Leeds LGBT+ Minds x The Bisexual Agenda

If you were spiralling in 2009 you are not alone. This week I’m joined by Sarah (she/her) from the Leeds LGBT+ Minds Project to discuss mental health & accessing mental health services as a LGBTQ+ person. Please note: Sarah works for Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service but is speaking in a personal capacity on this podcast and all views are her own.

Follow the pod on instagram.

Leeds LGBT+ Minds Community Wellbeing Festival

Leeds LGBT+ Minds are excited to invite you to our first Community Wellbeing Festival, co-hosted by Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service and Trans Leeds. This event is open to anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+, lives or works in Leeds and has experience of using or needing mental health services. You can access the full programme here: https://bit.ly/2ZDr7Kk.

Twitter: @LMWScopro Facebook: Leeds LGBT+ Minds Instagram: @leedslgbtminds

Find out more about statistics re LGBTQ+ mental health in this stonewall report.

Please note the open letter to The BBC regarding transphobia is now closed, you can find out more online but please be aware the article in the BBC and news around it contains mentions of graphic transphobia and sexual violence.

Resources for young trans people.

Black Trans Foundation.

Find a transgender support group in your area.

Gender identity for beginners: a guide to being a great trans ally.

Trans resources and where to donate.

TW/CW in order of mention:

Sarah’s experiences: Depression, eating disorders, not being out, coming out, homophobia, homophobic media, antidepressants/medication.

My experiences: Homophobic bullying, cancer, depression, dyke being used as a slur, drinking, smoking weed, drugs, paranoia, panic attacks, anxiety, being sober, therapy, reckless sexual behaviours, unsafe sexual situations, abusive relationships.

35 mins in - We discuss alcohol and how this can be an unhealthy coping mechanism and also interact with antidepressants. Blacking out/drinking issues.

LGBTQ+ people and mental health: 40 mins in - We talk about mental health issues the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to experience: low self esteem, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, self harm and suicidal feelings.

Homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, stigma, discrimination, hate crime and violence. Traumatic coming out experiences, social isolation, exclusion, homosexuality being illegal in certain places. Trans healthcare. Drinking and drugs. Barriers to access to mental health services. Gender and sexual orientation data collection.

Music: PremiumWave

Tarot: Queering the Tarot by Cassandra Snow