TASO has released a new report on the subjective wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students.

The report is based on the analysis of data from the Student Academic Experiences Survey, a survey run by Advance HE and HEPI which is administered to more than 10,000 students each year. Through this data we have been able to see how the subjective wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students has changed over time – particularly during the coronavirus pandemic – and how this wellbeing differs between one another and their straight or cis gendered peers.

Some key findings from the report:

  • Average effects of the pandemic on student wellbeing were 50% larger for LGBQA people than for their peers, and this gap has persisted.
  • More than half of all trans students now experience high anxiety.
  • Asexual people experience systematically the worst wellbeing of any sexual orientation group.
  • Gaps in anxiety between LGBQA students and straight students will take more than 20 years to close at pre-pandemic rates.
  • Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer and Trans Students experience higher wellbeing over the course of their studies, helping to close the gap with others.

This important report highlights the significant differences in wellbeing that LGBTQ+ people face during their studies. While universities have made great strides in supporting all of their students’ mental health in recent years, more targeted interventions may be needed to ensure that these students have the mental health and wellbeing support they need to pursue their studies to the fullest.

Dr. Alexis Brown, Director of Policy and Advocacy

Professor Michael Sanders, author of the report and TASO’s academic lead, has published a blog that further outlines findings from the report and its implications. Read the blog.

The full report can be found Download the full report.

Data from the survey will be further examined over the coming months and a broader report on findings is expected to be published this Autumn.

If you have any questions around the report you can get in touch with the team at info@taso.org.uk.