Violence in Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender,and Queer Communities: Preliminary Findings from New Mexico

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons' experiences of violence continue to be inadequately addressed. We present secondary data analysis of violence experienced by 116 LGBTQ persons living in New Mexico. It adds to the limited information about the disconnect between the violence experienced by LGBTQ and the associated help-seeking behaviors. Between January 15, 2016 and March 31, 2016, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and Fierce Pride, an LGBTQ health advocacy organization, collected data through an online survey. Participants were recruited through word of mouth, e-mail lists, and social media posts. Findings indicated that 65 (55%) participants reported that someone had attempted to have sex with them without their consent. Fifty (43%) reported that someone had sex with them without their consent. Only 18 of 116 (16%) participants reported seeking help after being abused. A third of the participants, 41 of 116 (35%), reported they did not seek help, whereas 57 participants (49%) chose not to answer the question. Study findings suggest that violence poses a serious threat to LGBTQ people in New Mexico. They also suggest the need to develop and implement services centered on LGBTQ communities to reduce fear and stigma and create safe spaces in which people can seek help. Limitations include a small sample size of predominantly white/Caucasian participants that did not reflect the demographics of the state. Their experiences may not reflect those of LGBTQ people of color. Reliability and validity of the survey have not been established.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Balsam

, Molina

, Beadnell

, et al. (2011). Measuring multiple minority stress: The LGBT People of Color Microaggressions Scale. Cult Div Ethn Minor Psychol. 17, 163–174.

Gentlewarrior

. (2009). Culturally competent service provision to lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Survivors of Sexual Violence. Retrieved August 4, 2010 from file:///C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/AR_LGBTSexualViolence%20(1).pdf

James

, Herman

, Rankin

, et al. (2016). The Report of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey. (National Center for Transgender Equality, Washington, DC).

Kidd

, Witten

. (2007). Transgender and transsexual identities: The next strange fruit-hate crimes, violence and genocide against the global trans-communities. J Hate Stud. 6, 31–63.

Krehely

. (2009). How to close LGBTQ Health Disparities Gap Data. Center for American Progress. Retrieved September 15, 2012 from https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/lgbt/reports/2009/12/21/7048/how-to-close-the-lgbt-health-disparities-gap

Oglesbee

, Padilla

, Tomedi

, et al. (2016). The health and well-being of lesbian, gay, and bisexual, and questioning youth in New Mexico: Data from the 2013 New Mexico Youth Risk & Resiliency Survey. New Mexico Department of Health; New Mexico Public Education Department; and University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center.

Rothman

, Exner

, Baughman

. (2011). The prevalence of sexual assault against people who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual in the United States: A systematic review. Trauma Violence Abuse. 12, 55–66.

Smith

, Chen

, Basile

, et al. (2017). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010–2012 State Report. (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA).

Tomedi

, Padilla

. (2013). Health Inequities by Sexual Orientation in New Mexico, 2005–2011. (New Mexico Department of Health, Santa Fe, NM).