Progressive Politics’ Impact on Sexual Minority Suicidality and Substance use: A Retrospective Study Using Linked Administrative Data in Ontario

Despite steady progress towards sexual minority rights since the 1990s, the global political landscape has seen a rapid increase in anti-lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) policies and sentiments. The resurgence in intolerance towards sexual minorities raises questions about the relationship between living in socially progressive areas and sexual minority health. Our study investigated the relationship between living in socially progressive areas and LGB health. Using linked health administrative data (2009-2017), we created a cohort for Ontario residents aged 18 and older identifying as lesbian/gay or bisexual. The study found that a 1% increase in votes for the socially progressive party was independently associated with 1.5% and 6.2% decreases in the odds of suicide-related behaviour and substance use events, respectively, in the gender-combined model. Men saw an 18.8% decrease in the odds of substance use events with no significant change in suicide-related behaviour. In women, a 1% increase in socially progressive votes was associated with 3.5% and 0.9% reductions in suicide-related behaviour and substance use odds, respectively. Taken together with the recent rise of far-right ideologies that are antithetical to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus other (LGBTQ+) rights, these findings suggest the potential for serious health consequences for sexual minorities and highlight the importance of policies that safeguard LGBTQ + rights and well-being.