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by: Lea Gnoy

As an extension of my last blog, a discussion about the political advances in the transgender community, I want to discuss the improvements in housing for LGBTQ individuals. While this seems like a very small area of improvement for me to zone in on, I feel that any type of improvement for a community that has faced (and is still facing) so much discrimination and systemic barriers is important to celebrate.

Housing is a significant part of the mental and physical well-being of a person; an individual’s housing issues can be very detrimental to their health. Unfortunately, LGBTQ individuals, especially youth, transgender people, and people of color, experience high rates of homelessness and housing instability. To make progress in this area, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has taken crucial steps to protect members from the LGBTQ community from housing discrimination. One of HUD’s first political actions has to do with the 1968 Fair Housing Act that banned anti-LGBTQ injustice. The HUD sent out a report that expanded that act to broaden the protections that LGBTQ individuals receive. This memorandum extended beyond the housing individuals that receive HUD funding, and instead applied to everyone. This action reduces the possibility of discrimination in the housing market against LGBTQ individuals.

Another one of HUD’s political actions occurred in March 2021. The HUD withdrew a Trump Administration proposed order that attempted to nullify a rule placed in 2016 that “requires same-sex shelters that receive HUD funds to accommodate trans individuals in accordance with their gender identity” (Zane, par. 25). Due to HUD’s defiance, the 2016 rule stayed in place, allowing transgender individuals to continue to receive shelter in congruence with their gender identity. This reduces the amount of unsheltered members of the LGBTQ community because at least 41% of transgender individuals have reported that they were denied shelter due to their gender identity or expression. Even though LGBTQ individuals are still facing discrimination that they do not deserve, the political world has been making advances that can lead to even greater progress in the future.

Citations:

| By Ali Zane, et al. “For LGBTQ People, Recent Anti-Discrimination Advances Could Lessen Barriers to Economic Inclusion.” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 29 June 2022, https://www.cbpp.org/research/poverty-and-inequality/for-lgbtq-people-recent-anti-discrimination-advances-could-lessen.

by: Lea Gnoy

In my last blog, I wrote about what leads to violence towards transgender and non-binary individuals and how they are affected. While it is important to hear these factors and effects, it is even more important to hear positive progress in a world where systemic barriers, discrimination, and violence pervades.

On March 31, 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration recognized the day as Transgender Day of Visibility, reassuring the transgender and non-binary community that the “un-American” bills that were passed in state legislatures would be combatted. On this day, many plans to demolish barriers that affected the well-being of transgender individuals were made. The Justice Department issued a letter to all state attorneys reminding them that transgender youth, or youth pursuing gender-affirming care, are protected under the federal constitution. This letter ensured that all children “are able to live free from discrimination, abuse and harassment” (Department of Justice 2). While this statement should be a given in regards to every child, it is still improvement in the political world for equality for transgender and non-binary individuals because of how much hate and discrimination they usually face.

Advances were made in the travel system as well. The Department of State announced that there would be an “X” option for the gender marker on any U.S. citizen’s passport, and the Department of Homeland Security announced many alterations that would refine the traveling experience for transgender and non-binary individuals. These improvements include enhanced screening technology that removes gender-based systems, updated Standard Operation Procedures to accurately validate every traveler’s identities, and updated TSA PreCheck to be more inclusive for transgender and non-binary travelers. There are also countless other improvements such as providing mental health resources for transgender youth, expanding training for schools to be more supportive of students, improving customer experiences, and combatting legislative attacks on transgender kids at the state level through many political actions. While these efforts are still not enough to make our country a safer and more inclusive place for transgender and non-binary individuals, these are steps in the right direction.

Citations

“Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Advances Equality and Visibility for Transgender Americans.” The White House, The United States Government, 14 July 2022, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/31/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-advances-equality-and-visibility-for-transgender-americans/.

