The Mental Health Impacts of Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies on Latine Youth

Author: Alberto Castelan

Department: Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement (IPCE)

Advisor: Alexander Diaz - IPCE - UIC

Abstract: During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health was seen as a serious issue that led to many seeking treatment and getting proper care. This was also taken into consideration with marginalized communities, such as the Latine Community. Intersectionality emphasizes the dire need to prioritize the mental health needs of the most marginalized. This research explores the importance of safeguarding the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and the difference it makes when states center the voice of the marginalized communities. This research highlights four states and the effects of anti-LGBTQ+ policies while focusing on the mental health of Latine youth. The case studies focus on four states: New York, Illinois, Indiana, and Florida from 2010-2025. New York and Illinois, which are considered to progressive states when it comes to social issues. On the contrary, Florida and Indiana have a different approach which are known to be anti-LGBTQ+ friendly. The research looks at anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, such as Florida’s H.B. 1557. The research findings indicate that anti-LGBTQ+ legislation leads to increased anxiety and other mental health issues that limit their choices to stay in the state. While the research does not show many differences in regard to anxiety and depression from conservative and progressive states, it should be noted that anti-LGBTQ+ states might be underreporting and possibly not collecting data. A first step to improve the mental health of Latine youth is for government sites to consider using more inclusive language to encourage more accurate data in annual reports. Other policy recommendations include implementing mentoring programs and pressuring conservative states to acknowledge the existence and lives of the LGBTQ+ community by having more legislation that protects LGBTQ+ youth. Acknowledging the existence of LGBTQ+ people makes the LGBTQ+ community feel like their lives matter, and italso helps with having accurate information regarding the mental health impacts of LGBTQ+ youth.

Keywords: Latine youth, LGBTQ+, Intersectionality, Familismo, Queer, Progressive, Conservative, Legislation, Inclusivity, Community, Data, Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health

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