Critiques from queer theory have suggested that the legalization of same-sex marriage (SSM) predominantly benefits White, middle-class segments of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) community. This study investigates the impact of the legalization of SSM on mental health among Black LGB individuals, focusing on those with lower incomes in the UK. Using a nationally representative panel sample and employing a quasi-experimental methodology, we analyzed changes in psychological distress and life dissatisfaction following the legalization of SSM. Results indicate that the legalization of SSM significantly reduced psychological distress and improved life satisfaction for Black LGB individuals in the UK, with stronger benefits among those with lower incomes. Specifically, the study found a decrease in psychological distress by 2.61 (95%CI: - 5.07 to - 0.15) points and life dissatisfaction by 0.56 (95%CI: - 0.98 to - 0.14) points relative to Black heterosexual counterparts. When compared to White LGB individuals, further reductions were observed. Notably, the most substantial benefits were seen among lower-income Black LGB participants, who experienced reductions in psychological distress of 5.31 (95%CI: - 9.52 to - 1.11) points and in life dissatisfaction of 1.21 (95% CI: - 2.02 to - 0.40) points compared to their lower-income White LGB counterparts. These findings challenge the assumption, suggested by queer theory, that the legalization of SSM primarily benefits White LGB people. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies that address broader social determinants of health to continue improving mental health for Black LGB individuals.
Keywords: Black; LGB; Life satisfaction; Psychological distress; Same-sex marriage; Sexual orientation.
© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.