ABSTRACT LGBTQIA+ individuals face challenges in accessing affirming health information, including stigma, lack of culturally competent care, and digital resource availability. Resources created by communities and institutions can provide LGBTQIA+ audiences with this information, yet limited research has explored their scope and topics. This study examines the characteristics, subjects, accessibility, and inclusivity of 217 U.S. based LGBTQIA+‐focused online health resources. We identified these resources using Google and analyzed them using content analysis. Findings denote that while online LGBTQIA+ health resources broadly support mental health, crisis intervention, and transgender care, the latter often emphasize national resources over localized coverage. Resources minimally represented LGBTQIA+ groups like intersex and bisexual people as well as those with diverse intersectional identities. Further, accessibility and privacy features like escape mode and screen reader capabilities were largely absent. Relevant stakeholders, like information professionals, healthcare providers, and LGBTQIA+ organizations, can use findings to recognize gaps in online LGBTQIA+ health information networks and inspire resource creation.
Carter et al. (Wed,) studied this question.