“I Feel Unsafe in America”: LGBTQIA+ People’s Reactions to Oppressive Legislation in the United States
摘要
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.
MethodsUsing 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.
ResultsLGBTQIA+ 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.
ConclusionsAnti-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 ImplicationsPolicymakers and practitioners must challenge systemic oppression by advocating for inclusive policies, amplifying marginalized voices, engaging with advocacy groups, and empowering communities to resist oppression.