The following is relevant research and reports that we are choosing to highlight that speaks to the mission of our office.
If you have suggestions of relevant research to list, please contact us. We will review your recommendations and make updates as determined appropriate.
Eating Disorders among LGBTQ Youth (2022)
LGBTQ young people experience significantly greater rates of both eating disorders and attempting suicide compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers (Johns et al., 2020; Parker & Harriger, 2020). Among the broader population of U.S. adults, those with a history of an eating disorder were found to have nearly 5–6 times greater odds of attempting suicide compared to those who have never had an eating disorder (Udo et al., 2019). In alignment with the minority stress model (Meyer, 2003), past studies have found higher rates of eating disorders and suicide risk among LGBTQ individuals to be related to experiences of bullying and discrimination, as well as internalized stigma based on their LGBTQ identity and the concealment of their LGBTQ identity (Parker & Harriger, 2020). Additionally, previous research indicates that particular subgroups of the LGBTQ community, such as those who are transgender or nonbinary, may be at greater risk for eating disorders (Nagata et al., 2020). A review of disordered eating among transgender individuals found that body dissatisfaction is a common stressor and places some transgender individuals at greater risk for disordered eating (Jones et al., 2015). However, less is known about eating disorders among LGBTQ youth, particularly those who are transgender or nonbinary, or youth of color. Using data from The Trevor Project’s 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, this brief examines eating disorders among LGBTQ youth, including which particular subgroups of youth report the highest rates of eating disorders and how eating disorders relate to suicide attempts among LGBTQ youth.
Homelessness and Housing Instability Among LGBTQ Youth (2021)
LGBTQ youth are overrepresented among young people experiencing homelessness and housing instability in the United States. This elevated risk of homelessness and housing instability has detrimental effects on LGBTQ youths’ mental health. This report uses data from the 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health to examine the prevalence of homelessness and various manifestations of housing instability among LGBTQ youth and their mental health symptoms. It also examines rates of homelessness and housing instability among various subgroups within the LGBTQ community and the prevalence of experiences which are frequently connected to housing instability (e.g., food insecurity). Finally, it includes recommendations for preventing and combating LGBTQ youth homelessness.
Measuring Sex, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation (2022)
Sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation are key indicators of the demographic diversity in the United States. Sex and gender are often conflated under the assumptions that they are mutually determined and do not differ from each other; however, the growing visibility of transgender and intersex populations, as well as efforts to improve measurement of sex and gender across many scientific fields, has demonstrated the need to reconsider how sex, gender, and the relationship between them are conceptualized. This in turn affects sexual orientation, because its is defined on the basis of the relationship between a person's own sex and that of their actual or preferred partners. Sex, gender, and sexual orientation are core aspects of identity that shape opportunities, experiences with discrimination, and outcomes through the life course; therefore, it is crucial that measures of these concepts accurately capture their complexity. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine assembled this consensus report for the National Institute of Health (NIH) and other organizations for adopting practices of collecting data on sex, gender, and sexual orientation, including recommendations for standarized language to be used in survey questions.
MAP Equality Profiles for Connecticut and the United States (2022)
The Movement Advancement Project provides independent and rigorous research, insight, and communications that help speed equality and opportunity for all. MAP works to ensure that all people have a fair chance to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, take care of the ones they love, be safe in their communities, and participate in civic life. Check out these snapshot equality profiles for Connecticut and the United States or navigate the database by issue.
Connecticut's Equality Profile
Snapshot: LGBTQ Equality by State