Family acceptance as a buffer against hate-speech induced depression and suicidal ideation among gay and lesbian individuals in Poland

Experiences of minority stress likely contribute to elevated levels of depression and suicidal ideation among LGBT individuals. We examined whether the self-reported frequency of exposure to hate speech targeting gay men and lesbians was associated with these outcomes and whether family acceptance of one’s sexual orientation attenuated these associations. We used data from a national survey of the Polish LGBTQiA community ( N = 3827 gay men and lesbians). Participants reported the severity of eight symptoms of depression, as well as the frequency of suicidal ideation. They also indicated how often they had encountered homophobic hate speech, and which categories of close family members accepted their sexual orientation. A higher self-reported frequency of exposure to homophobic hate speech was associated with greater severity of depressive symptoms and more frequent suicidal ideation. These associations were moderated by family acceptance, such that they were weaker among participants with higher family acceptance scores. Our findings provide evidence that family acceptance may buffer negative mental health outcomes of hate speech exposure among gay men and lesbians.