“Justice Department Reinforces Federal Nondiscrimination Obligations in Letter to State Officials Regarding Transgender Youth.” The United States Department of Justice, 31 Mar. 2022, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-reinforces-federal-nondiscrimination-obligations-letter-state-officials.

by: Sophia Marano

There is a major intersection of disability and sexual orientation regarding women’s post-intimate partner violence mental health outcomes. However, research on disabled non-heterosexual women’s post-intimate partner violence health outcomes is lacking greatly. These dire health outcomes include anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, alcohol use, sleeping difficulties, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptomology. (Coston, 2019). Not only are members of the LGBTQ+ community at a greater risk for post-intimate partner violence health outcomes, but pre-existing disabilities makes this population particularly vulnerable to intimate partner violence.

Bisexual women are significantly more likely than straight women to be disabled prior to experiencing intimate partner violence. Furthermore, disabled women are significantly more likely than not-disabled women to experience negative mental health consequences of intimate partner violence. (Coston, 2019). It is important to be cognizant of not only the fact that ableism and biphobia interact to increase the likelihood that women experience intimate partner violence, but also that ableism alone magnifies the impact of intimate partner violence for women regardless of sexual orientation. It is evident that the two aspects of sexual orientation and disability intersect to create greater adversity for people that identify as both non-heterosexual and disabled. It is critical for health care providers to be aware of the significant impact of intimate partner violence on disabled women and how different identifying characteristics may magnify this experience. (Coston, 2019).

Considering that ableism puts both men and women in vulnerable positions to be victims of intimate partner violence and this threat is heightened by sexual orientation, it is important to analyze the specific needs and barriers that members of the LGBTQ+ community face regarding intimate partner violence. Although there is a decent amount of literature on the sexuality of people who identify as heterosexual and have learning difficulties, there are almost virtually no studies which explore the feelings and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities who identify as LGBTQ+. (Abbott & Howarth, 2006). One of the most debilitating barriers faced by people with intellectual disabilities in this area is the attitude of people who live with, and support, them. (Abbott & Howarth, 2006). Many disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community have reported that their staff do not have the skills, knowledge, or experience to adopt an open-minded approach needed to support their sexual identity. It is crucial that health providers are educated on the specific risk factors and vulnerabilities that disabled LGBTQ+ people face regarding intimate partner violence.

It is evident that sexual orientation and disability intersect to create greater adversity for people that identify as both non-heterosexual and disabled. Not only are members of the LGBTQ+ community at a greater risk for post-intimate partner violence health outcomes, but pre-existing disabilities makes this population particularly vulnerable to intimate partner violence. In turn, health care providers and staff must be educated about the significant impact of intimate partner violence on disabled women, the different barriers faced by people with intellectual disabilities, and how different identifying characteristics may magnify this experience.

Citations

Author links open overlay panel Bethany M. Coston PhD Envelope, M. Coston PhD Envelope, Disability, sexual orientation, and the mental health outcomes of intimate partner violence: A comparative study of women in the U.S. Disability and Health Journal. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1936657418302061?casa_token=jxgwuxy0Xx0AAAAA%3AXRyFPVQWEG4AwP-uCMvTZwBlhjHgygXrHKthma0KpQymUngkGpcFWjhqFi9roSuOaiWQjsVV_Go

Still off‐limits? staff views on supporting gay, Lesbian, and bisexual … (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2022, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-3148.2006.00312.

By: Sophia Marano

Members of the LGBTQ+ community are especially vulnerable to intimate partner violence because of social stigma, structural barriers in the environment, and discriminatory practices by others. (Spiers, 2013). Unfortunately, the medical community’s efforts to address intimate partner violence have often neglected members of the LGBTQ+ community. (Ard & Makadon, 2011). It is not only imminent that health care providers learn to routinely screen for intimate partner violence when working with people who identify as LGBTQ+, but also work to overcome stereotype and biases towards this vulnerable population.

