Perceived Safety, Mental Well-being, and Quality of Life: A Review of Transit Experiences among LGBTQIA+ Commuters

Perceived safety in public transit spaces significantly influences the mental health and overall quality of life for LGBTQIA+ commuters, yet it remains underexplored.Transit systems, as essential daily pathways, expose many to visibility-related stigma, harassment risks, and persistent stress.While research on transport equity and health inequities has grown, the mental health consequences of transit insecurity, drawn from fragmented studies across fields, have seldom been synthesized.This article draws on interdisciplinary research from public health, mental health, transport planning, urban studies, and LGBTQIA+ health to explore how perceived safety in transit environments affects psychological well-being and everyday quality of life.It synthesizes evidence on harassment, anticipatory anxiety, hypervigilance, mobility avoidance, and minority stress tied to public transit use.Findings reveal consistent links to elevated anxiety, emotional exhaustion, eroded belonging, and curtailed travel freedom, with cumulative effects on everyday well-being.These impacts differ by gender identity, sexual orientation, visibility levels, and sociocultural settings.Ultimately, the evidence positions transit safety as a critical intersection of transport, mental health, and equity.It urges inclusive design and policy interventions to enhance LGBTQIA+ quality of life.