Assessing the Needs of Transgender, Gender-Diverse, Ethnic and Religious Minorities, and Individuals with Disabilities in Singapore’s LGBTIQA+ Community

Background LGBTIQA + individuals with intersecting marginalised identities such as disability status or membership in religious minority groups experience unique and compounded barriers to healthcare access. In Singapore, these challenges occur within a sociopolitical context where there is no specific legislation protecting LGBTIQA + persons from discrimination, and gender diversity is not formally recognised. Limited research exists on how such intersecting identities shape healthcare access in Southeast Asia. Methods This mixed-methods study investigated barriers to accessing general and mental healthcare among LGBTIQA + persons with intersecting identities in Singapore, and identified potential interventions to improve access. Data were collected through a national online survey (n = 93) and a series of focus group discussions (n = 24) conducted between 25 February and 23 March 2025. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data were thematically analysed to capture key patterns, lived experiences, and participant-generated solutions. Results Findings indicate multi-level barriers to care, including financial constraints, fear of stigma, lack of affirming care, and the emotional toll of repeated disclosure to clinicians due to staff turnover. Specific challenges were reported in navigating both public and private health systems, particularly in relation to mental healthcare. Recommendations emerging from the data include: policy measures to protect against discrimination; targeted clinician training in affirming care; continuity of care mechanisms; public–private partnerships to sustain relationships with trusted providers; community-led peer support networks; and context-specific psychoeducational resources. Conclusions This study provides the first empirical evidence on the healthcare access needs of LGBTIQA + persons with intersecting identities in Singapore. By integrating lived experiences with policy-relevant recommendations, the findings offer a foundation for evidence-informed reforms and community initiatives to advance health equity. The study’s insights contribute to the global discourse on inclusive healthcare, particularly in under-researched Southeast Asian contexts.