What Drives Life Satisfaction Among LGBTQ Individuals in Japan? Evidence on Income, Partnerships, and Role Models

This study investigates the psychological well-being of sexual minorities in Japan, focusing on the roles of personal income, bisexual identity, partnerships, and the availability of role models. Using original survey data from 400 individuals aged 18–50, this study employed ordinary least squares regression to analyze how these factors influence life satisfaction. The findings of the study show that personal income and being in a partnership significantly enhance life satisfaction, whereas bisexual individuals report lower satisfaction levels, likely due to dual marginalization from both heterosexual and homosexual communities. Role models were found to be scarce, particularly for minority women and those with gender identity discrepancies, highlighting a lack of visibility and representation in Japanese society. The Minority Stress Model (Meyer in Psychological Bulletin 129(5):674, 2003) provides a useful framework to interpret these findings, demonstrating how chronic social stressors undermine mental health outcomes. Gendered income disparities were also evident, with LGBTQ women experiencing disproportionate economic disadvantages due to intersecting forms of discrimination. These findings highlight the need for inclusive policies that promote LGBTQ visibility, equal pay, legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, and broader definitions of “family.” This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how intersecting identities shape well-being and calls for intersectional policy responses tailored to Japan’s sociocultural context.