A Look at 2SLGBTQIA+ Mental Health
Who I Am and Why This Matters
Written by: Elisha Galit, MA Candidate
What does mental health care really look like when you are queer or still figuring it out? In this and upcoming blogs, I will explore 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health and resources. Whether you are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic/Agender, and more) community or hoping to be a better ally, understanding affirming care is important. Mental health is complex for everyone; for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, it is often shaped by stigma, systemic barriers, and a lack of inclusive support.
Who am I to speak on this? A counselling psychology student passionate about mental health and advocacy in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. My POV is shaped by my education and years of community involvement. I have also supported 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. As a peer supporter, I listened to youth navigating coming out, exploring gender and sexuality, and coping with rejection or family conflict. I saw how shame, fear, and pressure to conform affect well-being, but I also witnessed strength and the possibility of joy.
As a Practicum Student with clinical supervision, I support both adolescents and adults. I am not an expert; my blog posts reflect the perspective of a therapist-in-training who is continuously learning. My commitment is clear: mental health care must be inclusive, accessible, and affirming.
Why it matters: About 1.3 million Canadians aged 15 and older identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. Nearly 3 in 10 (29.7%) report fair or poor mental health, compared to fewer than 1 in 10 non-2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. The Minority Stress Model explains these disparities as outcomes of stigma and discrimination. Research links these stressors to increased risk of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and maladaptive coping strategies.
These challenges are tied to history. Homosexuality was criminalized in Canada until 1969 and remained pathologized in diagnostic manuals until the 1990’s. This history leaves a legacy of mistrust of mental health systems and contributes to higher rates of negative therapy outcomes.
2SLGBTQIA+ mental health is about more than surviving; it’s about thriving. I’m excited to share the perspective of someone learning, reflecting, and advocating for better care.
Next up will be attention to the coming out process: how it can impact mental health and what it means to navigate it at your own pace. Every journey is different, but you don’t have to walk yours alone. When you’re ready, I’m here to support you.
For references for further reading, see below.
References
Comeau, D., Johnson, C., & Bouhamdani, N. (2023). Review of current 2SLGBTQIA+ inequities in the Canadian health care system. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1183284. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1183284
Drescher, J. (2015). Out of DSM: Depathologizing homosexuality. Behavioural Science, 5(4),565-575. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs5040565
Frost, D. M., & Meyer, I. H. (2023). Minority stress theory: Application, critique, and continued relevance. Current opinion in psychology, 51, 101579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101579
Meichenbaum, D. (2018). Ways to bolster resilience in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.https://melissainstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/WAYS-TO-BOLSTER-RESILIENCE-LGBTQ-YOUTH.pdf
Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) (2025, September 2). Facts, stats and impact: 2SLGBTQI+ communities. https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/free-to-be-me/federal-action-2slgbtqi-communities/facts-stats.html
