Chronic Discrimination and Immunity
Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual people is widespread across societies. It takes many forms, including verbal harassment, physical assaults, denial of access to services, exclusion from institutions, and laws that prohibit same-sex relations and gender expression. Researchers have studied how chronic discrimination affects LGBTQ+ individuals' mental health, social integration, employment opportunities, and quality of life.
Little attention has been paid to its impact on immune system functioning. This paper discusses this issue, drawing on research from multiple disciplines.
How does Chronic Discrimination Affect Physiological Health?
Research shows that exposure to chronic stressors like discrimination can cause increased levels of the hormone cortisol, which suppresses the immune system and increases susceptibility to infections. LGBTQ+ populations are more likely than cisgender heterosexuals to experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychiatric disorders linked with compromised immune systems. In one study, lesbians had higher rates of HIV infection and lower CD4 counts (immune cells) compared to heterosexuals. Higher rates of cancer were reported among gay men, suggesting they may be less able to fight off tumor growth.
Sexual Minority Stress Theory
To better understand why these patterns occur, we must consider the effects of living under constant stress. Sexual minority stress theory describes the unique stresses faced by LGBTQ+ people due to negative societal attitudes toward their identities. This includes fear of outing oneself, concealing one's sexuality or gender identity, internalized homophobia/transphobia, difficulty finding supportive peers/partners, and rejection from family/friends. These factors can lead to a state of heightened alertness, called 'minority stress,' as individuals prepare for potential threats.
This can weaken the immune system and increase vulnerability to disease.
Immune System Functioning: What Does It Look Like?
The immune system is complex and involves many interacting components. Its primary function is to identify and eliminate foreign substances like viruses, bacteria, parasites, and cancerous cells. It does so through several mechanisms, including antibodies, white blood cells, cytokines, and inflammation. Immunological dysfunction can manifest in various ways, such as slow healing wounds, frequent colds/flu, allergies, autoimmune disorders, and increased susceptibility to infections.
How Chronic Discrimination Affects Immunity
Chronic discrimination may have multiple negative impacts on immune function. First, it increases cortisol levels, which suppresses the immune response. Second, it leads to chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight), depleting energy reserves and compromising immune cell production. Third, it creates psychosocial stressors that impair the body's ability to fight off illness.
It can cause direct physical damage to immune organs like lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow.
Research Gaps and Future Directions
While research has shown links between chronic discrimination and immune function, more work needs to be done. Large-scale longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore potential mechanisms.
Interventions could target specific factors, such as reducing discrimination exposure or teaching coping strategies for minority stress.
Addressing this issue requires greater societal acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Chronic discrimination against LGBTQ+ populations can negatively affect their immune systems, increasing vulnerability to disease. This phenomenon is rooted in sexual minority stress theory and its effects on physiological health. More research is needed to understand how discrimination harms immunity and develop effective interventions. Greater societal acceptance would also improve public health by reducing unnecessary suffering and preventable deaths.
How does exposure to chronic discrimination influence immune system functioning in LGBTQ+ populations?
Chronic discrimination can have significant impacts on an individual's physical health, including their immune system functioning. Chronic stress caused by discrimination can lead to increased levels of cortisol, which has been linked with impaired immune response in both animals and humans. Additionally, people who experience discrimination may engage in unhealthy coping strategies such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, further damaging their immune systems.