2SLGBTQ+ Allyship and Mental Health

Q&AINDIVIDUAL MENTAL HEALTH
Written By Peachey Counselling

June is sunny, the days are longer, and we are excited about summer being around the corner. It is a fantastic time to show up for the groups that enrich our communities. June is Pride Month, where we celebrate the identities, strengths, and progress made by the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It is also a great time to show our continued support to this community.

We will discuss how we can be better allies to the LGBTQ2S+ community and implement that in our everyday lives, not just during Pride Month.

2SLGBTQ+ Community and Mental Health Stats

It is essential to start with a brief overview of some of the challenges and barriers that 2SLGBTQ+ communities have faced regarding mental health.

Statistics indicate that those who identify within the LGBTQ2S+ community experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and phobic disorders. In addition, these individuals are also at double the risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, LGBTQ individuals are targets of sexual and physical assault, harassment, and hate crimes simply because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Individuals who identify with an intersection of marginalized identities (e.g. a transgender woman of colour) were more likely to report excessive substance use. The prevalence of substance use was more than twice as high among 2SLGBTQ+ individuals versus those who identified as heterosexual. 

In Ontario, approximately 20% of trans people have experienced physical or sexual assault due to being transgender. With that, 34% of trans people have verbal threats or harassment directed at them.

 

Q: What are the barriers that exist in this community?

A: Those who are a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community experience stigma and discrimination that have adverse effects and consequences throughout their lives.

Essentially, barriers exist simply because of their identity. There are also three social determinants that contribute to the marginalization of 2SLGBTQ+ people: social inclusion, freedom from discrimination and violence, and access to economic resources. When these factors are unmet, it enhances the barriers and keeps them permanent.

The number of hate crimes in Canada is vastly based on and motivated by an individual's sexual orientation. This is just one cause of the lack of social inclusion. Also, when it comes to family inclusion, lack thereof can contribute to adolescents reporting higher rates of depression, drug use, unsafe sexual encounters, and attempted suicide.

When it comes to accessing economic resources, Trans people in both Canada and the US report high levels of violence, harassment, and discrimination when trying to secure stable housing, health/social services, or finding steady employment. There have been numerous reports of Trans individuals being denied a job or have lost a job simply because of their identity. In Ontario, Trans people were living on less than $15 000 a year, leading them into extreme poverty.

 

Q: How can we be allies to members of this group?

A: Allyship is not an identity, nor is it self-defined. The work an ally does is recognized by the individuals we become allies to. We must make meaningful efforts to be allies. The measures can look different, but starting somewhere is important.

We can do many things in varying capacities, and we can show up for our community in various ways. Sometimes it is difficult to know where to start, but allowing ourselves to be open to being an ally is a great place to start.

One thing we can do is speak up if we hear disrespectful language or remarks being used. If you're at a family gathering or a party, speak up if you hear homophobic or transphobic comments or jokes. Understanding why our actions are harmful is the cure for fear, and the more we know, the less likely we are to use inappropriate language that can hurt our peers.

Although speaking up is excellent, listening with open and loving ears is also crucial. If we approach topics of acceptance with love and openness, we can learn and support our peers who identify within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Also, those who do not identify within the community do not have first-hand experience with what barriers are presented. By listening, those not identifying as 2SLGBTQ+ can hear straight from individuals with lived experiences to ensure inclusion is championed and not ignored.

Allies also need to remember not to give up when things get tough. Even if our allyship is being fought against, standing true to your beliefs is essential. Being an ally isn’t easy, but remembering the number of people who feel supported when we show allyship is vital.

 

Q: What can we do to make therapy an inclusive place for those looking to seek support?

A: We can promote inclusive practices to ensure all individuals feel supported and valued. 

One way to begin this is not to assume gender or pronouns. When we ask individuals their pronouns, no matter how they identify, it reflects acknowledging and respecting who they are. Even if we misuse pronouns, correcting ourselves and apologizing can go a long way and show that we are committed to unlearning gender norms.

Therapists and mental health professionals can also ensure they educate themselves with the correct language. For example, is cisgender a term you use often? Or do you understand the differences between sexual orientation and gender identity? But familiarizing yourself with the proper terms and language makes it easier for your clients to speak to you openly.

Also, identifying your limits as a mental health professional or therapist is incredibly important. You do not have to be queer to be a queer-affirming therapist. However, there are experiences you do not get to take ownership of if you are not queer, transgender or another identity within the 2SLGBTQ+ spectrum. By recognizing your privilege, you can identify and remove any preconceived biases you may have.

To do all of the above, finding local resources is a great place to start. Many organizations and resources are available to learn and grow your knowledge to ensure all clients of all backgrounds are supported.

 

Q: Where can I continue my learning?

A: There are fantastic resources that are available to continue learning and understanding allyship with the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Books, podcasts, creators, movies, and blogs are just the start! Here is a small list of resources to get you started!

BOOKS

  • Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead

  • The Subtweet by Vivek Shraya

  • Crosshairs by Catherine Hernandez

  • THE SAVVY ALLY: A GUIDE FOR BECOMING A SKILLED LGBTQ+ ADVOCATE

PODCASTS

  • Making Gay History

  • Lovett or Leave It

  • Queery

  • Wanna Be on Top?

MOVIES

  • Love, Simon

  • Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen (documentary)

  • Blue Is the Warmest Color

  • Moonlight

  • (and many more!)

CREATORS TO FOLLOW

@alokvmenon on Instagram | they/them

@pattiegonia on Instagram | they/she/he

@seanqsnyder on Instagram | they/them

@charlie_craggs on Instagram | she/her

@justjamiep on TikTok | she/her

@portia.noir on TikTok | she/her

Whatever it is, we’re here for you.

Life is uncertain. Jobs are stressful. Parenting is hard. Relationships take work. Families can be dysfunctional. And sometimes, love hurts. When you’re confronted by feelings, events, or issues that are making your life challenging, it’s okay to ask for some help.

Contact us for a free consultation

Peachey Counselling
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