'The loss burns harder'. The experiences of LGBTIQA+ Australians following miscarriage.

Résumé

Miscarriage, affecting one in four confirmed pregnancies in Australia, has well-established psychological impacts, yet support remains limited and largely centred on cisgender heterosexual experiences. As LGBTIQA+ families continue to grow in numbers and considering the disproportionately high rates of mental health diagnoses within LGBTIQA+ populations, it is critical to understand how miscarriage affects members of this community. This qualitative study explored LGBTIQA+ experiences of miscarriage through semi-structured interviews with 16 participants recruited purposive and snowball sampling. Thematic analysis identified three key themes: 1) navigating discrimination and marginalisation; 2) compounded burden of LGBTIQA+ conception and loss; and 3) LGBTIQA+ identity facilitating connection and meaning. Participants described how pervasive discrimination and a lack of visibly inclusive services shaped their experiences and often deterred them from seeking care. The emotional impact of miscarriage was intensified by lengthy, complex, and inequitable pathways to conception, leaving grief under-recognised and further marginalised. Despite these challenges, participants drew on community resilience and shared identity to find validation and rebuild connection. Findings highlight the need for miscarriage care that is visibly affirming, knowledgeable, and inclusive of diverse LGBTIQA+ families, and point to the importance of further research across broader identities and healthcare contexts.