The DSM is a classification of mental health conditions (termed mental disorders) published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
LGBT people and the DSMĭue to homophobia and transphobia, LGBTQ identities have been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM). Additionally, an individual with a mental health condition who is also an LGBTQ person may face added challenges in accessing mental health services that are appropriate and inclusive and may face discrimination on the basis of both disability and sexual orientation. For example, LGBTQ people may experience other forms of marginalization – such as racism, sexism, poverty or other factors – alongside homophobia or transphobia that negatively impact on mental health. There are multiple ways that intersectionality impacts the mental health of LGBTQ people. Intersectionality refers to an approach by which intersecting experiences of marginalization and the needs of the whole person are considered. a bisexual South Asian woman may have an anxiety disorder and be living in poverty). For example, an individual’s experience may be shaped at the same time by their sexual orientation, racialization, gender, disability and income (e.g. LGBTQ individuals may experience multiple forms of marginalization or disadvantage at the same time.