7. Sexual and gender minority identities

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What are sexual and gender minorities?

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) groups are people whose sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or biological traits do not fit traditional norms.³²

SGM groups include, but are not limited to, people who identify as:

• Lesbian
• Gay
• Bisexual
• Asexual
• Non-binary
• Transgender
• Queer
• Intersex

Some people may not use these labels but still experience discrimination or exclusion based on their identities.

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Common challenges faced by SGM individuals

SGM individuals experience higher levels of stress due to stigma and discrimination. This minority stress can increase their risk for mental and physical health problems.³³

Mental health challenges

Studies show that SGM adults often experience:

• Lower life satisfaction and weaker sense of belonging compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals.³⁴
• Higher rates of mental health issues, including:
  • Depression and anxiety^{34 35}
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)^{34 36}
  • Suicide attempts^{34 35}
  • Substance misuse^{34 35 37}

Physical health risks

SGM adults are also at higher risk for physical health conditions, including:³⁸

• Heart disease, obesity, and diabetes
• Asthma and other respiratory conditions
• Certain cancers and digestive issues
• Chronic pain conditions (such as headaches)

Social and financial barriers

SGM individuals often face additional social risks, such as:

• Social isolation and lack of emotional support.
• Financial instability and employment discrimination.

These social issues can negatively impact overall health and well-being.³⁹

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Barriers to accessing services in an emergency

Disasters and emergencies can make the stress that SGM people face even worse. Some of their challenges include:

Barrier	Why it’s a problem
Lack of inclusive shelters and support centres	Many SGM individuals may not feel safe or welcome in emergency shelters, which can prevent them from seeking help. They may fear harassment or violence if they do seek support.40
Fear of discrimination or hostility	SGM people may be hesitant to ask for help or access resources, especially in emergency shelters, because they worry about being discriminated against or treated badly.41
Family rejection and homelessness	Some SGM individuals may face rejection or even abuse from family members, which can lead to homelessness. Disasters often cause higher unemployment rates, and without stable housing or resources, SGM individuals are more vulnerable to homelessness.42 43 44

Examples of past disasters affecting SGM individuals

Global research shows many past emergencies and disasters where the equal rights and protections of SGM individuals were not considered. Some examples include:

Disaster	Location	Year	Discrimination
Hurricane Katrina	USA	2005	Same-sex couples were often separated in shelters because their relationships were not legally recognized, preventing them from receiving aid.43
Earthquake	Haiti	2010	SGM evacuees faced violence in shelters and were denied help by some faith-based organizations.43
Tsunami	India	2004	Aravanis (gender-diverse individuals) were excluded from food, shelter, and financial aid, forcing them to survive on discarded food.44

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