Mental Health Experiences within the Hmong American LGBTQ Community: A Qualitative Research Project

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-06

This qualitative research project explores the life experiences of six second-generation Hmong Americans individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ). The six participants live in diverse regions of the United States (U.S.) and range in age from 18 to 40 years. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted via phone. Participants were asked to share stories of the struggles they have encountered as sexual minorities in their communities, and their experiences of dealing with mental health concerns in the Hmong community and within the U.S. healthcare system at large. The findings provide social workers and other healthcare providers with information to better support members of the Hmong LGBTQ community, to address their mental health needs, and to improve mental health outcomes with this vulnerable and growing population. This study aims to begin to fill a gap in the academic literature by providing insights into the unique challenges that LGBTQ Hmong Americans often encounter in the U.S.