A social ecological approach to belonging in LGBTQ+ people

People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer and other people who are sexual and gender minorities (denoted by the umbrella term LGBTQ+) experience more physical and mental health problems than cisgender or heterosexual people, in part due to excess stress of experiencing stigma. Although it is important to document negative events in the lives of LGBTQ+ people, it is also necessary to identify conditions that provide LGBTQ+ people with the opportunity to thrive. One key psychological factor that can promote prosperity and lessen the disparate health problems for LGBTQ+ people is a sense of belonging. In this Review, we summarize factors identified in the psychological science, public health and public policy literatures that influence belonging for LGBTQ+ people. We use a social ecological model to describe factors that enhance and detract from belonging at the individual, interpersonal, community and societal levels. Our multi-pronged approach encourages the flourishing of LGBTQ+ people as individuals while addressing structural forces that shape their psychosocial well-being. This Review is a resource for researchers, health practitioners and policymakers who seek to understand diverse factors of belonging based on sexual orientation and gender diversity.