The Interesting Connection between Pets and the LGBTQ Community
Are you aware that over 70 percent of LGBTQ adults have pets, compared to 60 percent of straight adults? It’s true, according to an article in Advocate Magazine published back in 2007. Today, we can expect that number to be far higher, given the freedom LGBTQs have experienced due to legislation. For many LGBTQ “pet parents,” rescuing animals from shelters is the best way to find a loving companion. If you’ve wanted to add a pet to your life, adopt it straight from a shelter! Homeless pets need help finding a home, and you can provide them with their forever families.
When visiting a shelter for the first time or even a local pet shop, many LGBTQ pet owners are immediately moved by the number of homeless animals and inspired to provide a better life for one (or more). The fascinating connections that might drive LGBTQ owners toward adoption include:
An empathic connection: LGBTQ+ pet owners understand what it’s like to be treated as outsiders. LGBTQ+ individuals and allies may have to face intolerance, cruelty, and even neglect in their lives, which is why rescuing a shelter animal can create a lifelong bond. They endure the same trials and find solace in each other’s comfort.
Overall health: Scientists have calculated the effect of owning a pet on your health, and it's nothing to sniff at! Studies have shown that the exercise you get from walking a dog or by a cat curled up on your lap offers actual benefits to your well-being and theirs!
Let’s Go Deeper
Researchers analyzed the relationship between pets and their younger LGBTQ owners in a recent publication. This particular, ongoing study focused on the younger LGBTQ population and observed how human-animal interactions affect a person's experience and well-being when faced with victimization over their sexual orientation.
So does human-animal interaction impact a person’s well-being? Absolutely. As mentioned above, research has proven the benefits of human-animal interactions, either from animal-assisted therapy practices or having therapy dogs in schools to reduce anxiety.
Another similar study has been done on the impact of pets in the lives of older LGBTQ individuals. Done in 2018, its approach was different, as the study examined pets' roles in the lives of LGGBT adults over the age of 50.
The 2018 research resolved to answer these queries:
- How does living with a pet impact perceived social support and social network size?
- How do LGBTQ older adults describe the meaning of pets in their lives?
The results? Over 59 percent of participants reported having pets and described them in affectionate terms, often referring to them as family. Many individuals classify their pets as supportive through companionship, physical activity, or socializing. Various participants explained that their pets helped them cope with physical or mental health conditions.
The majority of current research focuses on people who aren't discriminated against or marginalized by society. Per the research, pets may lead marginalized people to a path of financial stress due to increased trips to the local pet shop for supplies and housing instability, issues the LGBTQ community already struggles with.
Conclusion
So while pets can better people's lives, it's also interesting to see the ways animals can cause immense stress for people experiencing homelessness and financial insecurity. Thus, we encourage all potential pet owners to carefully evaluate their readiness to care for these animals and not just turn them into stress relievers that may lead to other stressors one day.
If you are prepared for the responsibility of owning a pet and are looking for supplies, visit Earthwise Pet Fremont! We’re a local pet shop that offers services such as pet grooming, self-washing, and nutrition! Visit our online store now!