Exploring the determinants of quality of life for LGBTQ + people: findings from UK participants in the global pride survey

Introduction:
Despite recent initiatives to understand and respond better to LGBTQ + lives in the UK, there remains a lack of detailed knowledge about the needs and experiences of the LGBTQ + population at an everyday level, including drivers of quality of life, and its association with mental health.

Methods:
This paper draws on findings from the UK dataset in the Global Pride survey collected in 2022. Data from 172 individuals aged 19–77 from diverse sexual and gender identities were used to identify and explore the determinants of quality of life at the intersection of both sexual orientation and gender identity.

Results:
The study identified differences in quality of life and mental health across sexual identity groups. Bisexual women reported higher quality of life than other groups, while sexual diverse individuals and bisexual men experienced greater depressive symptoms. Income, general health, and social support were also important factors associated with quality of life.

Conclusions:
As a preliminary study, we illustrate the potential future use of intersectionality in gaining a more nuanced approach to understanding the different drivers and differences in the LGBTQ + population and the value in promoting mixed methods research to understand better the quality of life amongst LGBTQ + communities. We highlight theories of liveability to expand our understanding beyond individual and structural factors that cause minority stress.

Policy Implications:
Evaluation of how effective UK equalities laws and policies are in protecting LGBTQ + people from discrimination and the areas of policy needed to develop and improve their lives requires improved data collection and their use in monitoring and application through an intersectional approach. Nuanced and focused policymaking could allocate resources that addresses health and wellbeing within its wider context and engage the LGBTQ + community to look beyond known factors of exclusion towards identifying what helps people to survive and thrive.