Sexual Violence and Mental Health among Young Bi+ and Lesbian Women and Gender Minoritized People

J Gay Lesbian Ment Health. 2023;27(4):483-502. doi: 10.1080/19359705.2022.2072036. Epub 2022 Jun 6.

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual minoritized people report worse mental health and are at risk of sexual violence compared to their heterosexual peers.

Method: We conducted a survey to explore sexual stigma, sexual violence, and mental health among 326 bi+ and lesbian women and gender minoritized people age 18-25.

Results: Mental health did not differ by sexual identity; sexual stigma and violence were associated with negative mental health symptoms, as were identifying as BIPOC, as trans or nonbinary, or having less formal education.

Conclusion: Sexual stigma and violence are related to mental health among young bi+ and lesbian women and gender minoritized people.

Keywords: Sexual violence; bisexual; lesbian; mental health; sexual stigma.