Information on LGBT Mental Health

Several large-scale studies have found high rates of victimization for LGBT-identified young people (Berlan, Corliss, Field, Goodman, & Austin, 2010; Birkett, Espelage, & Koenig, 2009; D’Augelli & Grossman, 2006), and those who hold other marginalized identities in addition to identifying as LGBT often must contend with multiple forms of oppression and discrimination (HightowWeidman, Phillips, Jones, Outlaw, Fields, & Smith, 2011; Poteat, Mereish, DiGiovanni, & Koenig, 2011). The emotional costs of living in a heterosexist society can result in greater risk for mental health concerns for those who identify as LGBT (Meyer, 2003). Research has linked discrimination against LGBT individuals with higher levels of substance use, risky sexual practices, depressive symptoms, and suicidality (Almeida, Johnson, Corliss, Molnar, & Azrael, 2009; Bontempo & D’Augelli, 2002; D’Augelli, Grossman, Salter, Vasey, Starks, & Sinclair, 2005; Espelage, Aragon, Birkett, & Koenig, 2008; Marshal et al., 2011).

This is true on college campuses as well as in society at large. Even though many colleges strive to be accepting of all forms of diversity, students who identify as LGBT still face discrimination on campuses across the country (Rankin, 2003; Rankin, Weber, Blumenfeld, & Frazer, 2010). Although many college students consider leaving their program at some point during their academic careers, LGBT students consider dropping out more often than their heterosexual and cisgender peers as a result of the many stressors associated with being a sexual or gender minority (Rankin, Weber, Blumenfeld, & Frazer, 2010; Sherrill & Hardesty, 1994).