Lived experiences and their consequences for health in sexual and ethnic minority young adults in the UK - A qualitative study
Published on 1 January, 2022.
Substantial research shows that young individuals who identify as sexual and/or gender minorities (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer [LGBTQ+], collectively referred to as sexual and gender minority) have higher rates of mental ill-health (such as depression, anxiety and suicidality) and poorer wellbeing than cisgender heterosexual individuals. Specifically, sexual and gender minority individuals are more likely to report adverse health-related behaviours or self-harm such as substance abuse (for example, use drugs and drink excessively) and risky sexual behaviour compared to their cisgender heterosexual peers. Sexual and gender minorities continue to face discrimination in various social contexts and often refrain from disclosing their sexual and/or gender identity due to fear of adverse consequences. This is despite the considerable progress in political and sociocultural rights and acceptance sexual minorities have gained in many countries in recent decades, including the UK. However, the overwhelming research on health in sexual and gender minorities has been largely restricted to White individuals, with very few studies examining health in those individuals who identify with both sexual minority- and ethnic minority identities (and including gender and/or religious minority identities). The main aim of this study was to examine the intersection of multiple minority identities (ethnic-sexual-gender-religious) to better understand diversity in the lived experiences of ethnic and sexual/gender minority young individuals and their risk in regard to mental health and wellbeing.