As anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric intensifies, how can we safeguard our community’s mental health?
TW/CW: This article mentions suicide and suicidal ideation.
2024 may be an election year, but for many queer folks, it’s also shaping up to be another year of exhaustion. The last few years have seen a spike in mental health struggles across the LGBTQ+ community—especially among youth and transgender individuals. From relentless anti-queer legislation, political battles, to increasing social isolation, the deck feels stacked against those of us trying to simply exist, let alone thrive. While the headlines focus on laws, we need to be talking about the toll this is taking on our collective mental health—and the resources that are, or aren’t, available to help.
Breaking Down the Crisis: Why Queer Mental Health is Suffering
Queer people have always faced heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation compared to their cisgender counterparts, but the last few years have kicked this crisis into overdrive1. According to The Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey2, 41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, with numbers even higher among trans and nonbinary individuals—56% for these groups. The survey also revealed that 14% of LGBTQ+ youth attempted suicide, with that number climbing to 19% among trans and nonbinary youth. The causes are clear: the abstraction and weaponization of trans youth in political debates, “Don’t Say Gay” bills, and a slew of anti-trans laws attacking healthcare, education, and even bathroom access3. Add to that the rise of extremist hate groups targeting LGBTQ+ safe spaces, and you’ve got a perfect storm of stress, fear, and exhaustion.
The relentless political targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially trans youth, has created an atmosphere of fear and instability. Laws like “Don’t Say Gay” bills, which restrict discussions of LGBTQ+ identities in schools, and anti-trans legislation, like bans on gender-affirming healthcare or bathroom access, are not just abstract political issues—they directly impact the lives and mental well-being of queer individuals. For youth, these policies signal that their very identities are invalid, dangerous, or something to be hidden, which fosters feelings of worthlessness and isolation. When your identity is debated in courts and used as a political bargaining chip, it’s easy to internalize that sense of being “other” or unwelcome.
A common term used in psychology and social services is “cultural competency“. Culturally competent mental health care refers to therapy and support services that are aware of and sensitive to the unique experiences, challenges, and needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. This includes understanding the social stigma, discrimination, and trauma that queer people often face, as well as the specific issues affecting different identities within the community, such as those related to being transgender, nonbinary, or a person of colour.
Culturally competent providers don’t just offer generic mental health care; they are trained to affirm LGBTQ+ identities, avoid harmful assumptions, misconceptions, or biases, and create a safe, non-judgmental space where queer clients feel understood and free to be themselves. This competency also involves actively educating themselves about LGBTQ+ issues, language, and culture, rather than relying on the client to explain or justify their identity.
The lack of access to culturally competent mental health care compounds these challenges. As discussed earlier, many LGBTQ+ individuals struggle to find therapists who understand their unique needs. Therapy can become another space where they face misunderstanding or judgment, which discourages them from seeking help. The gap in adequate mental health resources means that queer people often suffer in silence, without access to safe, affirming care that could mitigate their distress. This includes understanding the social stigma, discrimination, and trauma that queer people often face, as well as the specific issues affecting different identities within the community, such as those related to being transgender, nonbinary, or a person of colour.
Beyond legal barriers, LGBTQ+ youth face constant social challenges, including bullying, family rejection, and discrimination. These experiences often start early in life and continue into adulthood. The Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey revealed that 81% of LGBTQ+ youth reported that their mental health had been negatively affected by the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric. This stigma leads to feelings of not belonging in society, which exacerbates mental health issues. Social rejection, whether from family, peers, or institutions like schools or churches, creates a cycle of loneliness and despair.
The lack of access to culturally competent mental health care compounds these challenges. As discussed earlier, many LGBTQ+ individuals struggle to find therapists who understand their unique needs. Therapy can become another space where they face misunderstanding or judgment, which discourages them from seeking help. The gap in adequate mental health resources means that queer people often suffer in silence, without access to safe, affirming care that could mitigate their distress.
But beyond the headlines lies an under-discussed aspect of the mental health crisis: the way queer folks, especially youth, seek refuge and community in unexpected places—like fandoms.
Fandoms as Escapism: A Lifeline for Queer Individuals
In a world that seems hell-bent on pushing LGBTQ+ people to the margins, many are turning to fandoms as a form of escapism and community-building. Fan communities, or fandoms, are often misunderstood by the public. These groups form around shared passions for specific pop culture phenomena, from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the furry fandom, and they offer something many queer individuals sorely need: a sense of belonging.
