Every university student experiences their own unique challenges, whether with academics, making new friends, living away from home for the first time, finding housing, or affording an increasingly expensive education. On top of all these challenges, some students face prejudice, discrimination, a lack of representation, and systemic barriers to success on campus. Many 2SLGBTQIA+ students encounter these barriers, contributing to mental health concerns.
The pandemic made this problem even worse, with 2SLGBTQIA+ students experiencing some of the highest declines in mental health. Stress levels and rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness are concerning across the entire university population, but especially for 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Much of this has been attributed to limited opportunities for social connections, which are particularly important for 2SLGBTQIA+ students seeking an inclusive and affirming support system. In this article, we will discuss what makes 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health unique, what we know can help protect the mental health of 2SLGBTQIA+ students, and what is needed on university campuses.
What uniquely influences 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health?
Minority groups, such as 2SLGBTQIA+ students, experience stress from repeated discrimination and stigma, which can lead to worse mental health. This idea is often referred to as the minority stress theory. Experiences of discrimination, hate, oppression, family rejection, social exclusion, and having a stigmatized identity have been shown to be more common among 2SLGBTQIA+ students and have a detrimental effect on mental health.
How can we protect our mental health as a community?
Some things have been shown to help improve the mental health of 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Having strong relationships with others has been shown to help protect 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health, which includes relationships with friends, family, or the broader community. Getting involved in supportive campus extracurriculars or community groups is a great way to foster these relationships. Connection to your school has also been shown to help support mental health, therefore having an inclusive and supportive university is essential.
Building more inclusive and affirming campuses.
There are many ways to create a safe and inclusive university campus for all genders, gender identities, and sexual orientations. Some universities have had success implementing 2SLGBTQIA+ mentorship programs, not only between peers, but through connecting 2SLGBTQIA+ staff and students. Programs that foster community connection and a sense of belonging can help improve the mental health of 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Others have implemented specialized 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health services on campus and have dedicated gender neutral floors in student housing and 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly housing options. It’s also important to consider the physical space on campuses. For example, gender neutral washrooms have been shown to remove the chronic stress of maneuvering through gendered facilities that can lead to long-term mental health impacts. It is crucial that universities do not fly a false flag on inclusion that is not backed up with safe and affirming facilities and supports for their 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
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