ASGTH Podcast Episode 32 : LGBTQ Community in Psychiatric Hospitals- with Roxie Valentine

For LGBTQ people, the stressors of homophobia and transphobia, financial hardship caused by rejection from family or employers, trauma, shame and fear all contribute to high rates of depression and mental health crises. Inclusive mental healthcare can be a critical lifeline. Yet, many LGBTQ people report discrimination in accessing care, including denial of care, harsh language, or treating their orientation or gender identity as the cause of their illness. Based on her recent personal experience in a psychiatric hospital, Roxie, a trans woman, describes connections made among LGBTQ patients and the role these connections played in creating a healing environment. Especially in areas with less access to LGBTQ-affriming mental health care, Roxie’s experience demonstrates why it’s important for ally providers to allow LGBTQ patients to talk with each other, including about subjects that may be relevant to their identity.