Presenting a strengths-based ecological model for promoting well-being among LGBTQ+ adults

Models of LGBTQ+ health demonstrate factors influencing mental and physical health (e.g., unique stressors due to living in a heterosexist and cissexist society). However, current models of LGBTQ+ health do not adequately organize how strengths throughout multiple ecological levels influence the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. In this paper, we propose and describe an ecological model of LGBTQ+ strengths impacting the specific health outcome of LGBTQ+ well-being. This model integrates and organizes literature on intersectionality and LGBTQ+ experiences, LGBTQ+ individual well-being outcomes, and LGBTQ+ strengths across ecological levels of individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and structural. Model strengths, limitations, and applications are discussed. • Current models of LGBTQ + health are lacking in organization of multi-level strengths-based factors impacting well-being. • Strengths across ecological levels impact the well-being of LGBTQ + populations. • Integrating factors across ecological levels and intersectionality provides a more comprehensive model of LBGTQ + well-being.