DIFFERENTIAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTING LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, AND PANSEXUAL WOMEN'S MENTAL HEALTH DISPARITIES

LGBTQ+ individuals exhibit poorer mental health outcomes compared to heterosexual individuals, with bisexual and pansexual women often facing heightened challenges relative to gay men and lesbian women. This research examines potential risk and protective factors in the coming out experiences of bi+ women compared to lesbian women. The study focuses on differences becoming aware of one’s sexuality, experiences with discrimination, and community support. An open-ended response survey of 185 participants indicated varying experiences between bi+ and lesbian women among the observed factors. Findings indicated that bi and pan women discover their sexuality through self-reflection, often selectively disclosing it, whereas lesbians used both self-reflection and interpersonal relationships to come to be aware of their sexuality, with varied disclosure. Both groups noted feeling exclusively connected within their subgroups, reporting varying negative experiences. Bi+ individuals often highlighted biphobia and monosexism as negative experiences, while lesbians reported a broader range of negative experiences without a concentrated focus. This research identified potential risk factors, including coming out and discrimination, as well as protective factors, such as connection to the LGBTQ+ community, which likely contribute to mental health disparities among sexual minority women. Identifying potential risk and protective factors can inform the development of targeted interventions, policies, and efforts to foster inclusivity and promote supportive LGBTQ+ community dynamics.