For those unfamiliar with the term, “fandom” refers to communities of people who share a deep interest in a particular aspect of popular culture. From dressing as anthropomorphic animals (known as “furries”) to becoming enmeshed in fictional franchises like Star Trek or Doctor Who, fandoms are diverse, vibrant spaces that offer emotional outlets and shared experiences. While mainstream culture tends to trivialize or stigmatize these interests, dismissing them as childish or bizarre, fandoms often serve as crucial spaces for queer folks to express themselves.
Fandoms allow LGBTQ+ individuals to embody alternative identities, explore fluid expressions of self, and engage with a like-minded community—all of which are particularly healing for those who feel misunderstood or isolated in their day-to-day lives. For example, a 2017 article in Psychology Today noted that people outside of the furry community often misunderstand the desire to dress as anthropomorphic animals as sexually driven, rather than recognizing it as a form of creative self-expression. Similarly, long-established stigmas label fans of fictional franchises as social misfits, unfairly categorizing their passion as an escape from reality, rather than a creative outlet or a way to build community.
The lack of access to culturally competent mental health care compounds these challenges. As discussed earlier, many LGBTQ+ individuals struggle to find therapists who understand their unique needs. Therapy can become another space where they face misunderstanding or judgment, which discourages them from seeking help. The gap in adequate mental health resources means that queer people often suffer in silence, without access to safe, affirming care that could mitigate their distress.
This stigma is significant because it can find its way into therapy rooms, where mental health professionals may lack the knowledge or empathy to properly support queer fandom clients. “If the therapist is coming from a perspective that perpetuates stigma, such as looking down on furry cosplay artists or fanfiction authors, it’s important for them to do the inner work to grow as a person and see the joy in others’ joy,” says Lindsay Meagher, a licensed mental health counselor at Protea Wellness in Seattle. This need for culturally competent care extends beyond just fandoms—it’s a critical issue for the entire LGBTQ+ community.
Fandoms as Safe Spaces: An Overlooked Mental Health Resource
During the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, many queer people lost access to physical spaces that once provided refuge, like LGBTQ+ centers, clubs, and coffee shops. For some, fandoms became a crucial lifeline. Online fan communities, forums, and conventions offer LGBTQ+ individuals a virtual safe haven where they can interact with others who understand their struggles, free from judgment. In these spaces, the importance of shared passions cannot be overstated.
This connection to fictional worlds or niche cultural expressions offers a kind of psychological reprieve—a moment of peace from a reality that can feel relentlessly hostile. It’s not just about escapism; it’s about finding empowerment, meaning, and a shared sense of joy in being part of something bigger than oneself.
For queer people, especially those living in hostile environments, these fan communities can provide what their real-world surroundings cannot: acceptance, affirmation, and, most importantly, hope.
Where’s the Help? Mental Health Services and Queer Fandom
Unfortunately, queer individuals looking to combine their passion for fandoms with mental health support often face additional barriers. Many healthcare professionals are not trained in the unique dynamics of fandom culture or the nuanced struggles of queer clients, leaving many to feel misunderstood. Research shows that LGBTQ+ patients already face higher rates of discrimination or discomfort in medical settings, and this disconnect often extends to therapy.
Organizations like The Trevor Project and Trans Lifeline provide critical support for LGBTQ+ individuals in crisis, but long-term care—especially queer-affirming therapy—remains difficult to access, particularly for those who don’t fit into more “mainstream” identities.
One of the biggest challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking mental health care is finding providers who are trained in LGBTQ+ issues, a quality known as “cultural competence”. Many healthcare professionals still lack basic understanding of the unique struggles facing queer patients, leading to uncomfortable or even harmful experiences in therapy. The need for culturally competent, no-barrier mental health services is greater than ever, but these resources can be hard to access—especially for those without insurance or who live in less queer-friendly areas.
Fortunately, there are some no-barrier, LGBTQ-friendly mental health resources available:
- The Trevor Project: Offers free, 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth through chat, text, and phone options. It’s a vital resource, especially for those struggling with immediate mental health crises.
URL: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/ - Trans Lifeline: A hotline run by and for trans people. It provides peer support, crisis intervention, and offers services without the risk of non-consensual intervention, meaning they won’t call emergency services unless explicitly requested by the caller.
URL: https://www.translifeline.org/ - The LGBT National Help Center: Provides free and confidential peer-support services through phone and online chat, specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a helpful option for those who may not have access to therapy or are looking for community support.
URL: https://www.glbthotline.org/ - Q Chat Space: A digital support group platform for LGBTQ+ youth aged 13-19, where they can connect with peers in a safe, moderated online space. This is a great option for younger LGBTQ+ individuals who may not have access to in-person support.
URL: https://www.qchatspace.org/ - The TML Resource Index: A list of LGBTQ-friendly social services across several sectors compiled by TML
URL: https://transonic.media/the-tml-resource-index/
These resources offer essential lifelines for LGBTQ+ people in need of support, but they remain stretched thin, and long-term mental health care can still be difficult to access. Expanding culturally competent, affordable mental health services must be a priority for LGBTQ+ advocacy moving forward.