Before discussing how health care providers can help to promote equity regarding intimate partner violence in LGBTQ+ relationships, it is important to acknowledge the ways in which LGBTQ+ and heterosexual intimate partner violence differs. An aspect that is unique to the LGBTQ+ intimate partner violence experience is the tactic of outing as not only a form of abuse, but also a barrier to seeking help. (Ard & Makadon, 2011). Members of the LGBTQ+ community may not outwardly express their sexual orientation or gender identity in fear of stigma and discrimination. In turn, abusers may exploit this fear through threats of forced outing. Furthermore, outing can also be a barrier for LGBTQ+ victims to seek help. (Ard & Makadon, 2011). For example, victims’ reluctance to come out to those around them may obstruct them from turning to their family and friends for support. This cycle further isolates victims and prolongs the abuse. Another aspect of intimate partner violence in the LGBTQ+ community is the stigma, discrimination, and trauma individuals have faced prior. For instance, many LGBTQ+ individuals face rejection, bullying, and hate speech and crimes. (Ard & Makadon, 2011). These prior experiences of violence and discrimination may make victims less likely to seek help when experiencing intimate partner violence because they do not feel that they have a supportive and loving community around them.

When LGTBQ+ individuals attempt to access intimate partner violence services they are met with multiple barriers due to the lack of LGBTQ+ shelter services. (Ard & Makadon, 2011). These barriers make the role of the victim’s health care provider as both a caretaker and advocate even more important. Furthermore, there are a multitude of steps that health care providers should take when assessing LGBTQ+ individuals. For example, before screening for intimate partner violence, health providers should first inquire about sexual orientation and gender identity in a sensitive and open manner. (Ard & Makadon, 2011). Health care providers can signal their acceptance to the LGBTQ+ community by using inclusive language both in the examination room and on intake forms. When screening for intimate partner abuse, health care providers should not only recognize the problem, but also offer empathetic support and help ensure that the victim is safe. It is also crucial for the health care provider to act as an educational role for the LGBTQ+ victims and help them identify what intimate partner abuse is. (Ard & Makadon, 2011). Additionally, providers must be informed about the numerous amounts of health risks associated with intimate partner violence in LGBTQ+ patients. To further ensure that the patient gets the help that they deserve, it is also important for health care providers to familiarize themselves with resources available within their communities for LGBTQ+ victims of intimate partner violence.

LGBTQ+ intimate partner violence differs from heterosexual relationships in a countless number of ways. These differences affect the victims’ experiences significantly. To combat this problem, it is not only important to acknowledge these differences, but also for health care providers to become educated on the specific burdens that LGBTQ+ members face regarding intimate partner violence. It is imminent that health care providers take the steps needed to promote equity for members of the LGBTQ+ community and to help keep this population protected from intimate partner violence.

Citations

Ard, K. L., & Makadon, H. J. (2011, March 30). Addressing intimate partner violence in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and Transgender Patients – Journal of General Internal Medicine. SpringerLink. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-011-1697-6

Spiers, M. V. Geller, P. A. & Kloss, J. D. (2013). New Women’s Health Psychology. John Wiley & Sons

by: Sophia Marano

There is an immense lack of research and knowledge about same-sex domestic violence. The little research that does exist focuses on lesbian and gay relationships, with very little information on how domestic violence affects people who identify as bisexual, transgender, queer, or genderqueer. Furthermore, only a limited amount of the critical knowledge and experience gained by organizations working with LGBTQ+ survivors have trickled into mainstream agencies (Albright & Alcantara-Thompson, 2011). These facts do not add up considering that domestic violence happens in LGBTQ+ relationships at about the same rate as it does in heterosexual relationships. There are numerous factors and perspectives that are crucial to contextualize when fully grasping the obstacles that members in the LGBTQ+ community face regarding domestic violence.

