The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other sexual and gender diverse (LGBTQ+) community encompasses a rich diversity of identities, experiences, and lives. Recent surveys illuminate the ongoing challenges many LGBTQ+ individuals face, as well as signs of progress. Understanding the realities of this community is key for building a more just, equitable, and inclusive society. This article explores survey findings on LGBTQ+ experiences of discrimination, barriers to health care access, mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and more. It also provides resources for finding and connecting with the LGBTQ+ community, and outlines policies needed to better support LGBTQ+ wellbeing.
Key Experiences and Attitudes of LGBTQ+ Americans
- Over one-third of LGBTQ+ Americans experienced discrimination in the past year based on sexual orientation, gender identity or other factors. Transgender individuals faced the highest rates of discrimination, with over 60% reporting incidents in the previous year.
- Discrimination negatively affects many aspects of LGBTQ+ lives – over half said discrimination moderately or significantly impacted their psychological wellbeing in the past year. It also affected their ability to obtain jobs, housing, and accurate ID documents.
- Over half of LGBTQ+ Americans have hidden personal relationships to avoid discrimination. Around one-fifth to one-third altered other aspects of their personal or work lives, like avoiding public places, changing jobs, or moving.
- Due to costs, around 30% of LGBTQ+ Americans found it difficult to access necessary medical care in the past year. Transgender individuals were disproportionately affected.
- 15% avoided medical care due to discrimination, including 40% of transgender respondents. Many faced challenges with providers, like discomfort, misgendering, or refusal of care.
- Two-thirds expressed anxiety about COVID-19. Over half reported mental health issues like depression, uncontrolled worrying, and loss of interest/pleasure when thinking about the pandemic.
- Younger generations generally reported higher levels of discrimination and related adversities than older cohorts. Problems stemming from discrimination were most acute for transgender, disabled, and LGBTQ+ people of color.
Finding and Connecting with the LGBTQ+ Community
For LGBTQ+ individuals seeking community, and for allies wishing to offer support, many resources exist to connect with this diverse population.
- Local LGBTQ+ community centers operate in many major cities and towns. They offer services like support groups, health programs, arts/culture events, and more. Centers can be located through directory listings.
- Pride festivals happen annually in hundreds of cities worldwide. These events celebrate LGBTQ+ culture/identities and are great places to meet community members. Local Pride dates can be found online.
- LGBTQ+ clubs and organizations operate on many high school and college campuses. School counselors/administrators can share information on joining.
- Online directories list LGBTQ+-owned/friendly businesses like cafes, bookstores, health providers, and other services. Patronizing these spaces supports the community.
- Dating apps and LGBTQ+-focused social media groups help connect community members with shared interests and experiences. Exercise caution when meeting online contacts.
- Metropolitan areas typically have LGBTQ+ neighborhoods with concentrations of residents, businesses, and culture. Local community centers or tourism sites can provide information.
- Volunteering with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups is a way to support issues impacting the community. National organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD have local branches.
- Attending LGBTQ+ events like film festivals, lectures by community leaders, or performing arts showcases offers both social and educational value. Check local event listings.
- Religious groups like the Metropolitan Community Church, DignityUSA (Catholic), and many Unitarian Universalist congregations provide LGBTQ+-affirming spiritual homes.
- Support groups exist online and locally for LGBTQ+ people and parents/families to share experiences in confidence. National hotlines can also direct people to local resources.
Policies and Practices to Better Support LGBTQ+ Wellbeing
Survey findings make clear that LGBTQ+ individuals continue facing discrimination, barriers to health care, and mental health burdens. While awareness and societal attitudes have progressed, full equality and inclusion remain unrealized. Implementing supportive laws, policies and programs could significantly improve LGBTQ+ experiences and wellbeing.
- Passing comprehensive federal non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ Americans in employment, housing, health care, education, credit, and public accommodations
- Expanding access to transition-related health services through insurance coverage, provider education, and non-discrimination protections
- Enacting policies and training to build LGBTQ+ cultural competence among health care providers, educators, law enforcement, and other public services
- Funding mental health and social services tailored to meet needs of LGBTQ+ youth and elders
- Promoting workplace diversity and inclusion practices that create welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ employees
- Ensuring LGBTQ+ representation and perspectives are included within governmental advisory boards, public commissions, and community planning processes
- Improving data collection on LGBTQ+ populations across research initiatives, surveys, and program evaluations
- Establishing school environments that affirm all sexual orientations and gender identities through inclusive policies, curricula, training, and support programs
- Investing in supportive housing, shelters, training, and social services to address LGBTQ+ homelessness
- Fostering opportunities and networks for LGBTQ+ business development and entrepreneurship
Progress requires work from all segments of society – governments, businesses, nonprofits, community groups, religious institutions, and individuals. Through growing visibility, expanding legal rights, and ongoing cultural change, LGBTQ+ people are forging freer, more equal futures. But making equality a lived reality for all LGBTQ+ Americans remains an unfinished journey. This community deserves to participate fully in society, to access needed services, to feel safe from discrimination – and to openly express their identities without fear. Continued advocacy, education, and political organizing can help realize these basic aspirations.
Reference
- CenterLink. “LGBT Community Center Directory.” CenterLink, 2021, https://www.lgbtcenters.org/LGBTCenters.
- Human Rights Campaign. “Human Rights Campaign.” Human Rights Campaign, 2021, https://www.hrc.org/.
- GLAAD. “GLAAD.” GLAAD, 2021, https://www.glaad.org/.
- DignityUSA. “DignityUSA.” DignityUSA, 2021, https://www.dignityusa.org/.
