LGBTQ+ ISSUES
• Lesbians (L) are women who are emotionally, physically, and/or romantically attracted to other women
• Gay men (G) are men who are emotionally, physically, and/or romantically attracted to other men
• Bisexual persons (B) are persons who are emotionally, physically, and/or romantically attracted to persons of both genders
* L, G, and B refer to affectual orientation (or attraction to others)
• Transgender persons (T) are persons who do not conform to their gender assigned at birth
* T refers to self-identity and/or gender expression (as male, female, both or neither)
• Queer and/or Questioning persons (Q)
* Queer may be used as a specific identity or umbrella term for anyone who is non-cisgender or heterosexual
* Questioning refers to being unsure about one’s sexual orientation or gender identity
The LGBTQ+ community is diverse.
The LGBTQ+ community includes more identities beyond the abbreviation – that’s why there is a + sign at the end. The plus sign signifies the diversity of other sexual and gender identities and experiences (such as queer, questioning, intersex, gender fluid, and allies).
LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely than heterosexual women and men to have a mental health issue.
Persons who are part of the LGBTQ+ population experience discrimination and inequality in their lives, as well as difficulties related to access and utilization of mental health services. These factors, as well as others, are known to contribute to overall poorer mental health among LGBTQ+ persons compared to heterosexual persons.
Experiences with mental health issues differ person to person regardless of sexual orientation and identity.
Mental health issues that may affect LGBTQ+ populations may include:
- Anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and/or confusion related to identity
- The “coming out” process (or disclosing sexual orientation/identity to others)
- Gender transition (psychological, social, hormonal, and/or surgical steps to affirm gender identity)
- Feelings of isolation, alienation, rejection, and/or marginalization
- Harassment, discrimination, and/or violence
- Intimate partner violence and/or other relationship issues
- Substance use
- Suicidal ideation
Identifying as LGBTQ+ is not a mental illness or disorder.
Counseling and therapy at Wellness Grove…
Our in-person (outpatient) counseling services are offered in Canton OH (near Akron, North Canton, and Massillon). We also offer telemental health sessions to all Ohio residents.
Wellness Grove
