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WORKPLACE HARMONY

Recognising and Addressing the Impact of Discrimination and Stigma on LGBTQIA+ Wellbeing

Discrimination and stigma continue to have a profound impact on the mental and physical health of LGBTQIA+ individuals, shaping their daily experiences in ways that can lead to serious, long-term consequences

Mental Health and Discrimination: Insights from European Studies

A comprehensive study conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) in 2020 provides an extensive overview of the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals across Europe. This research, which surveyed over 140,000 LGBTQ+ individuals from all 27 EU Member States, plus the UK, North Macedonia, and Serbia, found that nearly 60% of respondents had experienced discrimination or harassment in the year preceding the survey. The study also revealed that LGBTQ+ people in Eastern European countries, in particular, reported higher rates of discrimination compared to their counterparts in Western Europe (FRA, 2020).

The FRA survey further highlighted the mental health impacts of this discrimination. A significant portion of respondents reported high levels of anxiety and depression, with younger LGBTQ+ individuals (aged 15-24) being particularly vulnerable. This aligns with findings from a Norwegian study that found LGBTQ+ youth are three times more likely to experience mental health issues than their heterosexual peers (Myhre & Dalen, 2017).

Physical Health and Wellbeing

Physical health disparities among LGBTQ+ individuals in Europe have also been documented. The European Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men Internet Survey (EMIS), which surveyed over 180,000 participants from 50 European countries, found that gay and bisexual men are at higher risk for certain physical health issues, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and substance abuse (EMIS, 2017). These health risks are often exacerbated by societal stigma, which can lead to avoidance of healthcare services and poor mental health, further deteriorating physical wellbeing.

In addition, a study from Sweden found that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to report chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, particularly when they have experienced high levels of discrimination (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014). This reflects broader trends across Europe, where discrimination is linked to both poorer mental and physical health outcomes.

Workplace Discrimination in Europe

Workplace discrimination remains a significant issue across Europe, affecting the economic stability and mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals. A 2019 study by the European Commission found that 21% of LGBTQ+ people in the EU felt discriminated against at work or when looking for a job. This figure rises significantly in certain countries, with 30% of LGBTQ+ individuals in Poland and Hungary reporting workplace discrimination (European Commission, 2019).

The psychological impact of such workplace discrimination is profound. Studies from the Netherlands and France have shown that LGBTQ+ employees who experience discrimination at work are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and burnout, which can lead to decreased job satisfaction and productivity (Veldman, 2017; Dewaele et al., 2018).

Legal and Social Support Mechanisms

The presence (or absence) of legal protections and social support mechanisms significantly affects the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals across Europe. In countries with strong legal protections, such as Spain and the Netherlands, LGBTQ+ individuals report lower levels of discrimination and better mental health outcomes. Conversely, in countries with weaker protections, such as Bulgaria and Romania, LGBTQ+ people face higher levels of stigma, leading to worse mental and physical health outcomes (ILGA-Europe, 2021).

However, even in more progressive countries, the existence of legal protections does not always translate to social acceptance. For instance, research in Denmark found that despite strong legal protections, many LGBTQ+ individuals still experience microaggressions and subtle forms of discrimination that contribute to chronic stress and mental health issues (Andersen & Hellesund, 2018).

Education and Bullying

The education sector is another area where LGBTQ+ individuals face significant discrimination and stigma. A study conducted in Germany found that over 60% of LGBTQ+ students had experienced bullying due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, with long-term effects on their mental health, including increased rates of depression and anxiety (Steffens & Viladot, 2019). Similarly, research from Italy highlights that LGBTQ+ students who face bullying are more likely to disengage from school and have lower academic performance, leading to reduced opportunities in later life (Ghini, 2020).

Coping Strategies: Finding Support and Practicing Self-Care

Finding Support: One of the most effective ways to cope with the impact of discrimination and stigma is to seek out supportive networks. This can include talking to trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals who can offer understanding and validation. LGBTQ+ support groups provide a space where individuals can connect with others who share similar experiences, offering both emotional support and practical advice.

Practicing Self-Care: Self-care is crucial for managing the effects of discrimination and stigma. Activities that promote relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional wellbeing can mitigate the negative impacts on mental health. Some effective self-care strategies include:

  • Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as jogging, yoga, or swimming, can improve mood and reduce stress levels. Exercise also has physical health benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
  • Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices have been shown to lower anxiety and stress, improve immune function, and decrease the risk of chronic illnesses. Incorporating daily mindfulness or meditation can be a powerful tool for managing the emotional toll of discrimination.
  • Creative Expression: Engaging in creative activities, such as painting, writing, or music, can help process emotions and regain a sense of control and agency.
  • Social Connection: Maintaining social ties is essential for mental health. Activities with friends and family, such as shared meals or outings, can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.

It’s important to note that self-care is not universal; what works for one person may not be effective for another. LGBTQ+ individuals should explore various self-care activities to find what best supports their mental and physical health.

Advocacy and Professional Support

Advocating for Change: Advocacy can be an empowering way to cope with the effects of discrimination and stigma. Engaging in activism or educating others about the harms of discrimination can create more inclusive environments. Research suggests that involvement in activism can improve mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals by fostering a sense of purpose and community.

Seeking Professional Support: For those struggling with the impacts of discrimination, professional support from a mental health provider can be invaluable. Therapists with experience in LGBTQ+ issues can offer targeted strategies for building resilience and managing stress.

References

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). (2020). A long way to go for LGBTI equality.

Myhre, M., & Dalen, M. (2017). Mental health disparities among LGBT youth in Norway. Journal of Adolescence.

European Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men Internet Survey (EMIS). (2017). Key findings from the European MSM Internet Survey.

Fredriksen-Goldsen, K. I., et al. (2014). Physical health disparities among sexual minorities: Evidence from Sweden. Social Science & Medicine.

European Commission. (2019). Discrimination in the EU: 2019 Report.

Veldman, J. (2017). The impact of workplace discrimination on LGBTQ+ employees in the Netherlands. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology.

Dewaele, A., et al. (2018). Discrimination at work and its impact on mental health among LGBTQ+ employees in France. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Steffens, M., & Viladot, M. A. (2019). LGBTQ+ bullying in German schools and its effects on mental health. Psychology in the Schools.

Ghini, A. (2020). School bullying of LGBTQ+ students in Italy: Impacts on mental health and academic performance. Italian Journal of Sociology of Education.

ILGA-Europe. (2021). Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of LGBTI People in Europe.

Andersen, A. S., & Hellesund, T. (2018). Microaggressions and the mental health of LGBTQ+ people in Denmark. Nordic Psychology.

OTHER RESOURCES

This project has been funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union (Project N.  2022-3-DE04-KA210-YOU-000099662).

The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.