A recent study reveals that LGBTQ+ women in America face significant levels of harassment, discrimination, and violence in various aspects of their lives. The study was initiated by Urvashi Vaid, a prominent lesbian activist who passed away in 2022. Vaid recognized the lack of comprehensive research on the challenges LGBTQ+ women were encountering, prompting her to collaborate with sex educator and activist Jaime Grant, along with 22 other experts, to develop a nationwide survey exploring the experiences of LGBTQ+ women in terms of disability, discrimination, harassment, and intimate partner violence.
Over a span of two years, the survey gathered responses from over 8,000 individuals who identify as or have identified as women, focusing on LGBTQ+ women in same-sex relationships. The survey report, titled “We Never Give Up the Fight: A Report of the National LGBTQ+ Women’s Community Survey,” was released this week. It highlights the prevalence of violence across various domains of LGBTQ+ women’s lives and emphasizes their reliance on friends rather than institutional support systems like education, law enforcement, or religious organizations.
The survey indicates that LGBTQ+ women experience higher rates of intimate partner violence compared to women in the general population. Around 47% of respondents reported experiences of emotional, physical, or sexual violence from their partners. Interestingly, the survey provides insights into the identity of both the abuser and the abused, shedding light on the different forms of violence enacted.
The findings reveal that cisgender, heterosexual men tend to employ more lethal forms of violence, posing significant threats to the survival of their queer female partners. On the other hand, women and gender-diverse individuals are more inclined to use social control as a form of violence. It is important, however, not to draw simplistic conclusions about abuse patterns based solely on these findings, as the impact of domestic violence is equally devastating regardless of the gender or sexual orientation of the abuser.
The report’s authors hope that this data will inform education campaigns in healthcare settings and raise awareness within the LGBTQ+ community. The survey also underscores the significance of social connections, with only 20% of domestic violence survivors seeking support from institutions and the majority relying on their friends for assistance. Maintaining strong connections within LGBTQ+ communities can help prevent isolation, a common aspect of domestic violence.
In addition to highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ women, the survey also showcases the resilience and joy within the community. It reveals that gender and sexuality are fluid for many LGBTQ+ women, with 24% of respondents reporting their gender as “fluid or changing” and 32% describing their sexuality as “fluid or changing.” This fluidity reflects societal progress in understanding the complexities of gender and sexuality.
Finally, when asked about their favorite aspects of being an LGBTQ+ woman, survey respondents expressed appreciation for the ability to determine their own identities, the support of their communities, and the freedom to choose their partners. This highlights the strength and resiliency of queer and trans communities in supporting each other and thriving in the face of adversity.
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Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
