LGBT Inclusion: Well-being through Interest Sharing Nerilee Ceatha, SW Team Leader, Tusla, Child and Family Agency 05/11/2015

Every interest over the rainbow...

SLÁN 2007 Quality of life Meaningful social connectedness Social support Community involvement

LGBT mental health research focus paucity of research on LGBT social well-being through community involvement 30 years of research vast body of literature consensus of mental health risk

Timeline

Exploratory qualitative research 11 people L(5), G(4), B(1) T(1) aged 22 – 56 7 in relationships, 3 have children 9 Irish, 1 European, 1 North American 10 completed 3rd level ed’n

31 groups (LGBT/non) Physical: athletics, mountaineering, roller derby, rugby Creative: acting, art, choir, writing Social: dining, MeetUp

interests central huge integral

Interests “I think it’s important…as a part of a sense of self…to be a fully- rounded person…as part of your identity.” (Lesbian, 27)

peer support like-minded on a par same wavelength

Peer support network “Being able to engage with my own creativity on my terms.” (Lesbian, 43)

Emerging themes connecting mastering wellness making a difference

Mastering wellness Open, confident and comfortable Awareness Breadth of well-being Creating balance Promoting self-esteem

Participants’ self-descriptions

Awareness It’s only been in the past few years I’ve really felt good…felt of sound mind, basically – when I realised I was gay, when I started getting into [interest], learned a lot and met new people. (Gay, 22)

Breadth of well-being Just makes me happy…Yeah, quite relaxing, calming…and fulfilling as well. (Lesbian, 32) [It’s] good for you…good for your emotions, good for your soul; [sharing interest] in a group is very, let’s say, therapeutic. (Lesbian, 36)

Breadth of well-being The benefits are enormous…I am a much nicer person, a much happier person [it] ticks all those boxes – keeps me healthy… gives me time to reflect. (Gay, 46)

Creating balance Sunday…I call my ‘Mental Health Day’ – the day set aside for clearing my head…I tend to go out with [group]…I deeply need that counterbalance. (Lesbian, 53)

Promoting self-esteem “It does build a sense of esteem because people are very appreciative and you constantly get good feedback.” (Gay, 56)

Vitality “That’s fantastic, that’s one of the best validation experiences…that makes me feel so awesome about [interest]…and so excited.” (Transgender, 28)

Vitality “I realised…you can do whatever…you want. What interests you, you do it – nothing can stop you. The only limitation is your imagination.” (Gay, 23)

Thank you! nerilee.ceatha@tusla.ie