LGBTQI+ Mental Health
Bath Mind stands with the LGBTQI+ community, allying with equal rights and acceptance for all, every month of the year.
Those of us who identify as LGBTQI+ are more likely to experience a mental health problem. For many, the COVID-19 pandemic may have made things more difficult. Those of us who identify as LGBTQI+ are more likely to develop problems like:
However, being LGBTQI+ does not cause these problems. The reasons why those of us with LGBTQI+ identities are more likely to experience a mental health problem are complicated. But it may be linked to LGBTQI+ specific experiences, such as:
- Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia
- Stigma and discrimination
- Difficult experiences of coming out
- Social isolation, exclusion and rejection
Bath Mind’s service are open to all, and can be accessed by anyone looking for support with their mental health. To understand how Bath Mind can support you, head to What We Do. Please be aware that Bath Mind services are open and inclusive of all, no matter your sexuality or gender identity.
If you’re looking for further resources on support and allyship for LGBTQI+ people, take a look at our resource section below:
Resources for LGBTIQ+ People
Mind’s information page on support for LGBTQI+ identifying people
Mindline Trans+, a national confidential, emotional and mental health support helpline for people who identify as Transgender, Agender, Gender Fluid, Non-binary or figuring out gender identity
Consortium’s directory of LGBTQI+ specific resources and support
Pinktherapy directoryon LGBTQI+ specific counselling and therapy (please note that this is private sector, not accessible to everyone), also have training for people working with LGBTQI+ people
Switchboard, a LGBTQI+ specific helpline and online chat (all phone volunteers identify as LGBTQI+)
Imaanis a charity that supports LGBTQI+ Muslims, providing an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help
Resources for allies
Stonewall glossaryof definitions of gender and sexual expression
Becoming an active LGBTQ+ allyby Stonewall
Pride and Joy, 10 Ways to be an Active AllyBBC Sounds Episode
How to support someone who has come out to you
Using Gender Pronouns– “For most, their singular and visible gender identity is a privilege. Not everybody has this privilege; those that are referred to with the wrong pronoun can feel disrespected, invalidated, and alienated.”
Mindline Trans+also support family members and friends and provide signposting to other services and resources.
Mind’s supporting someone who is LGBTQI+
Stonewalls ‘Becoming an Active Ally‘ article with tips on how to be a good ally – ‘To be an LGBT ally is easy. If you agree in equality and fair treatment in society of people who identify as LGBT then already you are an ally.’