Community Alienation and its Impact on Help-seeking Behavior Among LGBTIQ South Asians in Southern California

Abstract

A growing population of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Questioning (LGBTIQ) South Asians in Southern California presents a challenge for service providers to develop culturally-specific and accessible health and social services that are tailored to this population. This paper draws on findings from the Southern LGBTIQ South Asian Needs Assessment, a community-initiated research project conducted primarily through the Internet. The paper focuses on findings from 94 respondents who related their experiences in, and sense of belonging to, South Asian and LGBTIQ communities and its impact on their decisions whether or not to seek health and social services. The article concludes that even when LGBTIQ South Asian individuals have access to various health services, cultural norms that marginalize LGBTIQ identities deter many of them from using these services. The article includes some preliminary suggestions for service providers and community advocates on creating more inclusive cultural norms in the South Asian community.