Are funeral homes in the United States safe spaces for sexual and gender minorities? A website content analysis

Death Stud. 2023;47(8):962-968. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2143937. Epub 2022 Nov 7.

Abstract

LGBTQIA+ people, particularly those aging into end-of-life care decisions, need safety cues to identify safe spaces to access equitable death care. We conducted a website content analysis of 90 randomly selected funeral homes across the United States to evaluate the presence of LGBTQIA+ safety cues, such as inclusive language, symbols, imagery, and LGBTQIA+-friendly collaborations. Results showed that none of the selected funeral homes displayed any kind of safety cues. A significant change in funeral home marketing strategies is warranted so sexual and gender minorities can easily locate inclusive and affirming death care services.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Funeral Homes
  • Hospice Care*
  • Humans
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities*
  • United States