A new survey sheds light on the severe mental health challenges faced by queer women in the United States. According to the Urvashi Vaid National LGBTQ+ Women’s Community Survey, 22 percent of LGBTQ+ women have attempted suicide, a rate four times higher than that of the general population. The survey also found even higher rates among trans respondents and women of color.
This alarming statistic highlights the unique and compounded stressors that LGBTQ+ women experience, with trans and BIPOC individuals facing additional layers of marginalization. These findings underline the mental health disparities in the queer community, suggesting that trauma, discrimination, and lack of access to supportive resources are all contributing factors.
Healthcare Disparities for LGBTQ+ Women
The survey also revealed that LGBTQ+ women struggle to access adequate healthcare. Fourteen percent have never had a smear test, and many reported delaying medical care due to discrimination. Institutional support is largely absent, and medical spaces continue to be hostile for many, particularly for women of color.
This lack of care poses a direct threat to their well-being, emphasizing the need for more inclusive and respectful healthcare systems. The failure to provide adequate care to queer women, especially those who are gender-diverse or of color, is a significant barrier to their overall wellness.
LGBTQ+ Trauma and Its Aftereffects
Violence and trauma are also prevalent among queer women, with 47 percent reporting intimate partner violence, far exceeding the rates for the general female population. Many queer women find solace and support from chosen families and friendships rather than institutions, which are often unresponsive to their needs.
This systemic neglect, combined with societal discrimination, exacerbates mental health challenges, reinforcing the need for comprehensive policy changes. For queer women, access to mental health resources and community support is critical in reducing these alarmingly high suicide rates.