While ill mental health such as stress, anxiety and depression affect millions of people at work in the UK each year, it is more common amongst people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT+).
When 1 in 3 LGBT+ workers experience issues with discrimination, bullying and harassment, it should come as no surprise why ill mental health disproportionately affects the LGBT+ community. These can ultimately lead to mental health issues including:
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Low self-esteem.
- Self-harm.
- Stress.
- Substance or alcohol abuse.
- Suicidal feelings.
The below guidance covers the issues that can impact LGBT+ employees and contribute to ill mental health, as well as the support that is available through your union (us) and mental health organisations.
What does the law say?
Currently there is no specific act for mental health, however it is covered under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSAW), and the Equality Act 2010 if your ill mental health is from issues surrounding your sexual orientation or gender identity
If your ill mental health impacts your ability to do normal day-to-day activities and is long-term (lasts for 12 months or longer), it is considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010.
What issues might LGBT+ people face at work?
Being LGBT+ is not the reason for ill mental health – it is the way that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are treated (because of their sexual orientation, or gender identity) which can be the root cause. Common issues LGBT+ employees face at work include:
- Discrimination.
- Bullying and harassment.
- Issues with coming out or being ‘out’ed’.
- Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.
- Issues around inclusivity.
- Having rumours spread around the workplace about them.
- Suffering physical violence.
- Sexual harassment.
- Hate crimes.
What can I do if i'm worried about my mental health?
Firstly, you are not alone – as your union, we are here to support you inside and out of work.
If you are concerned about your mental health, there are a few things to consider:
Firstly, whether the causes of your ill mental health are because of work, or from outside the workplace, we would recommend you speak to your employer to find out how they can support you.
Your employer has a duty of care under the HSAW to keep you safe at work, including your mental wellbeing, so they should take any discussions around mental health seriously. Your employer may also be able to make reasonable adjustments to help support your ill mental health such as flexible working, or introducing workplace policies to support your mental wellbeing.
If your ill mental health is due to mistreatment because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, you are protected under the Equality Act 2010, and your employer is legally obligated to protect you from any form of discrimination and must take any reports of discrimination, harassment or bullying seriously. Similarly, if your ill mental health is classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, you are protected as having a disability.
If you are dealing with issues at work such as discrimination, bullying or harassment, and this is impacting your mental health, you should speak to your Community Equalities Rep, our equalities team or contact our Member Service Centre and we’ll be able to support you. We are proud to work directly with our members, reps, and workplaces to implement vital mental health policies, so please do contact us if you would like support in introducing one to your workplace.
Visit our mental health hub to access training, guidance, and advice on what steps you can take to improve your mental health. Alternatively, see below for a list of mental health charities and organisations who provide bespoke mental health support for LGBT+ individuals.
If you are stressed, click here to access our guidance on how to deal with stress at work.
Alternatively, visit our equalities hub to access exclusive LGBT+ resources designed to help you know your rights at work.
How can I improve my mental health?
If you are LGBT+, the most important thing to remember is to own your sexual orientation or gender identity – you are protected under the Equality Act 2010 and should not have to deal with discrimination in any form because of who you are. This can include:
- Increased confidence.
- Improved relationships with colleagues, friends, and family.
- Freedom to express who you are.
- Having a sense of community and belonging.
If you are struggling with coming out at work, click here to find out more about the benefits of coming out in the workplace, and how the law protects you.
Community are invested in supporting the mental health of our members – that’s why we offer exclusive courses for our members on improving your mental health and mental health awareness. If you are interested in taking any of these courses, click here to contact our Community Learn team who will be happy to help.
LGBT+ mental health resources and organisations
There are many organisations in the UK who offer bespoke mental health support and resources for LGBT+ people, including:
- The Albert Kennedy Trust who support young LGBT+ people (aged 16 to 25)
- Being Gay is Okay help lesbian, gay and bisexual people to cut through stereotypes.
- Gendered Alliance is a trans-led organisation who work to improve understanding of gender orientation, and the quality of trans people’s lives.
- Imman support LGBT+ Muslims and provide a space to share experiences and ask for help.
- LGBT+ Consortium provide a database LGBT+ groups, organisations, and services (including mental health services).
- LGBT Hero is a national health and wellbeing charity for LGBT+ people.
- Mind offer a list of organisations who provide support for LGBT+ people.
- Mindout is an LGBT+ mental health charity.
- Stonewall offer advice and support for LGBT+ people and allies.
- The NHS also offers guidance on healthcare services and providers for LGBT+ people.
How can I support my LGBT+ colleagues with their mental health?
It’s amazing that you want to stand up and support your LGBT+ colleague(s) with their mental health, and there is plenty for you to consider, including:
- Encouraging them to talk about their issues, away from the workplace.
- Being compassionate and respecting how they may feel.
- Recommending they seek professional medical support, such as their GP, or an LGBT+ mental health charity (see list of organisations above).
- Respecting their confidentially (don’t discuss their mental health with anyone else, unless they specifically ask for you to, unless you are concerned for their or others’ safety).
- Working with them to find a solution.
- Learning more about mental health and the issues disproportionately affecting the LGBT+ community.
At Community, we are dedicated to tackling ill mental health in UK workplaces to ensure that no one is left behind – that’s why we offer courses for our members on becoming mental health first aiders. Click here to find out more.
We also offer training courses on improving mental health, mental health awareness and more. If you are interested in taking any of these courses or sign posting your colleague(s), click here to contact our Community Learn team who will be happy to help.
You may also be interested in encouraging your employer to create a working environment where LGBT+ workers feel safe to be themselves, and tackle discrimination in any form. If you are interested in looking after the wellbeing of your LGBT+ colleagues at work, find out more about becoming a Community Equalities Representative today.
If you need help or advice, please contact us at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
