Shedding light on bisexual mental health: Overcoming bi-erasure and building a stronger community
Rhiannon Read explores the often overlooked topic of bisexual mental health through a series of interviews with members of the community.
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LGBTQ+
Mental
Health
Even with the leaps and bounds that have been made in openly discussing gender and sexuality, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face challenges that can directly impact the rate at which mental health issues manifest among them.
Here, we highlight key areas that still need to be improved, celebrate pioneers in driving LGBTQ+ mental health conversation, share thoughts, insights, and resources, and signpost helpful organisations.
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Stats & figures
Statistics and figures
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What needs to change
Harry Quan / Unsplash
52%
of LGBT people said they've
experienced depression in the past year
LGBT people aged 18-24 said they’ve attempted to take their own life in the last year
1 in 8
46%
of trans people have thought about taking their own life in the last year – 31 per cent of LGB people who aren’t trans said the same
of non-binary people
41%
20%
of LGBT women
12%
of GBT men
said they harmed themselves in the last year
1 in 6
LGBT people said they drank alcohol almost every day over the last year
1 in 4
LGBT people have witnessed discriminatory or negative remarks against LGBT people by healthcare staff
Trailblazers
Trailblazers
Take pride
Blaise Freeman / Flickr
Wellcome Trust / Click here for license details
Magnus Hirschfeld
Magnus Hirschfeld was a German physician who is widely considered to be one of the first advocates for homosexual and transgender rights. His work in the field of sexology redefined Germany's understanding of homosexuality and would later influence understanding around the world. Hirschfeld was also the founder of the world's first gender identity clinic.
Blaise Freeman / Flickr
Barbara Gittings
Prior to the New York City Stonewall riots of 1969 – a key part of the gay liberation movement – Barbara Gittings was challenging the status quo of how homosexuality was understood and defined. In 1964, while editor of the lesbian rights-focused periodical the Ladder, Billings published an editorial criticising a medical report that described homosexuality as a disease. Her activism would eventually lead to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) moving away from defining homosexuality as a mental illness entirely.
New York Times
Dr. Richard Isay
Despite such a positive step by the APA, stigma surrounding homosexuality remained strong. Dr Richard Isay was one of the first high-profile medical professionals to encourage his patients to accept their sexuality. His work, as well as his eventual coming out as gay, would see him and his practices shunned by his peers. That is until he launched a lawsuit in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union against the APA that would lead to a landmark decision in preventing discrimination against homosexual professionals.
ericyarbrough.com
Eric Yarbrough
Author of Transgender Mental Health, which is aimed at educating clinicians on addressing needs specific to the transgender and gender-nonconforming community, and former president/director of several organisations supporting LGBTQ+ mental health, Yarbrough has not only been influential in improving the treatment of LGBTQ+ mental health, but also continues to practice medically, providing a direct impact on the lives of those he treats.
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital
Dr. Diane Ehrensaft
The founding member and Director of Mental health for the Child and Adolescent Gender Center, Dr Ehrensaft's research on gender-nonconforming and transgender children and youth, LGBTQ+ families, and psychological issues for families using assisted reproductive technology have been particularly influential for the transgender community. As she currently still practices, her direct influence can be felt by many in the transgender community and beyond.
Articles and insights
Articles & stories
Life as LGBTQ+
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Who to talk to
Support
You are not alone
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LGBT Foundation
In their own words: Established in 1975, LGBT Foundation exists to support the needs of the diverse range of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans. We believe in a fair and equal society where all LGBT people can achieve their full potential. #EqualityWins underpins much of what we do and we aim to be; ‘here if you need us.’
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Get in touch >
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LGBT Health and Wellbeing (Scotland)
In their own words: Established in 2003, LGBT Health and Wellbeing works to improve the health, wellbeing and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland. We provide support services, social events and develop resources so LGBT people can address the health issues that impact their lives and connect with their local communities.
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Resources
Resources
With help from our friends
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The following resources have been supplied by our friends at MindOut.
Sharon McCutcheon / Unsplash
MindOut provides a confidential, non-judgemental and anonymous live chat service that is open every day, including evenings and Bank Holidays.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can access the live chat service in the bottom right-hand corner of the MindOut website.
Find out more about the online support MindOut provides here.
Leaflets providing further information regarding MindOut's mental health services. Hover over any of the boxes below and click 'Download' for your own copy. Or download them all here.
Key information related to specific Trans mental health topics. Hover over each box and click the purple arrow to download your own copy. Or download them all here.
And finally... a request
Talking Mental Health is a small team of volunteers with a passion to change the way we think and talk about mental health, for the better. But we can't achieve our mission without you.
If this Spotlight has proven valuable to you, please share it with your friends, loved ones and anyone else you think it could help.
Together, we can change the conversation about LGBTQ+ mental health once and for all.
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