A recent study from Brighton and Sussex Medical School has unearthed unsettling findings regarding the health of bisexual women, shedding light on significant healthcare disparities within the LGBTQ+ community. The research, published in the Journal of Sex Research in July, analyzed data from the 2015/16 English General Practice Patient Survey and compared the health outcomes of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals with those of heterosexual patients.
The study revealed that chronic physical and mental health problems were twice as likely to affect LGB groups compared to heterosexual counterparts. Specifically, bisexual women in England were found to be four times more likely to experience long-term health issues. However, due to survey limitations, the research could not delve into the health inequalities faced by transgender and non-binary individuals.
Understanding Minority Stress
While the causes of these disparities remain unclear, Professor Carrie Llewellyn, one of the study’s lead authors, speculates that “minority stress” could be a significant contributing factor. Minority stress encompasses the heightened stress experienced by stigmatized minority groups, impacting their overall well-being.
LGBTQ+ psychotherapist Zayna Brookhouse explains, “The more intersectional and minority you identify as, the more chance there is that minority stress will play a part in your mental health and how you process it.” This stress results from factors such as interpersonal prejudice, discrimination, lack of social support, and low socioeconomic status, ultimately leading to poor mental and physical health.
The Pressure of Heteronormativity
Living within a heteronormative society, where LGBTQ+ individuals often feel compelled to modify or hide their true selves, exacerbates the chronic stress experienced by many. The study indicates that this pressure takes a toll on long-term health.
The impact of feeling othered becomes even more severe when combined with uninformed interactions with medical professionals. Bisexual individuals report being stigmatized as reckless due to their sexuality, which can lead to their health concerns being dismissed or misattributed.
To mitigate the impact of minority stress, chronically ill bisexual individuals have turned to online communities for support and information-sharing. However, the study emphasizes that a collaborative effort between medicine and society is essential to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities within the LGBTQ+ community.
Advocating for better healthcare, fostering inclusivity, and acknowledging the importance of radical self-acceptance can collectively contribute to improved well-being for LGBTQ+ individuals. Acceptance of one’s identity, especially regarding sexuality and disability, is a lifelong journey that deserves unwavering support and care.