2SLGBTQ+ Emotional and Mental Health

Research studies in Canada and elsewhere show that 2SLGBTQ+ people report higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders, poorer self-perceived mental health and higher lifetime suicidality than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Evidence also suggests that substance use may be higher in 2SLGBTQ+ communities due to homo/bi/transphobia, with distinct usage patterns.

This session explores how social stigma and discrimination affect 2SLGBTQ+ people’s mental and emotional health, leading to internalization and unhealthy coping strategies. Participants will learn inclusive counselling strategies, an intersectional framework incorporating lived experiences, and ways to support clients through coming out, psychological resilience and self-affirmation.

Objectives:

• Recognize the impact of homo/bi/transphobia on 2SLGBTQ+ mental health outcomes.
• Analyze common counselling issues through intersectionality, minority stress, trauma-informed care and other frameworks.
• Identify key counselling concerns for 2SLGBTQ+ clients, including coming out, SOGIECE (sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts), intimate partner violence (IPV) and relationships.
• Deliver 2SLGBTQ+-positive mental health care amid interpersonal and systemic discrimination affecting emotional well-being.

Prerequisite: 2SLGBTQ+ Foundations

Open to: An introductory cultural humility module designed for health care and social service providers (including students) who counsel or advocate for clients but have little or no experience working with 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

Content Level: Beginner

Duration: 3 hours