"So that's where I've probably formed those perceptions from": A focus group study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender and queer individuals' perspectives on chronic illnesses

This study investigated how lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender and/or queer people (LGBPTQ) perceive HIV/AIDS and rheumatoid arthritis as examples of chronic illnesses. HIV/AIDS continues to be the focus of most LGBPTQ-specific health psychology research. Little research has compared LGBPTQ people's perspectives of HIV/AIDS with other chronic illnesses. Thirteen focus groups were conducted with 50 LGBPTQ individuals in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Inductive thematic analysis led to development of three themes: stereotyping of chronic illnesses by LGBPTQ individuals; ways of differentiating HIV/AIDS from other chronic illnesses; and inadequacies of sexual health education for LGBPTQ people. These findings contribute diverse perspectives to the health psychology literature on chronic illnesses and have implications for sexual health education in Aotearoa/New Zealand that currently lacks inclusivity for LGBPTQ individuals.