Open research questions in LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

What the literature leaves open

• research on how bi + individuals experience their identities in everyday life, especially within cultural, religious, and sociopolitical contexts, - studies that go beyond a reparative approach focused solely on the challenges associated with bi + identification

  Behind Monosexual Norms: A Scoping Review of Bisexual Experiences in Southern Europe · 2026 · DOI

• There is a lack of research on bisexual experiences in Southern Europe. The existing literature is sparse and uneven, with limited studies on the lived experiences of bisexual individuals. There is a need for more research on the intersectional dimensions of bisexuality and the navigation of daily tensions between oppression and resistance, invisibility and affirmation, and marginalization and resilience.

  Behind Monosexual Norms: A Scoping Review of Bisexual Experiences in Southern Europe · 2026 · DOI

• the lack of consideration of queer perspectives in ecology and evolutionary biology - the impact of societal trends on scientific knowledge and policy - the need for a framework to address biases and limitations in the field - the importance of intersectionality and considering multiple marginalized identities

  Where We Go From Here: Harnessing Queer Perspectives to Advance Practice in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology · 2026 · DOI

• The study notes that participants experienced significant challenges to their well-being. The study highlights the need for more support for Christian family members and friends of transgender individuals. The study notes that the lack of honest discussion in the church can make it difficult for individuals to discuss their problems.

  Experiences of Family Members and Friends of Transgender People in the Australian Church: A Qualitative Study of Health Challenges, Confusion, and Bereavement · 2026 · DOI

• the study had a small sample size of 51 participants, - the study only targeted Christian family members and friends of transgender individuals in Australia, - the study used an online questionnaire which may have limited the depth of responses, - the study did not include non-Christian family members and friends of transgender individuals

  Experiences of Family Members and Friends of Transgender People in the Australian Church: A Qualitative Study of Health Challenges, Confusion, and Bereavement · 2026 · DOI

• One challenge is the lack of representation of TGD adolescents in mental health research. Another challenge is the need for valid and reliable measures to assess the mental health of TGD adolescents.

  Differences in Clinical Profiles of Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents Compared to Cis-gender Adolescents Attending a Tertiary Mental Health Clinic · 2026 · DOI

• Further research is needed to understand the causes of the increased risk of psychopathology in TGD adolescents, - Research should explore the relationship between traumatic experiences and depressive symptoms in TGD adolescents, - Studies should investigate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts and behaviours in TGD adolescents

  Differences in Clinical Profiles of Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents Compared to Cis-gender Adolescents Attending a Tertiary Mental Health Clinic · 2026 · DOI

• The sample's overrepresentation of white, cisgender women with high incomes limits the generalizability of the findings, - The study's reliance on self-reported measures may be subject to bias, - The lack of a control condition other than a waitlist may limit the interpretation of the results, - The study's focus on parents of TNB youth may not be generalizable to other populations

  The Effectiveness of the Parent Support Program: a Randomized Controlled Trial of an Online Intervention to Increase Parental Support Among Parents and Caregivers of Trans and Nonbinary Youth · 2026 · DOI

• Investigating the long-term effects of the Parent Support Program, - Examining the program's effectiveness in diverse populations, - Developing and testing interventions to support other caregivers of TNB youth, - Investigating the impact of the program on the mental health outcomes of TNB youth

  The Effectiveness of the Parent Support Program: a Randomized Controlled Trial of an Online Intervention to Increase Parental Support Among Parents and Caregivers of Trans and Nonbinary Youth · 2026 · DOI

• There is a lack of understanding about how psychiatric diagnoses and gender diversity intersect in mental health systems. Prior research has not fully considered the intersectionality of TGD individuals with psychiatric diagnoses. The study addresses this gap by exploring the experiences of TGD individuals with psychiatric diagnoses in the Israeli mental health system.

  Psychiatric Authority and Gender Diversity in Mental Health Governance: Structural Vulnerability and Care Avoidance among Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals with Psychiatric Diagnoses · 2026 · DOI

• The existing literature on linked fate has focused on Black Americans, with a lack of research on LGBT people's sense of linked fate. There is a need to develop a theoretical foundation to understand how LGBT people's sense of linked fate is shaped by belonging and utility.

  A Qualitative Approach to Understanding LGBT People’s Sense of Linked Fate · 2026 · DOI

• Privacy concerns were identified as a major disadvantage of using telehealth for gender-affirming care. The need for specialized training and equipment was identified as a challenge in implementing telehealth for gender-affirming care. The importance of ensuring the security and confidentiality of patient data was identified as a challenge in using telehealth for gender-affirming care.

  The Role of Telehealth in Providing Gender-Affirming Care for Individuals with Gender Dysphoria: A Scoping Review · 2026 · DOI

• The lack of comprehensive reviews on the use of telehealth for gender-affirming care. The need to understand the feasibility and acceptability of telehealth for gender-affirming care. The importance of identifying the advantages and disadvantages of using telehealth for gender-affirming care.

  The Role of Telehealth in Providing Gender-Affirming Care for Individuals with Gender Dysphoria: A Scoping Review · 2026 · DOI

• The study faces challenges in terms of sampling and representation, as the sample size is limited to 172 individuals. The paper highlights the need for more detailed examination and understanding of the data. The study requires more in-depth approaches and analysis to understand the intersectional differences in the LGBTQ+ population.

  Exploring the Determinants of Quality of Life for LGBTQ + People: Findings from UK Participants in the Global Pride Survey · 2026 · DOI

• The study is preliminary and requires more detailed examination, - The sample size is small, - The findings are tentative and highlight the need for more representative surveys

  Exploring the Determinants of Quality of Life for LGBTQ + People: Findings from UK Participants in the Global Pride Survey · 2026 · DOI

• further research is needed to explore the predictors of ACP discussions among 2SLGBTQ + persons, - investigation of the impact of community engagement on ACP discussions

  Advance Care Planning Discussions among LGBTQ + Persons: Results from the Global Pride Study in Canada · 2026 · DOI

• The study notes the lack of data about the 2SLGBTQ+ population in Canada. The study highlights the importance of assessing advance care planning discussions among LGBTQ+ persons in Canada.

