Discrimination on the Rise Towards LGBTQ People of Color
Discrimination did not decrease by much after a year of protests in response to racial injustice. For LGBTQ people of color, systemic racism still continues. Because of this, the quality of their mental health could be better.
In research conducted by Cornell University, the National Black Justice Coalition, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the National LGBTQ Task Force and Freedom for All Americans, LGBTQ people of color are 38 percent more likely than white LGBTQ folks to experience discrimination.
This includes double the amount of verbal abuse when they apply for jobs and bias from the police. Not only that, Black, LGBTQ people are likely to experience food insecurities due to financial inequities. This stems from how racism exists in economics, which creates less opportunities for people of color. This also affects housing options and stability.
The majority of Black, LGBTQ people reside in the South, where six states passed anti-trans legislations (including Arkansas and Tennessee). This includes limits towards trans students in sports and less support for health care access for trans youth.
With the lack of support, mental health continues to be on the decline. Suicidal ideation exists in Indigenous and Black LGBTQ youth, 31 percent and 21 percent respectively, as compared to 12 percent of white counterparts.
Adding religious refusal laws—where health care workers can deny patients access to services based on their personal beliefs—mental distress increased to 46 percent of queer and trans people of color.
Although mental health quality mirrors the extent of discrimination in each state, help still exists. This includes organizations that empower and support Black, trans communities. Along with poor mental health, other forms of inequality they face include harassment and unemployment. Organizations that support this community are necessary and can be found here.
