Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Joseph, Rigaud

Abstract

LGBTQIA+ individuals face growing discrimination, exclusion, and systemic inequities that threaten well-being. Rising anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric exacerbates these challenges, contributing to anxiety, depression, and heightened suicide risks. This study explores LGBTQIA+ individuals’ sense of well-being by analyzing how external factors impact safety and inclusion. Using an exploratory, mixed-methods approach, this study surveyed members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Inland Empire to determine perceptions on well-being (n = 219). Based on descriptive statistics, about one third of participants reported a below average to average sense of safety (35.6%), access to resources (32.0%), and inclusion (33.8%). Meanwhile, thematic analysis revealed that the participants felt an optimistic, pessimistic, or inadequate sense of overall well-being. This study has implications for the LGBTQIA+ community by informing policies, social work practices, and community interventions. Additionally, these findings advance the literature on systemic barriers faced by marginalized populations.

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