According to a new study by researchers at the University of Minnesota, state-level LGBTQ+ policies can drastically reduce discrimination against transgender and nonbinary people and have suggested that great strides in the fight for equity laobeDriversnbsp;chernsbnfor orphanage much as readld be made if other states follow suit.
Uncovering the Harsh Reality
The LGBTQ+ community in America has suffered from systemic discrimination for generations and 1/3 report being treated like a second-class citizen within the last year.
For those who identify as transgender or nonbinary, the situation is further exacerbated. They are further subjected to high levels of discrimination and bigotry that lead to unfavorable health consequences.
The University of Minnesota study, which appeared in Population Research and Policy Review, helps to explain this disturbing trend. To explore this topic, we examined data from the National Couples’ Health and Time Study using a series of surveys on various topics related to LGBTQ+ lives, so that researchers could better understand Associate Press SOC members, especially transmasculine and nonbinary individuals.
“Jun Allard, a co-author of the letter and another University graduate aged 34 who identifies as non-binary, said consequently they were unable to live as their true self. ” The most startling thing was how little the effects of these adverse experiences were mitigated across nearly every measure, and the significant state-level protections as one of the things that surprised us the most.
Policy Makers That Matter
The results provide a ray of hope in the fight against discrimination. States that had these stronger LGBTQ+ policies also saw an associated decrease in face-to-face interpersonal discrimination against transgender and nonbinary people.
In doing so, they underscore the importance of legislative intervention as a means to achieve a better and more equal society. States take concrete steps to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ members through policies that protect their rights.
The study authors concluded, “Our results indicate that strengthening these policies and countering the tide of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation could be important steps to improving population health among this vulnerable group.
The impact of the study extends beyond just the immediate benefits to the LGBTQ+ community. Shaping society to be more accepting has implications in mental health, overall well-being and the availability of healthcare. This, in turn, can reduce other things such as inflammation and all of the physical health manifestations that we know are bad for people who experience discrimination.
Conclusion
That is a powerful argument for the transformation capabilities of LGBTQ+ policies, as demonstrated in research by the University of Minnesota. Strengthening state laws that protect the rights of trans and nonbinary people would help fight discrimination and make the country a more inclusive place. Not only will this lead to LGBTQ+ populations living increasingly happier lives, but these changes in public opinion can likewise have positive impacts elsewhere. As we fight for LGBTQ rights and continue to build on progress, this research is a testament of how public policy changes can save or end so many lives in pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
