Discrimination and Mental Illness in the LGBT Population
Definition
Discrimination and Mental Illness in the LGBT Population refers to the experience of LGBT individuals who are subjected to discrimination or mental illness due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This can include anything from verbal and physical abuse, to exclusion from certain social activities or employment opportunities. Discrimination can also refer to unequal access to healthcare services or resources due to one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
History
LGBT individuals have long been the target of discrimination and prejudice. This has been seen in both overt and subtle forms, and has included everything from physical and verbal abuse to the denial of basic rights and freedoms. This discrimination has had a long-lasting impact on the mental health of LGBT individuals, resulting in higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide. Discrimination has been found to be a major contributor to poor mental health outcomes among LGBT individuals, and has been linked to an increased risk of mental illness.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.
Bauer, G. R., Hammond, R., Travers, R., Kaay, M., Hohenadel, K. M., & Boyce, M. (2009). “I don’t think this is theoretical; this is our lives”: How erasure impacts health care for transgender people. Health care for women international, 30(8), 680-694.
Krieger, N., Smith, K., Naishadham, D., & Hartman, C. (2010). Experiences of discrimination: Results from the National Health Interview Survey, 2001–2007. American Journal of Public Health, 100(11), 2275–2284.
Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological bulletin, 129(5), 674–697.