The LGBTQ community go through a variety of problems in the form of hardships and discrimination on a regular basis. They are denied basic rights such as jobs and accommodation simply for being who they are. Statistics show that approximately 8 per cent of LGB individuals and nearly 27 percent of transgender individuals report being denied needed health care outright. Whether it be inadequate health or proper education, the queer community faces prejudice in every aspect of life. Contrary to their counterparts, same-sex parents struggle for the custody rights of children and also don’t have equal adoption rights that heterosexuals are automatically granted. This kind of stigma and discrimination affects the life of an individual to a great extent and gives birth to problems such as stress and depression. 

We normally tend to avoid or find a way out of the social situations which we are uncomfortable with. But imagine a living where your entire social life is made up of these situations. The LGBTQ community often suffers from neglect and disrespect from society and this moves them further away from healthy mental well being. Sometimes, social stress creates such an environment where people prefer to hide their true identity and lead their lives as heterosexuals in order to fall into the league. This, in turn, affects their mental health and self-confidence making their personalities subdued and caged in a shell. 

According to Mental Health America, research suggests that LGBT individuals face health disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights. Discrimination against LGBT persons has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. As compared to people that identify as straight, LGBT individuals are 3 times more likely to experience a mental health condition. LGBT youth are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide, experience suicidal thoughts, and engage in self-harm, as compared to youths that are straight. 38-65% of transgender individuals experience suicidal ideation. An estimated 20-30% of LGBT individuals abuse substances, compared to about 9% of the general population.