Inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Populations in Mongolian Health Policy: A Scoping Review and Critical Discourse Analysis

Purpose: This study aims to explore the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people in the current Mongolian health policies and provide an overview and identify the gaps for further inclusion. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of health policies and used critical discourse analysis (CDA) to explore how policy language constructs LGBTQI+ identities, representation in policies, and opportunities for inclusion. CDA assessed LGBTQI+ inclusion across three levels: textual, contextual, and societal. We included currently active, publicly accessible policies related to LGBTQI+ people’s health with no date restrictions, and searched throughout targeted government websites incorporated with reference search and expert consultation. Results: Final analysis included 24 documents and 25 different LGBTQI+ related terms were identified across. LGBTQI+ communities were mostly mentioned in sexually transmitted infection (STI) related policies, and the most common terms referred to LGBTQI+ communities were associated with high-risk sexual behaviour. Only one document specifically focused on the LGBTQI+ community, while four identified LGBTQI+ people as a priority group; however, all primarily referred to men who have sex with men (MSM), with some including transgender women. At the societal level, we identified three recurring framings (risk, vulnerability, and unfamiliarity) which reflected broader social norms and values about LGBTQI+ people.Conclusion: LGBTQI+ inclusion in Mongolia’s health policies remains limited, and primarily centred on STI risk among MSM, and sometimes transgender women. This has resulted in the needs of other sub-communities being overlooked, rendering lesbian and bisexual women, transgender men, and intersex people largely invisible.