A dive into queer psychology

Abstract

This thesis aims to compile many research articles and books that cover the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other queer identities referred to as both queer and LGBTQ. It covers some basic definitions and ideas that relate to LGBTQ community like the differences between gender and sex. It also discusses the troubling mental health issues that relate to the queer community. It has been found through various research that queer people have higher rates of mental illness and suicidality. This research paper looks at how multiple identities, namely race and age, play a role in the mental health of queer people. This paper also points out that there is no formal education for mental health care providers on the unique issues that face the queer community. It touches on a modern therapy called affirmative therapy that aims to modernize many perspectives and apply them through research to best fit the needs of LGBTQ people. This paper also points out that there needs to be far more research done regarding the multiple identities that queer people can possess and how those interact with their mental well-being.