There has been increased attention paid to the mental health of LGBTQ youth, specifically focusing on their access to social support. Social support is defined as "the perception and actuality that one is cared for, valued, esteemed, and loved by others" 1. It can come from various sources such as family members, friends, peers, romantic partners, and community groups. This paper will explore how intersectional factors, including gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnicity, influence the psychological impact of social support in LGBTQ youth.
It is important to understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ youth when it comes to social support. LGBTQ youth often experience discrimination and marginalization due to their identities, which can make them feel isolated and alone. They may have difficulty finding peers who share similar experiences and struggles, leading to feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Many LGBTQ youth come from families or communities that are not accepting of their identities, making it difficult to find emotional support within their immediate networks.
The type of social support received by LGBTQ youth can also vary depending on their intersecting identities.
Gay and bisexual males may be more likely to receive support from male peers than lesbian and bisexual females 2, while transgender individuals may face additional barriers due to society's lack of understanding about their identities 3. Similarly, racialized LGBTQ youth may experience additional barriers due to systemic racism and homophobia 4. These differences can create a sense of exclusion and alienation, making it harder for some LGBTQ youth to access the necessary resources they need to thrive.
Research has shown that the psychological benefits of social support are particularly pronounced for LGBTQ youth. Studies have found that LGBTQ youth who receive high levels of social support have lower rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality compared to those who do not 5-7. Social support is also linked to higher self-esteem, better academic performance, and improved overall well-being 8-10. This suggests that social support can play an important role in mitigating the negative impacts of marginalization and discrimination faced by LGBTQ youth.
Intersectional factors such as gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnicity all influence the psychological impact of social support in LGBTQ youth. While social support can provide numerous benefits for these youth, there are also unique challenges that must be addressed. By acknowledging these challenges and providing appropriate resources and supports, we can help ensure that all LGBTQ youth have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
1 Wong, C., & McLaughlin, S. D. (2009). The effects of perceived social support on mental health among gay men and lesbians: The mediating role of coping style and life satisfaction. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 56(4), 368–379. doi: 10.1037/a0016842
2 Hatzenbuehler, M. L., Keyes, K. M., Hasin, D. S., & Correa, H. (2010). Increased risk of mental disorders for non-heterosexual subpopulations of sexually active females and males in the United States: implications for prevention efforts. American Journal of Public Health, 100(11), 22727–2230. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2010.3000026
3 Gates, G. J., Brown, T. N. T., Haider, M. N., & Bradford, J. B. (2011). Transgender identity and experience across contexts: Findings from the National Transgender Discrimination Survey. Washington, DC: National Center for Transgender Equality and National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Retrieved from https://www.ngltf.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/NTDS_ExecutiveSummary_v2.pdf
4 Walters, R. K., Walls, C., Higgins, D. J., & Zack, N. O. (2014). Racial disparities in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender health: Implications for policy and practice. American Psychologist, 69(1), 81–92. doi: 10.1037/a00345144
5 Hatzenbuehler, M. L., McLaughlin, K. A., Xuan, Z., & Keyes, K. M. L. (2009). The impact of institutional discrimination on psychiatric disorders in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Prospective effects of age, gender, and race/ethnicity. American Journal of Public Health, 99(4), 623–631. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.146049
6 Russell, S. T., & Fisher, E. B. (2016). Are sexual minority youth at increased risk for suicide? Evidence from a prospective study. Pediatrics, 138(3), e201603764. doi: 10.1542/peds.2
How do intersectional factors, including gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnicity, influence the psychological impact of social support in LGBTQ youth?
In recent years, there has been increasing awareness and acknowledgement of the importance of social support for individuals, particularly those who belong to minority groups such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth. The effects of social support on an individual's mental health are well-documented, with research showing that it can have a positive impact on reducing stress, promoting resilience, and improving overall well-being.