Opinion: Research shows the harms of not affirming LGBTQ+ identity

As licensed psychologists and psychologists in training, we are writing to share our concerns regarding the slate of anti-LGBTQ+ bills Iowa legislators have advanced. The proposed legislation would significantly harm all Iowans. We oppose these bills and urge that they do not move further forward.

First, all sexual orientations and gender identities should be affirmed. All major professional medical and mental health organizations in the United States recognize individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and queer as a part of the spectrum of psychologically healthy identities.

Second, bills such as House File 348 that ban educators from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity are harmful to children, according to the Journal of Research on Adolescence. If this bill passes, research suggests that Iowa children will experience increases in bullying, isolation, and mental health problems as a result, according to the Archives of Medical Research. Supportive teachers and LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum are associated with less victimization and harassment of LGTBQ+ students by their fellow students, greater self-esteem, higher GPAs, and fewer missed days of school, accoring to the Journal of School Violence. Inclusive sex education programs improve feelings of safety at school and reduce adverse mental health outcomes for all students, according to the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Iowa families are diverse, and children with LGBTQ+ family members should be supported and invited to discuss their families and identities at school. Tragically, youth suicide is at its highest level than has been seen in over a decade; we cannot ignore that additional social stress, such as bullying and lack of social support, are known to increase risk for suicide, as Current Psychology and others have reported. Compared with cisgender and heterosexual individuals, LGBTQ+ students experience higher levels of mental health concerns.

Often, proponents of these bills claim a need to protect our youth. However, the research clearly demonstrates that anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and social attitudes have been linked with increased stigma, discrimination, and adverse mental and physical health outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth. Research from the Trevor Project, gathering data from 34,000 LGBTQ+ youth, indicates that 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, but LGBTQ+ youth who found their school to be LGBTQ+-affirming and those who lived in inclusive communities reported fewer suicide attempts. Discriminatory legislation has a cumulative effect and leads to an overall decline in the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals, including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, greater substance use, and increased social isolation and stigma.

Finally, bills like House FIle 348 are wrong for Iowa. They are hateful, discriminatory, and divisive. Research indicates that living in areas with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is associated with increased health care costs. Similar legislation passed in other states has deterred business, tourism, and movement into the state. For example, North Carolina’s passing of anti-transgender legislation has been estimated by many to cost the state between millions, and up to billions, of revenue. A 2022 report from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that Iowa’s "brain drain" is one of the worst in the United States. People are less likely to choose Iowa as a home for their careers and families if these bills succeed.

Anti-LGBTQ+ policies are detrimental to the health of Iowans and the health and prosperity of our state. We urge lawmakers to vote no on these bills to protect the mental health of our children and families.

These statements reflect the views of the undersigned and not their employers or affiliates: Nicole Taylor-Irwin, Ph.D, licensed psychologist, Clive; Sarah Fetter, Ph.D., licensed psychologist, Des Moines; Carolyn E. Cutrona, Ph.D., distinguished professor of psychology, Iowa State University; Warren H. Phillips, Ph.D., licensed psychologist, Ankeny; Nicole Holmberg, Ph.D., licensed psychologist, Des Moines; Corrine Schwarting, M.S., psychologist in training, Iowa State University; Sierra Lauber, M.S., doctoral candidate, Iowa State University; Angelica Castro Bueno, M.S., doctoral candidate, Iowa State University; Valerie J. Keffala, Ph.D., ABPP, licensed psychologist, Iowa City; Nicole H. Keedy, Ph.D., licensed psychologist, Dubuque; Barry A. Schreier, Ph.D., licensed psychologist, Iowa City; Amanda Berns, Ph.D., licensed psychologist, North Liberty; Maya A. Irvin-Vitela, B.A., psychologist in training, Iowa State University.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Opinion: Research shows harms of not affirming LGBTQ+ identity