Dalarna University's logo and link to the university's website

Background: Despite progress in healthcare inclusivity, a significant gap persists in understanding and addressing the diverse reproductive health experiences within midwifery care. This study aims to unravel this gap, emphasizing the necessity of integrating cultural competence theories into midwifery practices and to address the significant disparities in maternal healthcare faced by lesbians, transgender men, and gay men. These populations encounter various barriers, including discrimination, lack of affirmation and respect, and limited awareness of their unique healthcare needs associated with gender identity and sexual orientation.

Aim: To explore the perspectives of lesbians, transgender men, and gay men on the cultural competence of midwifery care providers during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

Methodology: This integrative literature review analyzed, synthesized, and reconceptualized 23 scientific articles through a deductive analysis through the revised cultural competemility framework.

Results: Three broad concepts emerged: cultural awareness & knowledge, cultural skills & encounters, and cultural desire. These were then weaved into cultural humility which is the core discussion in the cultural competemility framework.

Conclusions: The need for cultural competence in LGBTQIA+ healthcare during pregnancy is emphasized, urging integration of cultural humility for genuine engagement. Challenges such as heteronormative assumptions persist, highlighting the imperative for policy reform and provider training to foster inclusive and supportive environments.