- Almost 1 in 5 victims of LGTBIfobia live with constant anxiety or stress, compared to 11% of LGTBI+ people who have not been victims.
- Aggressions, harassment, and discrimination almost double the levels of depression, anxiety, fear, and anger, according to the report State of Hate 2026.
- The FELGTBI+ demands a State Pact against hate speech and more resources in public health.
The relationship between LGTBIfobia and mental health is once again evident. On the occasion of Mental Health Day (October 10), the State Federation LGTBI+ (FELGTBI+) has warned that violence due to sexual orientation or gender identity can leave permanent scars. This is based on the data from their report State of Hate 2026.
How does LGTBIfobia affect mental health?
Aggressions, harassment, and LGTBIfobic discrimination almost double the levels of depression, anxiety, stress, apathy, loneliness, anger, and fear among those who suffer from them. This is the main conclusion of the report State of Hate 2026, prepared by the FELGTBI+ with members of the Institute of Public Policies and Goods (IPP) of the CSIC.
The president of the Federation, Paula Iglesias, summarizes it this way: this type of violence “leaves a much deeper and longer-lasting wound” than physical injuries.
The data: anxiety, fear, anger, and depression
Almost 20% of victims of LGTBIfobia live with constant anxiety or stress, compared to 11% of LGTBI+ people who have not suffered these situations. The percentage is 18% among those who have suffered aggressions, 17% in cases of discrimination, and 16% in cases of harassment.
The report also includes these differences:
- Permanent fear: nearly 1 in 10 victims (10% in aggression, 10% in discrimination, and 9% in harassment), compared to 6% of those who have not been victims.
- Constant anger or frustration: almost 1 in 10 victims (9% in aggression, 7% in discrimination, and 8% in harassment), compared to 4%.
- Constant depressive state: nearly 1 in 10 victims (9% in aggression, 10% in discrimination, and 8% in harassment), compared to 7%.
The case of anger is the most striking: among victims of aggressions, the percentage (9%) is more than double that among LGTBI+ people who have not suffered violence (4%).
What does FELGTBI+ propose?
FELGTBI+ calls for addressing the problem from the root with a State Pact against hate speech. Paula Iglesias believes that these speeches are the root of violence and demands preventive measures.
Irene Aterido, co-coordinator of the Comprehensive Health Group of the Federation, focuses on care. She calls for strengthening public health so that no victim is left without psychological help due to inability to pay for a private service.
Why does it matter now?
The warning comes on the full Mental Health Day and with the State Pact against hate speech still pending. For the entities, the mental health of LGTBIQ+ people cannot be separated from the climate of hate they suffer on the street, at work, and online.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the report State of Hate 2026?
A study by FELGTBI+, prepared with members of the IPP-CSIC, that analyzes LGTBIfobic violence in Spain and its impact.
How many victims of LGTBIfobia suffer constant anxiety?
Almost 20%, compared to 11% of LGTBI+ people who have not been victims.
What does FELGTBI+ ask to protect mental health?
A State Pact against hate speech and strengthening public health to care for victims.
Who presides over FELGTBI+?
Paula Iglesias.
