Mental health, particularly mental illnesses are overlooked and seen as nonexistent in the African American community. Many people are not aware of the mental health issues that impoverished Black Queer people endure, “LGBTQ individuals are almost three times more likely than others to experience a mental health condition such as major depression or generalized anxiety disorder” (“National Alliance on Mental Health”). Research shows that queer identities are four more times likely to commit suicide or experience suicidal thoughts. If trauma and poverty is faced as a child, then the person is more than likely to develop serious mental health problems. I intend to analyze secondary sources and research on Black queer students/adults who have mental illness or have suffered from extreme mental health problems due to their markers of identity. My research will contribute to the scholarship in sexuality studies and public health.
