LGBT bias and discrimination: Occurrence, outcomes, and the impact of policy change

Abstract

Bias and discrimination are an ongoing, persistent problem for LGBT Mississippians. They report experiencing discrimination, harassment, assault, and negative experiences with public official, among others. These experiences with bias and discrimination begin early on, with pervasive issues in the K-12 schooling system, and continue through college and university settings. In adult life, LGBT Mississippians experience workplace bias and discrimination, medical stigma, difficulty accessing medical care, and public bias and harassment. All of these experiences take a toll, resulting in a number of negative outcomes. These include depression, suicidal thoughts, lowered academic outcomes, lowered ability to perform at the job, and lower overall physical health. However, these experiences can be lessened and negative effects mitigated.Diversity resolutions, nondiscrimination policies, and nondiscrimination ordinances make a real and positive difference in the lives of LGBT people. They provide affirming messages, decrease the perception that anti-LGBT discrimination and bias is officially sanctioned, and provide a sense of social support. All of these factors combine to result in better outcomes for LGBT people, and for the communities in which they live.

Understanding the panorama of sexuality and gender identity with an emphasis on transgender persons and the impact of intervention through the rights‐based counseling approach: A case study

“…Counting the LGBTQ+ population has become a tough job as people do not want to come out and report due to the stigma, discrimination, and exploitation attached to their identity. In the report of Long Beach City Council made by Strunk and Takewell (2014) reported about the bias and discrimination faced by LGBT persons in every aspect of life. Bullying at school, bias, and discrimination at college or university, discrimination at the workplace, health care, public settings, and so forth, had become a part of their lives.…”

LGB Q&A: An investigation of the influence of sexual orientation on professional practice among LGBQ-affiliated forensic mental health professionals.

“…Unsurprisingly, research suggests workplace discrimination has tangible effects on job performance and mental health. In a survey of 768 members of national gay rights organizations, Ragins and Cornwell (2001) reported perceptions of discrimination were significantly associated with negative attitudes toward work, lower pay, and fewer promotions, a finding bolstered by Strunk and Takewell's (2014) report that found the discrimination experienced by LGBT Mississippians resulted in a number of negative outcomes including decreased ability to perform at work. Consequently, it is unsurprising that 53% of LGBT employees feel compelled to hide or lie about their identities (Human Rights Campaign, 2014).…”