Social inclusion of LGBTQ and gender diverse adults with intellectual disability in disability services: A systematic review of the literature

Background Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and gender diverse adults with intellectual disability experience exclusion within disability services. Objective This review explores the experiences of social inclusion/exclusion of this cohort in the context of disability services. Search Method A systematic search was conducted of peer-reviewed research published between January 2014 and April 2019. Five databases returned 66 articles plus three from hand searches. Appraisal and Synthesis Nine articles were included in this review. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool was used to assess the quality of the research. NVivo 12 was used as a tool to organise the articles. Results Marginalisation of LGBTQ adults with intellectual disability in western societies is mirrored in disability organisations. There remains a dearth of research into experiences of transgender people with intellectual disability who use disability services. Conclusions Research into interventions that support the inclusion of this cohort in disability support services is needed.