Empowerment through Accessibility: Community Needs Assessment Data for LGBTQ Communities.

LGBTQ individuals disproportionally experience a variety of adverse health outcomes as compared to heterosexual individuals with similar backgrounds. New Orleans has the fourth-highest concentration of LGBTQ individuals in American metropolitan areas. This research defined, measured, and prioritized LGBTQ community needs based on reports from professionals currently involved in healthcare and social service provision. A total of 22 interviews were completed with service providers located in the Greater New Orleans area. The project outlines the greatest programming needs to reduce health and quality of life disparities currently observed in LGBTQ populations. Major service barriers and considerations for research with minority populations are also discussed. Affordable housing, mental health service accessibility, service provider cultural competence, and transportation management were found to play major roles in LGBTQ focused program efficacy. Researchers include suggestions for implementing participatory research methodology into future studies.