In understanding domestic violence in LGBTQ+ relationships, it is important to note that abusers not only use their privileges and power to abuse their partners, but also their vulnerabilities and oppression (Albright & Alcantara-Thompson, 2011). Research has shown that “abusive partners who have experienced violence in the past may use their experiences as an excuse for their current abusive and controlling behaviors” (Brown & Groscup, 2009). This factor is especially prevalent in LGBTQ+ relationships, considering that members of this community face numerous amounts of oppression. Homophobia, heterosexism, transphobia, and biphobia are just a few forms of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, and some abusers may use these places in which they have experienced such oppressions and deficit of powers as justifications for their abusive actions.

It is also important to identify and determine who is “surviving, and who is exerting”, an abusive pattern of power and control in LGBTQ+ relationships (Albright & Alcantara-Thompson, 2011). Abuse within a heterosexual relationship has been historically illustrated using the “Power and Control Wheel” developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Program in the late 1980s (National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence). Although this tool is used by many, it only represents universally shared experiences of survivors who participated in focus groups, which commonly excludes the LGBTQ+ community. More recently, the Northwest Network developed an assessment tool for use as a “more culturally appropriate response to ensure that people were directed to the support most beneficial for them” (The NW Network, 2022). This tool recognizes that areas of privilege and power, such as physical size and strength, socioeconomic status, education, and race is insufficient to determine who is the abuser in LGBTQ+ relationships.

There are numerous factors and perspectives that are crucial to contextualize when understanding the obstacles that members in LGBTQ+ community face regarding domestic violence. Gaining insight on how to identify differences and patterns within domestic violence in LGBTQ+ relationships is the first step to facilitating people with the help they deserve.

Citations

Contextualizing domestic violence from a LGBTQ perspective. VAWnet.org. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://vawnet.org/material/contextualizing-domestic-violence-lgbtq-perspective

Brown, M.J., & Groscup, J. (2009). Perceptions of same-sex domestic violence among crisis center staff. Journal of Family Violence. 24, 87-93.

National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence. “Wheels” Adapted from the Power and Control Wheel Model. Retrieved November 15, 2010, from www.ncdsv.org/publications_wheel.html

Advocacy tools. The NW Network. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://www.nwnetwork.org/advocacy-tools 

by: Lea Gnoy

The stigma attached to transgender and non-binary individuals has led to extreme cases of violence. Out of an estimated 2 million individuals, 2022 has seen over 32 transgender and non-binary individuals fatally shot or killed in other violent ways. While recognizing and grieving these losses is important, it is crucial to act and work towards making our society a safer place for these individuals.

Human Rights Foundation’s “Dismantling a Culture of Violence” shows that in order to find ways in which change can be made, it is important to understand what leads to violence against transgender and non-binary people. Stigma, denial of opportunity, and other increased risk factors all have a huge impact on the violence these individuals face. Many transgender and non-binary people face stigma at such an early age, making it hard to live openly and comfortably without having to worry about their safety. This stigma, often derived from political views and inaccurate beliefs, affects transgender and non-binary’s family relationships and social lives. Over half of “transgender and gender expansive youth” face familial rejection that can lead to being kicked out of their homes or abuse, leading to homelessness and severe depression and mental health issues. Some families also turn to conversion therapy, which leads to long-lasting trauma as well.

The United States’ hostile political climate also only adds to the hateful acts against these individuals. For example, there are countless efforts to stop transgender and gender-expansive youth from “accessing transition related medical care”. While the strong stigma attached to transgender and non-binary individuals is harmful in itself, it also leads to a lack of opportunity due to poor access to education, employment discrimination, exclusions from healthcare, and unequal policing. The systemic barriers placed reduce individuals’ ability to protect themselves in their daily lives and it is important as a society to understand these struggles to effectively promote much needed change.

Citations

“Dismantling a Culture of Violence.” HRC Digital Reports, Human Rights Campaign, https://reports.hrc.org/dismantling-a-culture-of-violence?_ga=2.150869046.1876992709.1668026462-222641704.1668026462.