The unique relationship of LGBTQI2S+ individuals and their pets

By Christine Kinori

There are many health benefits that comes with owning a pet. And pets are even more helpful for queer individuals. Most LGBTQI2S+ pet owners consider their pets part of their family (fur babies!) and see them as sources of support that help them cope with LGBTQ-related stressors such as anxiety, rejection, bias discrimination and microagression from family and peers. It’s no wonder so many queer people are pet-friendly, often choosing to adopt pets from animal shelters and provide a loving home for them .

An Advocate Poll shows 90% of queer pet owners say their pet is a member of their family, and two thirds have bought their pets presents for the holidays.

Pets for Youth

Pets can be especially important to queer youths as they can help them with identity development, give them purpose, boost their sense of belonging and enhance their positive self-regard. Their unique and distinct relationship with their pets can provide emotional support and help them de-stress. LGBTQI2S+ pet ownership has positively impacted mental health and added to the quality of life for millions.

Pets for Seniors

Among the senior LGBTQI2S+, pet ownership is a boon especially for those who live alone and lack family connections. Many queers do not have children, and as they age find themselves more and more alone. The joy they derive from their pets is a boost to their mental health and if their ‘furbaby’ is a dog the seniors get out and exercise which goes a long way in ensuring good health and physical activity levels. Many LGBTQI2S+ seniors characterized their pets as a “lifeline” because looking after the pets gives them a sense of responsibility and purpose.

Pets help with trauma

Pet companionship also helps their LGBTQI2S+ owners manage trauma. Queer individuals are twice as likely to experience hate crimes such as physical violence, verbal harassment and threats compared to other marginalized groups. They are also more likely to face bullying, abandonment, and child abuse. Effects of these traumas manifest in many ways but animal-assisted therapy can help reduce trauma symptoms .

Animals like dogs are also great for queer individuals who have PTSD. They support physiological well-being and provide a secure base that helps when one is experiencing anxiety or panic attacks. Studies have shown that animal-assisted therapy is a long term form of therapy that has potential and helps reduce an over-reliance on heavy medicine.

Covid Pets

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, pets have been helping many cope with the isolation and lack of social activities. Many LGBTQI2S+ individuals chose to adopt pets during the long challenging lock down. According to PetPoint, the demand to adopt or foster a pet rose during 2020 in Canada and elsewhere in the world. Pets keep us company and help us deal with the anxiety of staying at home and rovide social and emotional support to LGBTQI2S+ individuals who could no longer be able to physically meet with people in their support system.

Caring for your fur babies

Although pets give many health advantages to their owners they can also be stressful. The cost of taking care of a pet and providing a loving home can be taxing. Many members of queer communities around the world are struggling with unemployment and homelessness due to discrimination as well as pandemic lock-downs. For senior LGBTQI2S+ pet owners it can be burdening to constantly care for a pet leading to more stress. LGBTQI2S+ pet owners grow deep and unique relationships with their pets and it is traumatizing for them to say goodbye to their pets when they fall sick and die.

In the BC Lower Mainland there are a few options for Pet Owners faced with sudden Vet Emergencies and expenses. You can find the in our Resources Section here →

This Amazing Bond

The amazing human-animal bond is quite a beautiful thing to see and feel. It is a win-win situation as more LGBTQ2S+ people decide to “parent” a pet. This is an affectionate bond we can celebrate. It is deeply moving to witness how the pets and their owners come together to create a safe space devoid of judgement and full of unconditional love.

What’s On Queer will be publishing a series of articles of interest to pet-owners over the next few months.

We love our furbabies!