Did you know that LGBTQI* people have a significantly lower chance of a healthy life than the rest of the population in Germany?
With the participation of ISS researcher Mirjam Fischer, a Germany-wide study shows that LGBTQI* people in Germany are far more frequently affected by mental and physical illnesses than the rest of the population.
LGBTQI* people are almost three times more likely to be affected by depression and burnout. Twice as many also feel affected by loneliness. Heart disease, asthma and chronic back pain are also significantly more common among LGBTQI* people than in the rest of the population. Within the LGBTQI* community, trans* people in particular are at a health disadvantage, with 40% of all trans* people suffering from medically diagnosed anxiety disorders. These findings are in line with the multitude of international studies on this topic.
International studies repeatedly show that health problems are often due to chronic stress. Many LGBTQI* people assume a high probability of being exposed to experiences of discrimination that the rest of the population does not. This assumption leads to ongoing tension that can co-trigger and exacerbate health problems.
A meta-analysis of studies on the health disadvantage of LGBTQI* people between 2000 and 2020 finds no evidence that this difference from the general population has narrowed over time. The study suggests the promotion of counselling services or leisure activities for LGBTQI* communities as possible points of contact.
Furthermore, the results of the above-mentioned meta-analysis continue to send a clear signal that the disadvantage of LGBTQI* people remains entrenched in our societies and institutions. Therefore, combating homophobia and transphobia should also be more strongly promoted and demanded from the legal side.
