“Under House Arrest”: Mental Health and Minority Stress Experiences of LGBTQ+ Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Europe

Abstract

Introduction Increased rates of mental health issues among LGBTQ+ people have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among young people. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2021 with 61 young adult LGBTQ+ people residing in France, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, and the UK. Each interview was summarized on a template covering the participants’ experiences of pandemic restrictions, mental health, and minority stress during this period. A thematic analysis was conducted on the templates. Results The pandemic restrictions had a large impact on the participants’ lives, leaving them stuck at home. Not having access to the LGBTQ+ community was an additional stress, as this is a venue for support. Half of the participants had suffered from mental health issues during the pandemic. Those who were living in non-affirmative households had a particularly difficult time and experienced overwhelming stress. Increased feelings of gender dysphoria were seen among trans participants due to the lack of access to gender-affirming healthcare. Most participants experienced less distal minority stress than usual due to social isolation restrictions. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated social restrictions had a large impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ young adults. Many experience worse mental health, although relief from distal minority stress was common. Policy Implications Policy makers must consider the needs of LGBTQ+ young adults as they seek to explore and establish their gender and/or sexual identity. During a pandemic, it is particularly important to help young LGBTQ+ people to engage with the LGBTQ+ community.

Minority Stress, Self-Awareness, and Coping Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Italian Transgender Young Adults

“…In this vein, some of the emerged themes explicitly refer to the Italian transgender community and difficulties related to living in this country, such as the forementioned public debate on the bill against homo-lesbo-bi-trans-phobia or the implementation of the green pass policy. On the other hand, most narratives appear comparable with what the transgender community experienced in other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular the worsened mental health conditions, the lower perception of social support, the higher levels of hate against transgender people and the absence of safe spaces for the community [23,24]. In this sense, this study highlights specific and common stressors that the transgender community met in various countries and different settings during COVID-19 emergency, providing a broader frame for professionals and policies.…”

“…In these situations, the most vulnerable population faces higher challenges with a higher cost regarding well-being outcomes. The LGBTQI+ population is still considered vulnerable, particularly transgender people who, in different parts of the world, including Italy, experience numerous stressors and structural discrimination [24]. Anti-discrimination policies need to be substantially developed in our country.…”

“…All interviews were conducted via the Zoom platform from 13 April 2021, through 28 February 2022, with durations spanning from 30 to 90 min. All of the interviews were recorded and were conducted utilizing a semi-structured interview guide comprising 13 questions, developed by Anna Malmquist et al [23,24]. The primary objective of these questions was to explore the participants' experience of their health and social situation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”