Introduction <p>An unprecedented number of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislative bills targeting the rights and freedoms of LGBTQIA+ people were introduced and enacted in the United States (U.S.) from 2023–2024. Anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, proposed or enacted, have significant impacts on LGBTQIA+ mental health.</p> Methods <p>Using a sample from a larger project on LGBTQIA+ health in the U.S. (<i>N</i> = 625, <i>M</i><sub>age</sub> = 36.91, <i>SD</i> = 14.33) the present study sought to explore the impacts of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation introduced in 2023 and 2024. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we qualitatively explored participants’ responses to an open-ended question about the impacts on participants’ lives given the recent rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation.</p> Results <p>LGBTQIA+ participants expressed a range of emotions and experiences in response to anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, such as fear, distress, discrimination, as well as resilience and determination to resist oppression. Six overarching thematic categories were identified: <i>Not Affected and/or Protective Factors</i>, <i>Psychological Distress</i>, <i>Vicarious Stress and Trauma</i>, <i>Anti-LGBTQIA</i>+ <i>Laws Sustain Oppression</i>, <i>Legislation Imposes Restrictions</i>, and <i>Acts of Resistance</i>.</p> Conclusions <p>Anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation contributes to internalized minority stress, causes barriers to necessary healthcare, and further perpetuates systemic oppression among LGBTQIA+ communities. Some participants expressed resistance and empowerment to fight against oppression, committing to advocating for their hard-won rights and expressing themselves freely despite restrictions. Clinicians should consider the ways sociopolitical stressors manifest in the lives of LGBTQIA+ clients.</p> Policy Implications <p>Policymakers and practitioners must challenge systemic oppression by advocating for inclusive policies, amplifying marginalized voices, engaging with advocacy groups, and empowering communities to resist oppression.</p>

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“I Feel Unsafe in America”: LGBTQIA+ People’s Reactions to Oppressive Legislation in the United States

  • Jamie Trenary,
  • Duy Lê,
  • Hannah Taylor,
  • Joshua Parmenter

摘要

Introduction

An unprecedented number of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislative bills targeting the rights and freedoms of LGBTQIA+ people were introduced and enacted in the United States (U.S.) from 2023–2024. Anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, proposed or enacted, have significant impacts on LGBTQIA+ mental health.

Methods

Using a sample from a larger project on LGBTQIA+ health in the U.S. (N = 625, Mage = 36.91, SD = 14.33) the present study sought to explore the impacts of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation introduced in 2023 and 2024. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we qualitatively explored participants’ responses to an open-ended question about the impacts on participants’ lives given the recent rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation.

Results

LGBTQIA+ participants expressed a range of emotions and experiences in response to anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, such as fear, distress, discrimination, as well as resilience and determination to resist oppression. Six overarching thematic categories were identified: Not Affected and/or Protective Factors, Psychological Distress, Vicarious Stress and Trauma, Anti-LGBTQIA+ Laws Sustain Oppression, Legislation Imposes Restrictions, and Acts of Resistance.

Conclusions

Anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation contributes to internalized minority stress, causes barriers to necessary healthcare, and further perpetuates systemic oppression among LGBTQIA+ communities. Some participants expressed resistance and empowerment to fight against oppression, committing to advocating for their hard-won rights and expressing themselves freely despite restrictions. Clinicians should consider the ways sociopolitical stressors manifest in the lives of LGBTQIA+ clients.

Policy Implications

Policymakers and practitioners must challenge systemic oppression by advocating for inclusive policies, amplifying marginalized voices, engaging with advocacy groups, and empowering communities to resist oppression.