Stigma and Wellbeing in 2S/LGBTQ+ Communities

Stigma and Wellbeing in 2S/LGBTQ+ Communities

Watch Time: 10:00

This lecture explains the differences between stigma, prejudice, and discrimination (based on existing research from Goffman, Allport, and others). It is important to note that people experience multiple types of stigma because they have multiple identities. Fighting stigma is important for improving health in affected communities through better programs and interventions.

• Stigma directly affects people's physical and mental health
• Queer communities face extra stress from stigma on top of regular life stress, which leads to worse health outcomes
• Understanding stigma helps us create better programs to help queer communities stay healthy
• Major health organizations (WHO, The Lancet, PHAC) say fighting stigma should be a top priority

Stigma (Goffman's definition): A negative characteristic that makes others see someone as less than a full person—as damaged or less valuable

Prejudice vs. Stigma:

• Prejudice focuses on unfair treatment based on identity (racism, sexism, homophobia)
• Stigma focuses on people who break social rules or have certain diseases (HIV/AIDS, disabilities, mental illness)

Stigmatization: A complicated social process that includes labeling people, using stereotypes, separating groups, lowering someone's status, and discrimination—all connected to power

Sexual Stigma and Gender Stigma: Negative attitudes and treatment related to someone's sexual orientation or gender identity

Queer Stigma: An umbrella term for all types of prejudice, discrimination, and stigma that queer people face

Minority Stress Theory: Explains that queer communities have worse health because they deal with constant stress from stigma, plus all the normal stress everyone faces

Types of Stigma:

• Self-stigma - when you believe negative things about yourself
• Stigma by association - when you're stigmatized for knowing someone who is stigmatized
• Public stigma - negative attitudes from other people
• Structural discrimination - unfair rules and systems in organizations and society

Intersectionality: Understanding that people have multiple identities (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) that overlap and affect how they experience stigma and discrimination

Mentioned Researchers:

• Erving Goffman (Stigma)
• Gordon W. Allport (Prejudice)
• Ilan H. Meyer (Minority Stress Theory)
• Kimberle Crenshaw (Intersectionality)
• Gregory Herek (Sexual Stigma, Gender Stigma)
• Bruce G. Link and Jo C. Phelan (Stigma) 

Mentioned Reports:

• Responding to the global mpox outbreak: ethics issues and considerations
  • World Health Organization
• The Lancet Commission on ending stigma and discrimination in mental health
• Addressing stigma: Towards a more inclusive health system
  • Public Health Agency of Canada
     

Jad Sinno, is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toronto's public health school. Jad was previously a Health Hub Fellow and is now a mentor, as well as working on a Hub grant-funded research. 

Read Jad's bio for more.