This study examines the social and cultural barriers in urban planning that affect LGBTQIAPN+ communities across different global contexts. While primarily focused on understanding the structural challenges faced by these populations, the article also maps anti-discriminatory policies and strategies present in the literature that aim to mitigate these barriers.
Through a qualitative approach, we conducted an integrative literature review using articles indexed in the Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and SAGE databases.
The results show that social and cultural barriers embedded in urban structuring processes intensify the segregation of LGBTQIAPN+ individuals, negatively affecting their health, well-being and access to essential services. The analysis emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces, implementing inclusive urban policies and training professionals to ensure more equitable urban environments.
Regarding limitations, this study may have been constrained by the availability of data and specific research on the experiences of the LGBTQIAP+ community in different urban contexts. Methodological limitations, such as sampling or the approach used, may have impacted the breadth and depth of the conclusions.
From a practical standpoint, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners by emphasizing the importance of implementing anti-discrimination policies across multiple spheres, including employment, housing, healthcare and education. The research underscores the need to create safe and welcoming spaces as well as develop inclusive policies that promote equity and the protection of all citizens. Additionally, implementing training programs for professionals in fields such as healthcare and social services is essential to ensuring adequate and sensitive care for diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Socially, this study underscores the importance of an inclusive urban environment for the LGBTQIAP+ community and highlights the need for specific measures to overcome barriers restricting this group’s full participation and integration into urban life. By exposing the inequalities and challenges faced by the community, the study promotes greater awareness and contributes to a broader debate on inclusion and diversity in urban spaces. The research demonstrates that creating more welcoming and accessible urban environments is crucial to ensuring equity and social justice, facilitating the effective integration of the LGBTQIAP+ community and enriching the social fabric of cities.
By focusing on both the identification of structural barriers and the discussion of inclusive planning strategies, this article contributes to the development of anti-discriminatory urban policies grounded in the lived experiences of LGBTQIAPN+ communities. The findings reinforce the need for intersectional approaches that consider how urban exclusion is shaped by multiple axes of identity and power.
