Two new sub-reports which highlight research into the mental health of LGBTQI+ people with disabilities and the mental health of older LGBTQI+ people were published yesterday by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
The reports were compiled by Prof Agnes Higgins and researchers from Trinity College Dublin and draw on data from the 2022 national online survey ‘Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland’ conducted in association with Belong To Youth Services.
Mental Health in the Irish LGBTQI+ Population with Disabilities: Findings from the Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland Study
The first report addresses the relationship between self-reported disabilities and mental distress within the LGBTQI+ population in Ireland.
The report outlines the prevalence of disabilities within the LGBTQI+ community; examines the relationship between reported disabilities and mental distress indicators in this group; and presents commentary made in the survey related to disabilities and LGBTQI+ identities.
Read the full report here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/mental-health-in-the-irish-lgbtqi-population-with-disabilities-findings-from-the-being-lgbtqi-in-ireland-study/
Wellbeing and Mental Health in the Older LGBTQI+ Population in Ireland: Findings from the Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland Study
This report presents findings on the self-reported mental health and wellbeing of older LGBTQI+ people (60+ years) in Ireland.
In addition to providing a descriptive analysis of older LGBTQI+ people’s wellbeing and mental health, the report compares the wellbeing and mental health issues of this population across a range of variables; provides an analysis of older LGBTQI+ people’s experiences of healthcare, safety, harassment, and community belonging; and presents commentary made in the survey related to ageing.
Read the full report here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/wellbeing-and-mental-health-in-the-older-lgbtqi-population-in-ireland-findings-from-the-being-lgbtqi-in-ireland-study/
Prof Agnes Higgins, Professor in Mental Health Nursing, Trinity College Dublin and lead author of the reports said:
"The 2014 LGBTQIreland study highlighted positive impact of policy and legislative changes on LGBTQI+ lives, but it also revealed gaps in our knowledge in areas such as disability and older age.
I am delighted to see these two reports published as they provide insights into these two key areas of LGBTQI+ people’s lives.
In addition, they also provide important recommendations and direction for policy makers, practitioners, researcher and LGBTQI+ communities, so we can collectively continue the work to achieve equality and equity for sexual and gender minority individuals.
I want to thank all involved in the study, including the Department of Children and, Disability and Equality and Belong To for their ongoing support in making these two reports possible."