More than 9 in 10 LGBTQ+ pet owners credit their pets for enhancing their psychological well-being. Here's the explanation.
In a heartwarming revelation, Max Hovey, a queer advocate and internet personality, shared that he finds solace in his cat's company, often speaking to it more than his friends. Hovey, who works on Lily's Kitchen's miniseries Love and Pride alongside RuPaul's Drag Race UK's Ginny Lemon, made this statement during the series.
Hovey is not alone in his sentiments. According to research reported by PinkNews, 89% of LGBTQ+ pet parents turn to their pets for comfort, seeking the unconditional love and companionship that pets offer. This emotional support can be particularly valuable in mitigating feelings of isolation common in minority stress contexts.
The research further reveals that two-thirds (67%) of LGBTQ+ pet parents have found their pets instrumental in helping them navigate discrimination and bias. The comforting presence of a pet can provide a much-needed respite during challenging times.
The positive impact of pets on mental health extends beyond emotional support. Spending time with pets can improve mental health in various ways. Pets stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked with stress relief and emotional bonding, which supports relaxation and reduces anxiety. This biological effect contributes to decreased loneliness and promotes a sense of well-being and routine.
Pets also encourage physical activity and engagement, which are beneficial for mental health. Furthermore, pets can increase self-esteem and feelings of safety, contribute to psychological health, and provide a meaningful sense of responsibility and connectedness—all factors that can be particularly valuable to marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
The human-animal bond thus serves as an important emotional resource in coping with stress and enhancing mental wellness. Over nine out of ten (91%) LGBTQ+ pet parents in the UK surveyed by Lily's Kitchen and 3Gem reported that their pets contribute positively to their mental health.
Moreover, over half (52%) of the surveyed LGBTQ+ pet parents revealed they feel closer to their pets than their family. The connection formed with a pet can be profound, with 89% of the surveyed LGBTQ+ pet parents stating that having a pet gave them a sense of purpose.
Pets can also help LGBTQ+ individuals make new connections. Over a third (37%) of the surveyed LGBTQ+ pet parents said their pets helped them make new friends or connections.
The positive effects of pet ownership on mental health are well-documented. Research indicates that owning a pet can decrease cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, reduce loneliness, and increase happiness. There is even research available on 32 of the best emotional support animal breeds and 32 ways having a pet can lower stress levels.
Ginny Lemon, another star of Love and Pride, described the joy pets bring into one's life as indescribable, capable of transforming one's mood from sorrow to bliss. Max Hovey and Ginny Lemon, in their respective statements, emphasized the positive impact of pets on mental health.
Activities with pets, such as a pet running up to you after a long day, taking a dog on a long walk, or experiencing a cat's slow blinks, can significantly improve mental health. In summary, pets offer LGBTQ+ individuals significant mental health benefits by acting as loving companions, reducing stress and isolation, and fostering purpose and connection through caregiving and daily interaction.
- Max Hovey, a queer advocate, shared that he finds comfort in his cat's company, speaking to it more than his friends.
- According to PinkNews, 89% of LGBTQ+ pet parents turn to their pets for comfort, seeking unconditional love and companionship.
- Two-thirds (67%) of LGBTQ+ pet parents have found their pets instrumental in helping them navigate discrimination and bias.
- Pets stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked with stress relief and emotional bonding, which supports relaxation and reduces anxiety.
- Over half (52%) of the surveyed LGBTQ+ pet parents revealed they feel closer to their pets than their family.
- Activities with pets, such as a pet running up to you after a long day, can significantly improve mental health, offering LGBTQ+ individuals significant mental health benefits.
