Sexual violence and mental health among young bi+ and lesbian women and gender minoritized people

Introduction: Sexual minoritized people report worse mental health and are at risk of sexual violence compared to their heterosexual peers. Method: We conducted a survey to explore sexual stigma, sexual violence, and mental health among 326 bi+and lesbian women and gender minoritized people age 18-25. Results: Mental health did not differ by sexual identity; sexual stigma and violence were associated with negative mental health symptoms, as were identifying as BIPOC, as trans or nonbinary, or having less formal education. Conclusion: Sexual stigma and violence are related to mental health among young bi+ and lesbian women and gender minoritized people.