Access to grief and bereavement services and support from social networks is important to avoid adverse bereavement outcomes such as prolonged grief symptoms. LGBT+ bereaved partners may experience additional stressors and barriers to support related to incorrect assumptions by clinicians about relationships, lack of acknowledgement of the depth of the relationship or discrimination. Bristowe (2023) and colleagues conducted a research study with a three-fold aim: to investigate LGBT+ specific experiences of partner bereavement; to examine decision-making processes in relation to disclosure of relationships and identities; and to appraise the Acceptance-Disclosure Model of LGBT+ bereavement. The study found that LGBT+ bereaved partners described universal experiences of partner loss but also experiences that appeared to be specific to the LGBT+ groups, including inappropriate questioning, disclosure of gender history against their wishes, and fears of discrimination or rejection. Based on the findings, the authors provide five recommendations for inclusive care of LGBT+ people facing bereavement. Read more…
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