4 - (SYM 40) Queering a Caring Cosmology: Improving Interpersonal Health and Social Connection for LGBTQ+ and Consensually Non-monogamous Veterans

Background: For LGBTQ+ and non-monogamous veterans, social connection is an important buffer for the impact of stigma. This study will include a description of the rollout of a novel intervention for enhancing social connection among understudied LGBTQ+ populations - transgender and gender expansive (TGE) veterans, TGE veterans with disorders of overcontrol (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder; ASD), and consensually non-monogamous (CNM) veterans and their partners, as well as an examination of correlates with interpersonal functioning, psychological distress, and flourishing.

Methods: Data will be collected from participants in three novel clinical groups at the San Francisco VA: Attachment, Trauma, and Diverse Relationships; Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) for TGE veterans with ASD; and Community-Based Gender Exploration using a role-playing game. This model of therapy groups dedicated to increasing social connection will be disseminated to other VA sites in the region.

Results: Quantitative data will be collected by October 2024. Pre- and post-test comparisons will be computed on three outcome measures - FIAT-Q-SF for interpersonal problems, CORE-10 for psychological distress, and Flourishing Measure for holistic well-being - using a reliable change index. Acceptability of the group offering to participants will be measured and analyzed. Lastly, progress toward disseminating group model to other VA sites in our region will be evaluated.

Conclusions: Findings will expand current mental health offerings to a broader array of LGBTQ+ veteran subpopulations to improve relational health. This effort includes novel and cutting-edge therapy groups that are culturally tailored to the specific social needs of LGBTQ+ and CNM veterans and are focused on supporting their intersectional health and holistic well-being.