Mental Health and Support Systems After Experiences of Sexual Victimization Among Young Sexual Minoritized Women and Gender Minoritized People

This study aims to describe institutional and social supports for sexual and gender minoritized populations. Participants are from a mixed-method study on experiences of sexual violence among sexual and gender minoritized young people. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze data from semi-structured interviews (n = 25). One major barrier participants described included structural discrimination and violence (i.e., biphobia, misogyny, racism), which in turn contributed to challenges accessing support systems including mental health providers, sexual health services, and positive social support from family, friends, and peers. Participants reporting experiencing positive supports highlighted the importance of validation and acceptance as part of healing.