By Torben Haugaard Jensen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, also known as LGBT+ people, have a significantly increased risk of mental distress and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidality, compared to other societal groups in Denmark.

This has previously been shown in Project SEXUS population study, a research collaboration between the Center for Sexology Research at the Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, and Statens Serum Institut.

Christian Graugaard, MD, Professor of Sexology at the Center for Sexology Research, along with his colleague doctor Morten Frisch at the Department of Epidemiology Research at Statens Serum Institut received DKK 3.17 million from the Independent Research Fund Denmark for more nuanced studies of the increased risk among LGBT+ people.  

- We want to examine which minority people are particularly vulnerable, and how we can ultimately prevent mental distress and psychiatric illness within the minority communities, says Christian Graugaard.

A vulnerable social group

Christian Graugaard sees many indications of poor health and well-being among gender and sexual minorities in Denmark.

"We have known for a long time that this diverse social group is particularly vulnerable to health challenges. In the general population, the Project SEXUS study found that 2% and 4% of men and women, respectively, have tried to take their own lives. In comparison, the numbers are 13% for bisexual men, 18% for bisexual women and 25% for transgender people. The study also found that 13% of heterosexual women have been treated for a mental health problem within the past five years, while the numbers rose to 25% for lesbians and 37% for bisexual women. The differences are highly statistically significant, says Christian Graugaard.

The grant gives Christian Graugaard and Morten Frisch the opportunity to explore possible explanations for these mental health problems, and thus create knowledge that can be used for preventive measures.

Graugaard is also delighted that the Independent Research Fund Denmark has chosen to support two projects from Project SEXUS in just one year. In the spring, the first grant of DKK 2.88 million went to a PhD project investigating the consequences of prostate diseases for sexual well-being and relationships.  

- It is not every day that you get through the eye of the needle at the Independent Research Fund Denmark. We are delighted that the agency has decided to support us again in its recent round of grants. This latest grant means that this summer we can enrol yet another PhD student at the Department of Clinical Medicine who can assist us in our work to improve the health and well-being of gender and sexual minorities in Denmark, says Christian Graugaard.

Translated by LeeAnn Iovanni, AAU Communication and Public Affairs.