Professional Challenges of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and Others (LGBTQIA+) Athletic Trainers.

Context: Many professional challenges are associated with being a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and others (LGBTQIA+) community in health care and athletics. Previous researchers have explored perceptions of LGBTQIA+ athletes, coaches, nursing, and physicians; however, research in which the challenges of LGBTQIA+ community members as athletic trainers (ATs) within the profession have been examined is limited. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore challenges of LGBTQIA+ ATs specifically related to the profession of athletic training. Design: Phenomenological qualitative study. Setting: Individual phone or virtual interviews. Patients or Other Participants: Thirty ATs identifying as LGBTQIA+ (aged 32 ± 11 years). Data Collection and Analysis: Participants were interviewed after a semistructured interview guide. Data were analyzed through phenomenological reduction. Trustworthiness was established via member checking, peer review, and multianalyst triangulation. Results: Three themes emerged: (1) the job search, (2) acceptance in athletic training, and (3) neutrality from other ATs. When looking for jobs, cisgender and heterosexual ATs may not consider some factors, such as inclusive policies, spouse health care, or even if they were overlooked for a job due to sexual orientation or identity. Athletic trainers who identity as LGBTQIA+ seek acceptance, support, and a true sense of belonging in the profession, regardless of their personal identities. Potentially one of the largest challenges is neutrality from other ATs, in which ATs are not openly hostile or discriminatory, but they are also not doing anything to provide support to or advocate for LGBTQA+ ATs. Conclusions: Participants identified challenges associated with being an AT and LGBTQIA+. As LGBTQIA+ ATs enter the job market, they should actively search for organizations that have inclusive, nondiscrimination policies. Organizations should ensure they display and follow inclusive policies. Education for all ATs on acceptance, working with LGBTQIA+ patients and colleagues, and creating safe spaces are needed.