Abstract
Individuals within the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) communities often face prejudice and discrimination throughout the lifespan (Herek, Gillis, and Cogan, 2009; Pilkington and D'Augelli, 1995). For many of these individuals, the experiences with prejudice and discrimination can include traumatic experiences of victimization (House, Van Horn, Coppeans, and Stepleman, 2011). Research on trauma reflects the dynamic and wide-ranging effects that experiencing trauma can have on the individual, including mental health, social, and behavioral consequences (Rosenberg, 2000; Schneider et al., 2012). The current study explores the question of what are the long-term effects of homophobia-related trauma for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) men and women. A qualitative study will be conducted using an empirical phenomenological design. LGB participants receiving mental health services through a community mental health clinic will engage in individual interviews consisting of 7 questions related to their experiences with homophobia-related trauma. The poster and discussion will focus on mental health outcomes and potential strengths developed as a result of participants’ experiences with the trauma.
