Cisheterosexism, minority stress, and mental health challenges among LGBTQ+ adults in Spain

While Spain is often regarded as a progressive state in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, individuals living in the country continue to experience discrimination due to their minoritized identities. This study aimed to describe how exposure to cisheterosexism and minority stress influences the mental health of LGBTQ+ people residing in Spain. A total of 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with LGBTQ+ individuals aged 21–48 years residing in Spain. Data were coded using a hybrid inductive/deductive approach. This was followed by a preliminary content analysis, and subsequently, a thematic analysis was carried out. The coding and content analysis identified key topics, including mental health challenges due to cisheterosexism, vicarious trauma, violence expectation, gender expression, rejection by family of origin, discrimination, and harassment. Thematic analysis uncovered how cisheterosexism, ingrained in legal frameworks and social norms, contributes to systemic discrimination and harassment. Findings revealed psychological distress, encompassing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder among LGBTQ+ individuals. Cisheterosexism in the Spanish context permeates formal and non-formal institutions, influencing interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. The conclusions highlight the need to advocate for tailored social policies and implement culturally sensitive clinical practices to address the specific mental health needs of this population.