October 2020 TOM

Effects of COVID-19 on LGBTQ2+ community focus of new Canadian study

Effects of COVID-19 on LGBTQ2+ community focus of new Canadian study

“Researchers say members of the LGBTQ2+ community can face different levels of discrimination and stigma that manifests into poor mental health, which can in turn lead to differential outcomes in terms of chronic health.”

People of color create their own mental health services online

People of color create their own mental health services online

“For some queer and trans people of color, the pandemic has meant being unable to afford therapy or having to shelter in place with people who aren’t accepting or affirming of their gender or sexual orientation, he said. And that lack of acceptance is sometimes expressed through violence.”

Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Older Adults at Higher Risk for Substance Use

Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Older Adults at Higher Risk for Substance Use

“Our research confirms that a higher prevalence of substance use among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults can continue into later life. Similar to LGBTQ adolescents and young adults, such prevalence may be related to stressors like discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation in addition to stressors related to aging, including social isolation and age-related stigma,” said Benjamin Han, MD, MPH, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine’s Division of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care and the Department of Population Health at NYU Langone Health.

Cost, Stigma Leading Mental Health Access Barriers for LGBTQ Youth

Cost, Stigma Leading Mental Health Access Barriers for LGBTQ Youth

“What’s more, ethnic minority youth were more likely to report stigma experienced in their own cultures as a care access barrier, as well as challenges in finding a mental healthcare provider who understood their cultures or racial and ethnic identities.”

LGBTQ youth say cost, parental permission pose major barriers to mental health care

LGBTQ youth say cost, parental permission pose major barriers to mental health care

“One-third said that they didn’t want to ask permission from their parents — which many states require to provide medical care to a person under 18. The report suggested that for some youth, getting their parents involved would mean having to disclose their sexuality or gender identity. Nearly a quarter also said they were afraid of being outed.”

Discrimination impacts health of LGBT people, analysis finds

Discrimination impacts health of LGBT people, analysis finds

“The report is relevant to debates currently unfolding nationally about whether to ban discrimination or, alternatively, allow a “license to discriminate” through religious exemptions from discrimination law, Frank said. The data also offer guidance on what policies and practices can help mitigate the consequences of anti-LGBT discrimination, prejudice and stigma, he said.”

Startling mental health statistics among LGBTQ are a wake-up call

Startling mental health statistics among LGBTQ are a wake-up call

“Corktown’s therapists make sure that the younger people we treat embrace their identity and treat any mental and emotional issues they are facing. It’s critical to validate each person’s experiences and emotions, and make sure they know they are not alone. It’s also very important for medical professionals to work with the families of these young people to help cultivate a more positive relationship, especially in cases of transgender youths.”

Glo Center breaks mental health stigma during National Suicide Prevention Week

Glo Center breaks mental health stigma during National Suicide Prevention Week

“Thinking about how we address the needs of the LGBT population, it depends. Black LGBT youth are going to have certain struggles and issues they’re going to face. Latinx are going to have another set of unique challenges. We must take an intersectional approach when addressing mental health among this population” said Sherman-Wilkins.