“Find a Local Queer Community and Jump In”: Perspectives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Youth on Mental Health Difficulties and Sources of Support in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Past research indicates affirming mental health support is difficult to access for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth. The present study explored the perspectives of LGBTQ young adults in Aotearoa/New Zealand on mental health difficulties and availability of support. Forty-six LGBTQ people aged 17-30 participated across 11 focus groups. Two themes about negative and positive aspects of mental well-being formed a cyclical model. Negative well-being was described as normative and isolating for LGBTQ youth, whereas positive well-being was attributed to greater awareness of LGBTQ identities. Lack of LGBTQ education was positioned as perpetuating negative well-being whereas access to adequate personal or professional support was positioned as facilitating positive well-being. These findings indicate ways of improving LGBTQ mental health support in educational and clinical settings by addressing awareness and isolation.