Examining Group Differences in Health and Depression among Sexual and Gender Diverse Individuals: An Intersectional Approach
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Date
2024-12-19
Authors
Folger, Austin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Sexual and gender diverse (SGD) individuals experience significant health disparities; yet, little is known about the unique risks of the individuals within this diverse community, particularly at the intersection of sexual, gender, racial, and ethnic identities. The present study aimed to examine differences in depression, suicidal ideation, and chronic health conditions (CHCs) at the intersection of SGD and ethnic and racial identities. Qualtrics Panels recruited 1329 U.S. adults from various SGD subgroups (389 cisgender heterosexual, 289 cisgender bisexual, 219 cisgender gay, 157 cisgender lesbian, and 275 cisgender gender diverse adults) and racial and ethnic subgroups (415 non-Hispanic White, 387 Hispanic or Latinx, 268 Black or African American, 252 Multiracial adults). Participants completed online surveys. After adjusting for income, education, and age, SGD adults had higher depressive symptoms and were more likely to experience suicidal ideation frequently and have CHCs compared to non-SGD adults (ps < .05). There were important variations within SGD and racial and ethnic subgroups suggesting that bisexual, gender diverse, and multiracial adults experience worse mental and/or physical health compared to cisgender, heterosexual respondents. The study findings and extant research underscore the need to examine how health disparity risk varies across SGD subgroups as certain groups may be at greater risk and these risks may vary based on the outcome being examined. There also appears to be a complicated interaction between SGD status, race, and ethnicity. Future research elucidating risk for health disparities should take an intersectional approach to more effectively direct research and intervention.