OCD affects nearly 240 million people worldwide, impacting individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. At the IOCDF, we acknowledge the additional barriers many face in accessing care—barriers often shaped by racial or ethnic identity, gender, sexual orientation, or geographic location. We’re honored to spotlight resources and stories from LGBTQIA+ individuals living with OCD, clinicians advancing care for the LGBTQIA+ community, and loved ones supporting those affected by the disorder.
Join the LGBTQIA+ Special Interest Group (SIG)
The LGBTQIA+ SIG is a vibrant and growing community of OCD clinicians, researchers, educators, advocates, and individuals with lived experience who identify as LGBTQIA+. Together, this group works to expand access to affirming, evidence-based treatment while addressing the stigma, discrimination, and systemic barriers many queer individuals face in mental health care. From launching groundbreaking research to organizing advocacy initiatives and Pride Month events, the SIG is committed to making meaningful change within the OCD community.
Stories from the LGBTQIA+ Community
- Bridging Connections in the OCD and LGBTQIA+ Community: A personal story of identity, genetics, and shared experience, highlighting the power of connection and intersectionality.
- My Journey to Finding an LGBTQ+ Affirming OCD Therapist: Alexandra Reynolds shares how finding an affirming therapist helped transform their mental health and self-acceptance.
- An Open Letter to OCD Treatment Providers from the LGBTQIA+ Special Interest Group: Members of the LGBTQIA+ Special Interest Group share what they want OCD providers to know to improve treatment outcomes and create safer clinical spaces.
Understanding the Barriers LGBTQIA+ Individuals Face in OCD Treatment
Understanding the Barriers LGBTQIA+ Individuals Face in OCD Treatment
In this vital blog post, IOCDF Advocate and clinician Chris Trondsen, LMFT, explores the unique obstacles LGBTQIA+ individuals face when seeking care for OCD—from financial barriers and lack of affirming therapists to harmful misconceptions about sexual orientation and gender identity within treatment spaces. His message is clear: inclusive, identity-affirming care is not optional—it’s essential.
As part of our Pride Month programming, Chris will also be co-hosting a special Ask the Experts: OCD in the LGBTQIA+ Community livestream on Wednesday, June 18 at 12pm ET, with members of our LGBTQIA+ Special Interest Group to discuss the unique factors at play when treating or coping with OCD in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Support and Self-Care for LGBTQIA+ Individuals Navigating Difficult Times
Stress and uncertainty can hit harder when you’re also navigating your identity. This guide offers simple, affirming strategies—like setting boundaries, creating routines, and building a self-care kit—to help you stay grounded during tough times.
Periods of change can disrupt OCD recovery—but that doesn’t mean you're going backward. Learn how to adjust treatment expectations, build resilience, and find community support, especially when challenges are overlapping.