LGBTQIA2S+ Mental Health
People who are part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community have many different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The intersections of these identities create a vibrant and resilient community that can be an meaningful source of strength, belonging, and pride.
At the same time, many within this community face unique challenges when it comes to their mental health and wellness, often connected to the Social Determinants of Health, a lack of family acceptance and support, health advantages and disadvantages, and other factors. These challenges can be multiplied for LGTBTQIA2S+ individuals of minoritized racial/ethnic and cultural identities.
Understanding the unique risk factors facing this community is vital to achieving better health outcomes for all.
What does LGBTQIA2S+ mean?
LGBTQIA2S+ is an acronym used to describe the group of people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, or Two Spirit. The “+” indicates all other minoritized identities such as pansexual, nonbinary, and others along a spectrum. (Check out this glossary of terms to learn more.)
Gender identity and sexual orientation is deeply personal. For this reason, using one "umbrella" term to talk about such a varied and multi-faceted community inevitably leaves some individuals feeling excluded.
When in doubt, always use the words and terms someone uses to describe themselves - and don't be afraid to ask.
LGBTQIA2S+ Mental Health Statistics
Mental health and wellness doesn’t happen in a vaccuum. Experts now understand that a wide range of factors can impact a person’s quality of life and their long-term health – including where they are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age. These factors are referred to as the Social Determinants of Health.
The statistics below demonstrate how the Social Determinants of Health impact the LGBTQIA2S+ community in significant and measurable ways.
Additional Learning & Resources
LGBTQIA2S+ mental health resources
Okra Project
A grassroots nonprofit that addresses food insecurity in the Black community, as well as mental health recovery funds to provide Black trans men and women sessions with a licensed Black therapist, free of cost.
Local LGBTQIA2S+ organizations & programs |
National LGBTQIA2S+ organizations & programs |