Navigating Mental Health Challenges for LGBTQ+ Individuals in the UK

Ross Lockerbie, Client Director at Adarma

Living as an LGBTQ+ individual in the UK can present a unique set of challenges, particularly concerning mental health. Despite the progress made in recent years towards greater acceptance and legal rights, many in the LGBTQ+ community continue to face significant mental health issues. According to a 2023 report by Stonewall, 55% of LGBTQ+ people have experienced depression, and 18% have faced discrimination when seeking medical help. Additionally, the report highlighted that nearly half of transgender individuals had considered taking their own lives in the past year.

These mental health challenges are exacerbated by the pressures of conforming to societal expectations and the often-turbulent journey of coming out. Many LGBTQ+ individuals struggle with a lack of understanding and support from family, friends, and even within the healthcare system. This makes it crucial for members of the community to find healthy ways to manage stress and improve their mental well-being.

The Importance of Staying Active

One effective way to enhance mental health is through physical activity. Regular exercise has been proven to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood, and boost overall mental health. For LGBTQ+ individuals, staying active can also provide a sense of community and belonging, which is vital for those who may feel marginalised or isolated.

However, engaging in physical activities can be daunting, especially for those who have had negative experiences with sports in the past. This was certainly the case for me during my school years. Growing up, I always dreaded sports. The changing rooms, the competitive nature, and the pervasive toxic masculinity made me feel like an outsider. I associated sports with bullying and exclusion, and this aversion carried over into my adult life. Physical fitness was something I knew was important, but I couldn’t bring myself to engage with it in a meaningful way.

Everything changed when I discovered the Glasgow Raptors, an LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby team. Initially, I was hesitant. The idea of joining a sports team brought back unpleasant memories from school. But the inclusive ethos of the Raptors promised a different experience, one that celebrated diversity and camaraderie.

Finding a New Community with the Glasgow Raptors

Joining the Glasgow Raptors was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the very first training session, I felt welcomed and supported. The team’s emphasis on inclusion and respect created a safe space where I could be myself without fear of judgment. Rugby, a sport I had always viewed through the lens of hyper masculinity, became a gateway to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Even as an adult. I was nervous about participating in sports, fearing the same exclusion and ridicule I experienced in school. However, with the Raptors, this fear slowly dissolved. Over the years, my confidence grew, and my skills on the field improved. I went from being apprehensive about even joining a team to being awarded titles such as “Player of the Match” and “Raptor of the Year.” These recognitions were milestones that validated my progress and perseverance. Eventually, I was honoured to be elected as the club chairperson, a role that allowed me to give back to the community that had given me so much.  It gave me a seat at the table to advocate for LGBTQ+ people and their participation in rugby with senior members of the Scottish Rugby Union – something I wouldn’t have even been able to comprehend as a teenager.

Through the Raptors, I not only improved my physical fitness but also forged meaningful connections with other queer individuals. These friendships extended beyond the rugby field, creating a supportive network that was instrumental in improving my mental health. The physical exertion of the sport provided an excellent outlet for stress, while the sense of community helped alleviate feelings of isolation.

The journey to mental well-being for LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK is fraught with challenges, but finding supportive communities and staying active can make a significant difference. The Glasgow Raptors showed me that sports and fitness don’t have to be exclusionary or intimidating. Instead, they can be empowering and inclusive, offering a path to both physical health and emotional resilience. Inclusive sports teams welcome everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

As we enter the summer months, if you’re looking to get more active and find new friends but have the same apprehensions as me, have a look on LEAP Sports Scotland’s (https://leapsports.org/) website for inclusive clubs in Scotland and Pride Sports UK (https://pridesports.org.uk/) for inclusive clubs within the UK. Maybe one of your friends or family members could benefit from this information?

For anyone struggling with mental health, finding an inclusive and supportive environment can be transformative, it certainly was for me.