  Advance Care Planning Discussions among LGBTQ + Persons: Results from the Global Pride Study in Canada · 2026 · DOI

• Further research could explore the emotional experiences of families in different cultural contexts, - Future studies could investigate the impact of social norms and policies on the emotional experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals

  Familiar Affects and Policies: Mexican Families’ Emotional Experiences When LGBT Members Come Out · 2026 · DOI

• the need for culturally sensitive evidence from Mexico - the lack of an emotion-centered analysis of the coming-out process in Mexican families - the need for a unique method that recognizes the family as a system

  Familiar Affects and Policies: Mexican Families’ Emotional Experiences When LGBT Members Come Out · 2026 · DOI

• The study had a limited sample size of 67 sexual minority women. The study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Additional research with larger sample sizes is needed.

  Health and Wellbeing among Lesbians, Bisexual, and Sexually Diverse Women in Aotearoa New Zealand: An Exploratory Study · 2026 · DOI

• The study identifies a gap in the understanding of the factors associated with self-reported physical health and quality of life among LGBTQ+ adults in Colombia. It highlights the need to consider the intersecting factors that shape LGBTQ+ health, including discrimination, socioeconomic conditions, and relational dynamics.

  Quality of Life, Physical Health, Age, and COVID-19 in LGBTQ + People in Colombia: Findings from the Global Pride Study · 2026 · DOI

• The data were collected with limited access to non-Hebrew-speaking minorities, eliminating the need to translate the questionnaire into other languages, such as Arabic. The study used a snowball method for recruitment which may introduce bias. The study had a relatively small sample size of 231 participants.

  Age-related Risk and Protective factors, Quality of Life and Loneliness in the Lives of LGBTQ Adults in Israel · 2026 · DOI

• Further research is needed to explore the effects of social and psychological resources on quality of life and resilience across the life course. Studies should investigate the impact of community engagement on quality of life and loneliness among LGBTQ adults. Research should examine the relationship between age, resilience, and social support in LGBTQ populations.

  Age-related Risk and Protective factors, Quality of Life and Loneliness in the Lives of LGBTQ Adults in Israel · 2026 · DOI

• The study faced challenges in terms of the lack of research on the psychometric properties of the Transgender Congruence Scale in adolescent samples. The study had to adapt the scale for use with adolescent populations, which may have introduced additional challenges.

  Psychometric Validity of the Transgender Congruence Scale in a Sample of Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents · 2026 · DOI

• future confirmatory analyses are needed with another sample of TGD adolescents, - examination of the psychometric properties of the TCS in exclusively adolescent samples is necessary

  Psychometric Validity of the Transgender Congruence Scale in a Sample of Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents · 2026 · DOI

Most-cited papers in LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

• Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. · Psychological Bulletin · 2003 · 11,713 citations
• Minority Stress and Mental Health in Gay Men · Journal of Health and Social Behavior · 1995 · 3,109 citations
• Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender-Nonconforming People, Version 7 · International Journal of Transgenderism · 2012 · 2,395 citations
• Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence · Signs · 1980 · 2,304 citations
• How does sexual minority stigma “get under the skin”? A psychological mediation framework. · Psychological Bulletin · 2009 · 2,166 citations
• A conceptual framework for clinical work with transgender and gender nonconforming clients: An adaptation of the Minority Stress Model. · Professional Psychology Research and Practice · 2012 · 1,891 citations
• Homosexual Identity Formation: · Journal of Homosexuality · 1979 · 1,483 citations
• When Black + Lesbian + Woman ≠ Black Lesbian Woman: The Methodological Challenges of Qualitative and Quantitative Intersectionality Research · Sex Roles · 2008 · 1,482 citations
• Transgender stigma and health: A critical review of stigma determinants, mechanisms, and interventions · Social Science & Medicine · 2015 · 1,415 citations
• Family Rejection as a Predictor of Negative Health Outcomes in White and Latino Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young Adults · PEDIATRICS · 2008 · 1,307 citations

Most recent work

• The Future of DSM : A Strategic Vision for Incorporating Socioeconomic, Cultural, and Environmental Determinants and Intersectionality · American Journal of Psychiatry · 2026
• “My queer identity and my family identity are two very separate things”: A mixed-methods study investigating the psychological implications of family identity and support for trans and gender diverse youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. · Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity · 2026
• Global Burden of Violence Against Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adults · JAMA Network Open · 2026
• Queer menopause: Expertise, ways of (not) knowing and resisting biomedicalisation · The Sociological Review · 2026
• Gender minority stress is associated with past-year suicidal ideation in a national probability sample of transgender and gender diverse adults. · Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity · 2026
• Narrative exposure therapy to reduce posttraumatic stress symptoms among transgender and gender diverse adolescents and young adults: A pilot study. · Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity · 2026
• Sexual and gender minority college students’ perceptions of sexuality blindfolding. · Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity · 2026
• How Epistemic Stances Shape Quality of Life Through Healthcare Barriers in LGBTQ + populations: A Comparison between Cisgender and Transgender, Nonbinary, and Questioning Individuals · Sexuality Research and Social Policy · 2026
• The health and wellbeing of incarcerated trans, gender diverse, and non-binary people: An international scoping review · Social Science & Medicine · 2026
• Substance Use Patterns Across the Sexual Identity Spectrum Among U.S. Individuals · American Journal of Psychiatry · 2026

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