Differences in cancer-related crowdfunding between transgender or gender diverse and cisgender LGBTQ+ cancer campaigns: a mixed-methods analysis.

PURPOSE

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (LGBTQ+) cancer survivors are at risk of financial hardship due to multilevel factors amplified by anti-LGBTQ+ stigma. Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) cancer survivors may experience greater financial hardship than cisgender lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals, but data on LGBTQ+ individuals is often reported in aggregate. We describe differences in crowdfunding experiences between TGD and LGB cancer crowdfunding campaigns to address this gap in TGD cancer-related financial hardship literature.

METHODS

We used a mixed methods approach to evaluate LGBTQ+ cancer crowdfunding campaigns from GoFundMe's website, coded as TGD or LGB. Campaign data (amount raised, funding goal, etc.) were compared using summary statistics and independent t-tests. Qualitative content analysis described campaign text. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated by theme.

RESULTS

A total of N = 470 LGBTQ+ cancer campaigns were included for this analysis, of which 175 (32.5%) were TGD campaigns and 295 (54.8%) were LGB. TGD campaigns raised 39% less than LGB campaigns ($7782 [$5842-$9723] vs. $12,724 [$10,525-$14,924], p < 0.0001). TGD campaigns had more mentions of perceived stigma in healthcare spaces and fewer mentions of caregiver support.

CONCLUSIONS

TGD cancer campaigns earned significantly less money than LGB campaigns, suggesting that TGD cancer survivors may face more challenges in using community-based financial support mechanisms to mitigate financial hardship. Structural stigma and transphobia may be impacting the amount of funds raised by TGD cancer survivors through crowdfunding.