LGBTQ & Mental Health

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) community experiences and confronts mental illness to an arguably greater degree than the remainder of the population. Because of implicit and oftentimes explicit biases and prejudices, the LGBTQ community must endure both overt and covert discriminatory practices, behaviors, and beliefs that compound the fragile nature of mental illness in otherwise normal environment. Confronting stigmas emanating from sexual orientation and gender identity, which are exponentially multiplied when combined with mental illness and potential treatment options, are noteworthy and may become impediments to individuals seeking treatment.

Written by: Annette Kee, DNP(c) MSN APRN PMHNP-BC