimately, the knowledge gained when we understand the lived experiences of minority nurses who identify as LGBTQ+ unifies nursing, fosters allies, and creates welcoming environments. Nurses have traditionally been a rallying point for underserved communities. Now is the time to rally around our LGBTQ+ colleagues to add their voices for understanding, compassion, and respect.

Layla Bradley, RN/FNP, is a Didactic Instructor at Arizona College of Nursing in Tucson, AZ.

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