Transgender and bisexual adults are experiencing significantly higher rates of loneliness compared to cisgender and heterosexual individuals, according to recent data analysis. High Rates of Loneliness in the LGBTQ+ Community The latest federal health data from 2022 reveals alarming rates of self-reported loneliness among individuals who identify as bisexual or transgender. Researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 56.7% of bisexual individuals and between 56.4% to 63.9% of transgender individuals reported feeling lonely, in contrast to 30.3% of straight individuals and 32.1% of cisgender individuals who reported similar feelings. Importance of Addressing Loneliness for Mental Health Experts emphasize the importance of addressing loneliness and lack of social and emotional support among sexual and gender minority groups for better mental health outcomes. Feeling socially connected offers significant health benefits such as a sense of belonging and support, while loneliness has been linked to conditions like depression, anxiety, and chronic diseases. Need for Supportive Environments The study also highlighted the lack of social support among bisexual and transgender individuals, with higher rates of inadequate support in these groups compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals. Stress, mental distress, and depression were also found to be more prevalent among bisexual and transgender individuals, particularly as household income decreased. Creating Safe Spaces for Relationship-Building To combat loneliness and improve mental health outcomes, experts recommend developing safe spaces in communities where individuals can build relationships and receive support. This includes promoting inclusivity and gender-neutral language in healthcare settings to reduce stigma and create a welcoming environment. Conclusion The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the high rates of loneliness among bisexual and transgender individuals for better mental health outcomes. The study was published in the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on June 20, 2024.