The mental health toll on the LGBTQ+ community isn’t just a consequence of discriminatory laws or societal stigma—it’s deeply personal and multifaceted. The exhaustion from constantly fighting for one’s existence takes a real toll, which is why self-care and community-building are not just important but necessary for survival. So, what can we do?
Normalize Queer Participation in Fandoms
Fandoms aren’t just spaces for play—they are therapeutic environments where people can engage in self-expression, joy, and emotional release. For many queer folks, participating in fandoms is a powerful form of self-care. These spaces offer the freedom to explore identities without fear of judgment and provide meaningful connections with others who share similar passions and struggles.
Breaking the stigma around queer people engaging in fandom culture is essential. Fandoms, whether centered around science fiction, comics, or cosplay, offer a vital reprieve from a world that may not always be welcoming. Embracing these communities as valid, restorative spaces can provide queer individuals with both comfort and empowerment. By normalizing their participation, we affirm the importance of spaces that allow for escapism, creativity, and self-care.
The Role of Self-Care in Mental Health and Activism
Activism, while vital, often comes at the cost of personal well-being. The pressure to constantly be “on” in the fight for queer rights can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion. Self-care in this context isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. This can take many forms, from taking mental health days and engaging in fandom activities to practicing mindfulness or enjoying time in a supportive community.
Participation in fandoms can act as a form of radical self-care by allowing individuals to temporarily escape the stresses of activism and political battles. Queer people need spaces where they can recharge, find joy, and express themselves outside the constant pressures of societal survival. Fandoms provide just that—a space where activism meets art and imagination, allowing for emotional restoration.
Advocate for Culturally Competent Mental Health Care
While fandoms offer a refuge, mental health care that addresses the intersection of queer identity and fandom culture remains a crucial aspect of long-term well-being. We need to push for mental health services that recognize these communities as essential to queer individuals’ emotional health. Therapists must be trained to understand the therapeutic role of fandoms and to approach clients without judgment, seeing the value in these nontraditional forms of self-care.
Culturally competent mental health care, particularly for LGBTQ+ clients, involves more than just tolerance; it requires therapists to actively engage with queer identities and understand the unique pressures that queer people face. This includes recognizing fandom participation as a valid, healthy way of coping with societal pressures and ensuring that these spaces are acknowledged in mental health care practices.
Create Safe Spaces in Real Life and Online
Self-care also comes in the form of creating and maintaining safe, inclusive spaces. While fandoms can be a fun escape, we need to encourage building similar, non-judgmental environments in the real world. Whether it’s a queer-friendly book club, a cosplay meetup, or a queer-led workout class, the power of community cannot be overstated. These real-world networks mirror the safe, creative energy of fandoms and offer another crucial avenue for emotional support and self-expression.
Safe spaces, both physical and virtual, are havens for queer individuals seeking refuge from a hostile world. Online forums, fan conventions, and local meetups allow for honest connection and emotional support. In these spaces, queer people can simply be—without needing to justify or defend their existence. These communities are vital for well-being, serving as ongoing acts of self-care, as they allow for unfiltered, authentic connection.
Why Self-Care Matters
In a world where queer people are constantly under attack, whether through discriminatory legislation or social stigma, the importance of self-care cannot be overstated. Self-care is not selfish—it’s survival. Fandoms and safe spaces give queer people the opportunity to rest, recharge, and process their emotions. By prioritizing our mental health through self-care, we can ensure that we don’t just survive the challenges we face but come out stronger, more resilient, and more connected.
By creating and normalizing spaces—both in fandoms and in real life—where queer individuals can engage in self-care, we not only foster individual healing but build stronger, more supportive communities. Whether through political advocacy for better mental health care or encouraging creative self-expression in fandoms, the path forward must center self-care as a radical act of survival and resistance.
Why This Matters Now
The battle for queer rights isn’t just happening in courts and classrooms; it’s happening in the minds and hearts of queer people struggling to survive under the weight of systemic discrimination and isolation. Fandoms, while often dismissed by outsiders, provide a powerful refuge where queer people can find community, joy, and a sense of belonging. Now is the time to recognize these spaces for what they are: not just a form of escapism, but a vital part of mental health support for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Let’s continue the fight for systemic changes—both in terms of political rights and in demanding mental health services that treat our passions and identities with the respect they deserve. We owe it to ourselves to create a world where queer people don’t just survive—they thrive.
Sources & Citations
- https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093153 ↩︎
- https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2023/ ↩︎
- https://translegislation.com/ ↩︎