Hong Kong’s LGBTQ community continues to struggle with significant mental health issues, a problem that has persisted over the past seven years due to ongoing social discrimination and a lack of legal protections.
A recent joint survey conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the local non-profit organization True Light revealed that rates of depression and anxiety among LGBTQ individuals remain alarmingly high. The study, which interviewed 1,433 LGBTQ people in Hong Kong last year, found that 30.8% exhibited moderate to severe symptoms of depression, while approximately 24% suffered from moderate to severe anxiety.
These figures closely mirror the results of a 2017 survey of 1,050 LGBTQ participants, which reported 30.9% and 25.9% rates for depression and anxiety, respectively.
Associate Professor Chan Chun-ho from the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Department of Social Work stated on Wednesday, “The data shows that the mental health condition of the local LGBTQ community has not improved significantly over the past seven years.”
He emphasized that the higher prevalence of depression and anxiety in LGBTQ individuals compared to the general public is closely linked to the ongoing discrimination, prejudice, and the absence of fundamental legal protections they face in daily life.
The survey also found that nearly 35% of respondents had sought mental health services, mostly from school counselors and social workers. However, many reported experiencing negative treatment during these interactions, including assumptions that they were cisgender and heterosexual or suggestions that their sexual identity stemmed from childhood trauma or family problems.
Professor Chan recommended that the government allocate dedicated resources to support LGBTQ mental health needs as part of its mental health policy review and future planning. He stressed the importance of specialized training for professionals and targeted measures to promote structural equality.
A separate study conducted by the University of Hong Kong last March surveyed 218 social workers in Hong Kong and 103 in Taiwan. While respondents generally expressed overtly positive attitudes toward LGBTQ individuals, the research uncovered underlying biases that more often associated positive traits with heterosexual people. Many social workers were found to lack the skills necessary for LGBTQ-inclusive practice, which is crucial to addressing the multiple layers of oppression faced by the community.
Dr. Wong Yuk-tak, Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong’s Department of Social Work and Social Administration and lead researcher, highlighted the need for dedicated mental health service centers tailored for the LGBTQ community. “If such specialized institutions existed, users could be assured that social workers and medical professionals would affirm their gender identities,” he said.
He also called for diversity, equity, and inclusion frameworks to be incorporated into the basic training and education of all social workers.
Lee Yeung-lai, head of the social work team at Tung Wah Group of Hospitals’ Chi Yuen Home, pointed out that government social prevention efforts targeting sexual minorities, especially gay men, often focus on drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. While acknowledging the necessity of these measures, Lee noted that many LGBTQ people also face other challenges such as financial difficulties, workplace discrimination, and interpersonal problems. “They frequently find themselves lacking support for issues beyond the public health scope,” she said.
True Light plans to hold a two-day conference at the Chinese University in mid-June to raise awareness about LGBTQ-inclusive practice. The event will feature international scholars and local experts who will share their research and professional experience on mental health challenges and other issues, such as clinical management for transgender people and the prevention of LGBTQ bullying in schools.
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