Intersectionality theory suggests that social identities are not independent but are multiple and intersecting.1 As a result, human lives and their social dimensions cannot be reduced to single characteristics and separated into discrete strands. That is, the experience of an HIV-positive Caribbean gay man is not equal to the sum of the experiences of an HIV-positive person, a Caribbean person and a gay man. Multiple social identities at the micro-level (e.g., personal/interpersonal experiences) intersect with meso-level factors (e.g., social/community/provincial), and macro-level structural factors (e.g., national/organizational policies and structures) to produce health inequalities.
Rehabilitation offers a strategy for breaking barriers caused by intersectionality by reducing disability and supporting people to optimize their function, participation and independence. In addition to clinical roles, rehabilitation providers also have an advocacy role to play in addressing the wider determinants of health that can exacerbate disability.
The next section briefly describes some of the unique needs of specific HIV populations that are common in Canada, and addresses other considerations for rehabilitation providers in their work with people living with HIV.
1 Ontario HIV Treatment Network. Intersectionality in HIV and other health related research.