There are significant inequality issues that affect deaf gender mainstreaming individuals in accessing mental health support. Stigma and societal barriers often prevent these groups from seeking the help they need for their safety and well-being. 

 

This discussion will focus on the barriers that prevent D/deaf and disabled transgender individuals from accessing their rights (Gale, 2018, 11). For instance, communication obstacles and a lack of access to appropriate treatment exacerbate the challenging task of addressing addiction (Glickman and Hall, 2019, 86). These barriers can worsen the traumatic experiences of deaf women and queer individuals. Research indicates that deaf people are twice as likely to experience trauma over their lifetime and in the past year compared to those in the general population (Glickman and Hall, 2019, 86). Many deaf individuals who engage in gender mainstreaming fear disclosing their identities because they worry about not being accepted or that it could put them in danger.

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Intersectionality Lens:
 

Ableism

Define the harms faced by deaf women and LGBTIQ individuals, especially in accessing safety and support. In healthcare settings, they often face barriers that can be minor or serious. Even small issues can greatly affect mental health (Gale 2018, 15).  

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Sexism

​The idea that men and women have traditional gender roles and deserve approval for performing those roles is still a type of sexism. It can be particularly harmful as it often reinforces the perception that female-presenting persons are weak, and male-presenting persons are strong (EGU 2021, 2) 

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Audism

​has been widely used in deaf studies literature to describe a set of assumptions that promote the unequal treatment of individuals on the basis of hearing (dis)ability (O'Connell 2021, 1).

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Racism 

Such ideology is extremely problematic, as any manifestation of racism in the past continues to affect the power, privileges, positions and prejudices of the white-dominated populations of Europe (Pascoet 2019, 8).

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Research shows major differences in mental health experiences between hearing and Deaf individuals. For example, a study found that 84% of Deaf respondents faced challenges accessing health services because there are not enough resources designed for Deaf people in Wales (Terry et al. 2021, p. 4). Furthermore, while 25% of hearing women report experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime, the rate is over 50% among Deaf women (Glickman and Hall 2019, p. 86). These statistics highlight the unique difficulties Deaf individuals face when seeking mental health support and dealing with domestic violence.​​​​