Mental Health in the LGBTQ+IA community
June is not only best known for its summers but also known for its “Pride Month”, a time to recognize and advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ IA community.
In addition to celebrations and vibrant pride parades, it is crucial for us to acknowledge and educate ourselves about the various mental health issues that members of this community may face. Started in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this community has been a diverse space for individuals who identify themselves as "homosexuals”, meaning they are attracted to people of the same sex.
Additionally, it includes those who do not identify strictly as male or female, known as “non-binary”. Considering the challenges these individuals face, including societal prejudices such as homophobia, it’s understandable that many experience mental health issues as well. So let's explore what these challenges look like on a deeper level.
The Stigma
Stigma refers to
“a mark of shame or disgrace society associates with a particular group of people or an individual”.
This term is often applied harshly to the LGBTQ+ IA community, especially during the early awareness of LGBTQ+IA issues in society. Stigma frequently results in discrimination and violence against individuals in this community, leading to numerous cases of harassment and abuse simply for being who they are.
Additionally, members of this community are often denied fundamental rights, such as the “Right to Marry”, as 64 countries still classify homosexuality as a criminal offense. Furthermore, many transgender individuals are looked down upon in the workplace and are sometimes denied employment opportunities and rights.
Internalized Emotions
If stigma, violence, and discrimination are considered the worst issues, imagine the actual after-effects of these actions on these individuals.
Let me list some of them:
anxiety,
depression,
substance use disorders,
persistent suicidal thoughts, and
consistently heightened stress levels.
These symptoms often arise from the fear of "not fitting into society".
Within the community, there are two distinct groups. The first group consists of those who are "out and proud in society", while the second group includes individuals who are "questioning their identity" or who may be "out" but not to everyone in their lives (for example, their parents or friends). It is highly likely that individuals in the latter group experience something known as "Gender Dysphoria". This term describes the discomfort or unease that arises when a person's physical body does not align with their ideal gender identity. The emotions associated with this can include anxiety, discomfort, fear, and depressive thoughts.
What Can We Do to Support
Having learned about this, there are several steps we can take as a society to support individuals in the LGBTQ+IA community, allowing them to lead normal and stable lives. If you identify as an ally, which means "a supporter of the community", there are meaningful actions you can take. To start, consider the following steps:
Educate yourself continuously.
Use mindful language while conversing with the people in the community.
Participate in this year's pride walk and experience it firsthand.
Stay informed by keeping up with the latest news.
Ensure that you create a safe space for your peers who are part of the community.
Support people from the community at your work place.
Allow yourself the opportunity to improve and be open to change.
The entire process can be overwhelming for both allies and individuals who may be struggling with coming out. However, it can always begin with small steps. So, “Happy Pride Month” to all of you! I hope to see even greater changes in the years and days to come. Until my next blog post, keep smiling and shining, and don’t forget to smile, you lovely human bean!
