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International research clearly demonstrates that lesbian, gay, bisexual men and women and transgender (LGBT) people experience poorer mental health than heterosexual people. Despite this robust evidence, one important gap in New Zealand is an understanding of the mental health issues of this group. A qualitative research project was commissioned to address this. Data from interviews with 17 key informants and a qualitative online survey completed by 124 LGBT people were thematically analysed. An overarching theme of macro-social environment was identified, along with two other themes: social acceptance and connection experienced by LGBT individuals and the provision of mental health services and other support. These themes were pertinent across the LGBT groupings, but at times in uneven and different ways. In order to develop useful mental health policy and service provision for LGBT people …