Strategies for Strengthening the Well-being of the LGBTQIA+ Community
In a recent study, anxiety and depression were found to be significant issues for LGBTQ youth, with 14% attempting suicide in the past year and nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth contemplating suicide. This troubling data highlights the urgent need for intervention and support for these vulnerable communities.
Unfortunately, LGBTQIA+/SGL communities are disproportionately affected by housing instability, job insecurity, and homelessness. In the United States, they make up 40-50% of the unhoused youth population, depending on geography and identity disclosure. This stark disparity underscores the systemic barriers these individuals face.
Professionals who identify as LGBTQIA+/SGL, particularly those of colour, risk their jobs when they disclose their identities, especially in sectors where job security is already precarious. This fear of discrimination and loss of employment can further exacerbate mental health issues.
However, feeling supported by family and friends can make a significant difference. Respondents who reported that their families and schools affirmed their gender or sexuality were less likely to attempt suicide. This suggests that a supportive environment is crucial in promoting mental wellbeing.
Intersectionality, the understanding that being a nonbinary Latinx person, for example, is a unique experience shaped by sociopolitical forces, is essential in addressing the complex challenges faced by these communities. Dr. Darling-Hammond, a leading voice in this field, discussed the unique mental health challenges faced by queer, trans, and nonbinary People of Color in a recent interview.
Stigma and fear around discussing mental health can prevent individuals from seeking help. In some communities, people may turn to prayer or avoid discussing mental health challenges due to concerns about losing safety and autonomy. Even having an identity-affirming therapist does not guarantee empathy and guidance, emphasising the need for culturally responsive care.
Federal legislation like the Equality Act could provide a foundation for advancement and repair, as it would instate long-needed civil rights protections and modernise others. This legislation could help reduce discrimination in housing, employment, and education, sectors where LGBTQIA+/SGL individuals face significant barriers.
Trans people experience the highest rates of violence, from intimate partner violence to police brutality. 2021 was the deadliest year on record for trans and gender non-conforming people. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial in promoting mental health and wellbeing.
The American Psychiatric Association recently acknowledged its complicity in sustaining and reproducing racism, particularly in relation to race, gender, and sexual orientation. This admission is a step towards addressing these long-standing issues.
During a pandemic, people with the least economic privilege continue to work and risk exposure to the virus because they have to survive. Indigenous, Black, and Latinx People of Color are disproportionately surveilled, harassed, arrested, and incarcerated. They are historically economically exploited and receive substandard (and often abusive) healthcare.
Intersectional policy solutions focus on systemic reform, culturally responsive care, and community support tailored to the intersecting identities of queer, trans, and nonbinary People of Color. These solutions include improving access to affirming, culturally competent mental health providers, reforming housing, employment, and educational policies, and supporting organisations led by queer BIPOC that provide safe, identity-affirming spaces and services.
In summary, addressing mental health among queer, trans, and nonbinary People of Color requires a multi-level approach that combines tailored mental health services with broad structural reforms and community empowerment. This approach acknowledges the unique experiences and needs of these individuals and offers hope for a more empathetic and inclusive society.
[1] The Bridge to Thriving Framework - National Black Justice Coalition [2] Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America - National Action Network [3] The Trevor Project's National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health - The Trevor Project [4] Intersectional Policy Solutions for LGBTQ Mental Health - The Williams Institute [5] Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act - Congress.gov
- Mental health challenges for LGBTQIA+/SGL individuals of color are not solely confined to the healthcare sector; they are also significantly affected by systemic barriers in housing, employment, and education.
- Intersectionality, the recognition that being a nonbinary Hispanic person, for instance, is a unique experience influenced by a blend of sociopolitical forces, is crucial in understanding and addressing the complex problems faced by these communities.
- The promotion of health and wellness among queer, trans, and nonbinary People of Color necessitates a multi-dimensional approach, combining specialized mental health services with extensive structural reforms and community empowerment, to acknowledge and cater to the specific experiences and needs of these individuals.
