Journal of Homosexuality
Volume 64, Issue 12, 2017, Pages 1650-1666

Persecution Experiences and Mental Health of LGBT Asylum Seekers (Article)

Hopkinson R.A.* , Keatley E. , Glaeser E. , Erickson-Schroth L. , Fattal O. , Nicholson Sullivan M.
  • a Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
  • b Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
  • c Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Child Study Center of NYU at NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
  • d Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
  • e Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
  • f NYU/Bellevue Program for Survivors of Torture, New York, NY, United States

Abstract

Asylum seekers are a unique population, particularly those who have endured persecution for their sexual orientation or gender identity. Little data exist about the specific experiences and needs of asylum seekers persecuted due to lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) identity. Quantitative data were gathered regarding demographics, persecution histories, and mental health of 61 clients from a torture survivors program in New York City who reported persecution due to LGBT identity. Thirty-five clients persecuted due to their LGBT identity were matched by country of origin and sex with clients persecuted for other reasons to explore how persecution and symptoms may differ for LGBT clients. LGBT asylum seekers have a higher incidence of sexual violence, persecution occurring during childhood, persecution by family members, and suicidal ideation. Understanding the type of persecution experiences and how these influence mental health outcomes is an essential step toward designing and delivering effective treatments. © 2017 Taylor & Francis.

Author Keywords

Asylum Transgender Bisexual gay lesbian survivor of torture LGBT posttraumatic stress disorder Refugee trauma

Index Keywords

Transgender Persons Sexual Minorities refugee sexual behavior mental health human Refugees survivor violence Survivors gender identity Humans psychology New York sexual minority male transgender female adult New York City Prejudice Case-Control Studies case control study Torture suicidal ideation
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85006854973&doi=10.1080%2f00918369.2016.1253392&partnerID=40&md5=965a3c60fc5633ce32ad7125261fc481
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2016.1253392
ISSN: 00918369
Cited by: 5
Original Language: English