Research shows that LGBT individuals are at increased risk of exposure to traumatic events across the lifespan as compared to their cisgender, heterosexual peers, and to chronic stress stemming from less ostensible adversities, such as structural stigma and microaggressions. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a coherent set of principles that are responsive to the needs of individuals with trauma histories, which can guide practices and policies in the healthcare and human services these individuals receive, with the goal of enhancing safety, quality, and effectiveness. This chapter discusses the history of TIC, its most influential models, the congruence of TIC with the neurobiology of fear response and early life stress, and the synergy of TIC with patient-centered care and cultural competence/humility. Burdened by both high rates of trauma exposure and health disparities, LGBT populations can benefit from programs and practices that embed TIC principles in their design, implementation, and evaluation.
