Project 458251

People diagnosed with cancer who are Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (2SLGBTQ+) often experience cancer differently from their counterparts who are cisgender and/or heterosexual. 2SLGBTQ+ people diagnosed with cancer are often forced to navigate challenges during their care related to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, such as deciding whether it is safe to disclose their identity to their healthcare provider and being less satisfied with their cancer care. Peer support during cancer treatment and beyond is an integral part of the cancer care system, and online support groups (OSGs) could serve to connect 2SLGBTQ+ people diagnosed with cancer with like-minded peers. However, such supports for 2SLGBTQ+ people specifically are lacking. Therefore, the main objective of my proposed research is to assess the role of OSGs in meeting the unique needs of 2SLGBTQ+ people diagnosed with cancer. To meet this objective, I will conduct a review of the literature and English-language OSGs that currently exist for 2SLGBTQ+ people diagnosed with cancer to assess their characteristics. I will then distribute an online survey to a diverse group of 2SLGBTQ+ people diagnosed with cancer to investigate their level of OSG use and whether OSGs have met their needs. I will then interview online survey participants who indicated an interest in being interviewed. These interviews will assess participants' thoughts, feelings, and opinions regarding cancer OSGs for 2SLGBTQ+ people and what can be done to optimize them in the future. An advisory committee of 2SLGBTQ+ people diagnosed with cancer will be involved at all steps of the project. Access to supports in the form of communities of like-minded individuals who understand their unique cancer needs and experiences is extremely important for 2SLGBTQ+ people diagnosed with cancer. My proposed research will provide important evidence on how to optimize OSGs for this community specifically.