Changes in well-being and perceived discrimination among LGBTIQ+ people
Using econometric methods such as the Difference-in-Differences approach, we try to assess how well-being and perceived discrimination among LGBTIQ+ people have changed between 2020 and 2021. People’s coming-out is not a one-time event but a continuous process. How does it affect LGBTIQ+ people’s well-being when they out themselves to more people over time? This is the focus of Alexandre’s master’s thesis. Abigaël, in turn, focuses on recent legal changes. In 2020, Swiss people voted in favor of extending the anti-discrimination law to also include sexual orientation. Abigaël examines how this vote affects the level of discrimination that LGBTIQ+ people experience.
Alexandre Dey and Abigaël Lecomte supervised by Martin Huber (University of Fribourg), Léïla Eisner (Universities of Zurich & Lausanne), and Tabea Hässler (University of Zurich)
How to be non-binary in Switzerland
We want to explore how non-binary people living in Switzerland experience struggles and support in their daily life. Within focus groups participants can exchange their experiences, knowledge and needs. All groups will be moderated by a non-binary facilitator. From the groups’ conclusions, we want to derive suggestions to improve the inclusion of non-binary people in society, politics, and health care in Switzerland.
Loren Schaad in collaboration with Nicu Tschurr, supervised by Tabea Hässler (University of Zurich) and Léïla Eisner (University of Lausanne)
Identity denial and well-being among bi- and pansexual individuals
In the previous survey of the Swiss LGBTIQ+ Panel, bisexual and pansexual individuals attracted attention as they reported significantly higher negative well-being than homosexual participants. Additionally, they reported facing unique challenges due to their sexual orientation. However, little research has exclusively investigated why this minority group is at such a high risk for mental health problems or what factors account for the differences in discrimination experiences between homo- and plurisexual individuals.
Based on previous research, denial and erasure of their sexual orientation and identities are assumed to be major stressors of their daily lives (Maimon et al., 2019). The present study explores how identity denial processes coming from LGBTIQ+ and cis-heterosexual people are associated with the well-being of Swiss bi-, pan-, and other plurisexual individuals.
Cynthia Thöni supervised by Tabea Hässler (University of Zurich) and Léïla Eisner (University of Lausanne)
How discrimination affects the well-being of sexual minority members
The aim was to better understand the mechanisms whereby discrimination affects the well-being of sexual minority members. Differences in experiences of discrimination and well-being across different subgroups were examined, and a comprehensive overall model was examined, which took the factors internalized LGBTIQ+ negativity, connectedness to the LGBTIQ+ scene, social support and pride into account.
Patrizia Eicher supervised by Tabea Hässler (University of Zurich) and Léïla Eisner (University of Lausanne)