Examining group differences in health and depression among sexual and gender diverse individuals

Introduction Sexual and gender diverse (SGD) individuals experience significant health disparities; yet, more research is needed to understand the unique risks of individuals within this heterogeneous community. For instance, extant research suggests that bisexual, gender diverse, and racial and ethnically diverse SGD individuals may be at heightened risk for certain negative health outcomes. The present study aimed to examine whether racially and ethnically diverse adults within the heterogeneous SGD community differ in their depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and chronic health conditions (CHCs).Methods In 2021, Qualtrics Panels recruited 1329 U.S. adults from various SGD subgroups (389 heterosexual, 289 bisexual, 219 gay, 157 lesbian, and 275 gender diverse adults) and racial and ethnic subgroups (415 non-Hispanic White, 387 Hispanic or Latinx, 268 Black or African American, 252 Multiracial adults). Participants completed an online survey.Results After adjusting for covariates, SGD adults had higher depressive symptoms, were more likely to report frequent suicidal ideation, and reported more current CHCs compared to non-SGD adults (ps < .05). There were important variations within SGD and racial and ethnic subgroups, suggesting that bisexual, gender diverse, and multiracial adults experience worse mental and/or physical health.Conclusion The study findings and extant research underscore the need to examine how health disparity risk varies across SGD subgroups using an intersectional approach to best tailor research and intervention efforts.