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12 - Mental Health Stigma among LGBTQ+ Populations

from Part III - Stigma and Mental Health in Specific Contexts

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2022

David L. Vogel
Affiliation:
Iowa State University
Nathaniel G. Wade
Affiliation:
Iowa State University
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Summary

Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) population have a unique relationship with stigma, as this community experiences both stigma associated with identifying within the LGBTQ+ spectrum and may also navigate the unique stigmas associated with mental illness and seeking help. It is important for researchers and practitioners to understand the historical roots of these stigmata as a means of understanding the present landscape of LGBTQ+ stigma. This chapter reviews the literature of LGBTQ+ mental health stigma (i.e., mental illness, help seeking, and structural stigmas). Additionally, this chapter presents an introduction to using intersectionality as means of understanding LGBTQ+ stigmata. Research and clinical applications are discussed.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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