Understanding Minority Stress
Researchers use the term “Minority Stress” to describe the strain required by members of a marginalized group to partake in society. This session is a conversation about Minority Stress and its effect on healthy lives and relationships. Understanding the term and the ways in which it affects our queer community will allow us to acknowledge the common trauma that we often share. Although our community has gained visibility and more equality, we still observe very high rates of depression, anxiety and substance abuse for queer individuals. The continuous stress endured by queer people growing up in a cisgender heteronormative society greatly impacts our ability to nurture healthy relationships and affects our physical and mental health. Moreover, these stressors are multiplied for Queer People of Color. Acknowledging this trauma will cease the circle of abuse that is often recreated within our community and ensure more joy, happiness and growth. AJ will define the terms, present data, link it to healthy relationships, and offer helpful resources too.
Resources Mentioned
Prejudice, Social Stress, and Mental Health in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Populations: Conceptual Issues and Research Evidence (Study by Ilan H. Meyer)
Minority stress processes in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations (Graphic)
“The Epidemic of Gay Loneliness” (Article from Jess Brooks)
Dr. Vivek Murthy and Brené on Loneliness and Connection (Podcast Episode)
The Role of Distal Minority Stress and Internalized Transnegativity in Suicidal Ideation and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Transgender Adults (Study by Jennifer M. Staples, Elizabeth C. Neilson, Amanda E. B. Bryan, & William H. George)
Suicide in married couples in Sweden: Is the risk greater in same-sex couples? (Study by Charlotte Björkenstam, Gunnar Andersson, Christina Dalman, Susan Cochran, Kyriaki Kosidou)
Associations of Bisexual-Specific Minority Stress and Health Among Cisgender and Transgender Adults with Bisexual Orientation (Study by Sabra L. Katz-Wise, Ethan H. Mereish, and Julie Woulfe)
Do Double Minority Students Face Double Jeopardy? Testing Minority Stress Theory (Study by Jeffrey A. Hayes, Caitlin Chun‐Kennedy, Astrid Edens, and Benjamin D. Locke)
The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People (Study by Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Issues and Research Gaps and Opportunities)
Management of a concealable stigmatized identity: A qualitative study of concealment, disclosure and role flexing among young, resilient sexual and gender minority individuals (Study by Laura Jane Bry, B.A., Brian Mustanski, Ph.D., Robert Garofalo, M.D., MPH, and Michelle Nicole Burns, Ph.D)
