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LGBTQIA+ Concerns

What is it? 

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic Plus (LGBTQIA+) community is a diverse group of individuals whose sexuality, gender, and attractionality have been minorityized by society. These identities can be a source of pride and joy for many individuals while simultaneously hosting unique challenges. These issues may include coming out, family and/or peer rejection, stigma, harassment, and abuse. These concerns may be exacerbated by intersectional identities related to race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, ability, and more.

Where LGBTQIA+ Issues Present

Issues LGBTQIA+ individuals face occur due to individual, cultural, and structural stigma, which may lead to stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, trauma, PTSD, and other mental health concerns. LGBTQIA+ individuals are disproportionately affected by concerns related to substance use, homelessness, and unequal access to care. Current research has highlighted concerns for the LGBTQIA+ community broadly and specifically based on individual identities:

  • The LGBTQIA+ community presents with increased mental health challenges, with gay/lesbian, bisexual, asexual, and transgender individuals reporting increased levels of depression, anxiety, and substance use difficulties.  

  • LGBTQIA+ individuals struggle with suicidal thoughts twice as much as heterosexual individuals, with LGBTQIA+ youths being 2-7 times more likely to report having suicidal thoughts. The 2022 US Trans Survey found that 38% of transgender respondents considered suicide, and 5% attempted in the past year.

  • Those in the LGBTQIA+ community are at increased risk for substance use concerns.

  • LGBTQIA+ individuals make up approximately 20-40% of the homeless population. Researchers have linked this to several contributors such as poverty, ethnicity, racism, substance use, mental health concerns, and systemic failures. As a result, LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing homelessness may experience survival sex work, poor physical health, sexually-transmitted infections, and difficulty accessing shelters. 

  • LGBTQIA+ individuals are more likely to be victims of police-related violence, with up to 47% of transgender individuals reporting such experiences. Transgender women of color are at higher risk of police violence.

Treatment

The issues LGBTQIA+ individuals face can be supported by peer support, therapy, cultural advocacy, and structural changes. 

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  • Support groups and therapy can help address individual concerns.

  • Queer friendly businesses and local advocacy groups can provide safe spaces in the community. (https://www.experiencegr.com/articles/post/lgbtqia-in-gr/)

  • Engaging in local politics, uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices, and supportive allies can assist in the fight for equal rights and shifting the cultural narrative surrounding the queer community. 

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All of our therapists are allies to the LGBTQIA+ community and welcome you to their offices. If you are looking for a queer-identified therapist who is knowledgeable about and specializes in queer issues, Leo is our resident expert. 

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