In January 2024 alone, more than 280 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in the United States. As these types of laws and policies become more widespread across the United States, a new paper by researchers at Rice University concludes that the negative effects are being felt far more than just LGBTQ+ people. By members of the LGBTQ+ community, but by people who have a role in supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
“Understanding and Addressing the Health Impacts of Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws” was recently published in Occupational Health Science. This paper is an anthology of expert opinion and evidence analyzing the negative effects of policies and laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community. It also explores the impact on individuals working in fields that serve LGBTQ+ people.
Eden King, the Lynette S. Autry Professor of Psychological Science at Rice University and lead author, said she and her colleagues are investigating anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment across the country, particularly in states like F.L. He said he would like to take a closer look at the impact of the rise in speech and legislation. Texas.
“We were interested in sharing what the science could tell us about the potential impact of the laws and policies that were being enacted,” King said.
Dr. King and his fellow researchers found that these laws and discourses impact not only the LGBTQ+ individuals affected, but also those working in the health care and educational settings that serve this community, both physically and mentally. It has been reported that serious health effects are associated. These negative health effects can include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and more. This paper suggests that these negative health effects can occur following legal, organizational, and even supervisory changes.
Ten to twenty years ago, when some laws were more supportive and protective of LBTQ+ communities, researchers documented fewer mental health issues and negative outcomes, King said. Stated. A preliminary review of the research cited in the paper found that laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights result in improved mental and physical health for LGBTQ+ people, better employment and wages, better work experiences, and improved education. They conclude that the environment improves, social prejudice and discrimination decreases, and housing discrimination decreases.
Dr. King said the onslaught of new bills seeks to eliminate gender-affirming care and create other medical restrictions for LGBTQ+ youth. Tolerating the misgendering of young people. Censoring school curricula (including banning books and banning conversations about LGBTQ+ topics). Forcing transgender people out in schools. Prevent mandatory staff-related training on gender, sexual diversity, and other forms of diversity training. Ban transgender individuals from public accommodations. Preventing drug performance in public. and banning LGBTQ+ marriages.
“The consequences of further dismantling the great strides that have been made toward LGBTQ+ rights will have profound implications for people living in the United States,” the authors wrote. “In this anthology, we have attempted to summarize and alert readers to the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, particularly in the context of occupational health psychology. We expect different physical and mental health-related negative impacts among other subgroups.”
Professor King said she and her fellow researchers hope their work will raise awareness of the topic and encourage action to prevent further dismantling of basic civil rights for LGBTQ+ people. Ta.
This paper was co-authored by Mikki Hebl, Abby Corrington, Lindsay Dhanani, Oscar Holmes IV, Alex Lindsey, Juan Madera, Dustin Maneethai, Larry Martinez, Eddy Ng, Christine Nittrouer, Isaac Sabat, Katina Sawyer, and Christian Throughgood.
