There are multiple ways that intersectionality impacts the mental health of LGBTQ people. Intersectionality refers to an approach by which intersecting experiences of marginalization and the needs of the whole person are considered. a bisexual South Asian woman may have an anxiety disorder and be living in poverty). For example, an individual’s experience may be shaped at the same time by their sexual orientation, racialization, gender, disability and income (e.g. LGBTQ individuals may experience multiple forms of marginalization or disadvantage at the same time. Trans people in both Canada and the US report high levels of violence, harassment, and discrimination when seeking stable housing, employment, health or social services vĪdditional factors that may impact on mental health and well-being for LGBTQ people include the process of “coming out” (sharing one’s LGBTQ identity with others), gender transition, internalized oppression, isolation and alienation, loss of family or social support, and the impact of HIV and AIDS.An Ontario-based study of trans people found that 20 per cent had experienced physical or sexual assault due to their identity, and that 34 per cent were subjected to verbal threats or harassment v.Hates crimes motivated by sexual orientation more than doubled in Canada from 2007 to 2008, and were the most violent of all hate crimes iv.LGBTQ people experience stigma and discrimination across their life spans, and are targets of sexual and physical assault, harassment and hate crimes iii An Ontario-based study found that half of trans people were living on less than $15,000 a year ii.Bisexual and trans people are over-represented among low-income Canadians.Three significant determinants of positive mental health and wellbeing are: social inclusion freedom from discrimination and violence and access to economic resources i.Īll three factors impact LGBTQ individuals and communities in Ontario: Socio-economic factors (or determinants) play a key role in mental health and wellbeing for all of us, and are particularly important for marginalized populations. This information was compiled by Rainbow Health Ontario and CMHA Ontario.
Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health.Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee Secretariat.Mental Health and Addictions Legislation.Addiction and Substance use Treatment Options.Reducing cannabis harms: A guide for Ontario campuses.