The Double Minority Effect: The Struggles of Identifying as Autistic and LGBTQIA+

Copyright

2021

This story explores the double minority effect in those who are autistic and LGBTQ+. The author explains that the psychological state created when two devalued identities interact to influence the individual is greater than the sum of the independent effects of those identities. Impacts of double minority status are also discussed, including higher mental distress, poorer well-being, chronic stress from prejudice, greater discrimination, and a greater risk of physical health problems.