A social ecological approach to belonging in LGBTQ+ people

Abstract

People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer and other people who are sexual and gender minorities (denoted by the umbrella term LGBTQ+) experience more physical and mental health problems than cisgender or heterosexual people, in part due to excess stress of experiencing stigma. Although it is important to document negative events in LGBTQ+ people's lives, it is also necessary to identify conditions that provide LGBTQ+ people with the opportunity to thrive. One key psychological factor that can promote prosperity and lessen LGBTQ+ people's disparate health problems is a sense of belonging. In this Review, we summarize factors identified in the psychological science, public health, and public policy literatures that influence LGBTQ+ people's belonging. We use a social ecological model to describe factors that enhance and detract from belonging at the individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels. Our multi-pronged approach encourages the flourishing ofLGBTQ+ people as individuals while addressing structural forces that shape their psychosocial well-being. This Review is a resource for researchers, health practitioners, and policymakers who seek to understand diverse factors of belonging based on sexual orientation and gender diversity.

Innovations Needed to Address Thwarted Belonging Among Employees With Marginalized Identities

“…31 Empirical support for the positive predictors of LGBTQ + workplace belonging and well-being remains limited. [32][33][34] The impact of workplace diversity trainings, allyship workshops, and employee and ally networks on workplace norms and employee attitudes, knowledge, skills, and confidence in speaking in support of sexuality and gender diversity and inclusion efforts has been explored in a number of studies, some of which have demonstrated success. [34][35][36] Though such efforts have also shown promise in fostering positive workplace experiences for LGBTQ + employees, few studies have empirically assessed their impact on LGBTQ + workplace belonging and well-being.…”