Introduction:
Welcome to our blog, where we embark on a journey of knowledge and
empathy to explore the physiological and psychological aspects of the LGBTQIA+
community. This diverse and vibrant community represents a tapestry of human
experiences, and understanding the intricacies of their identities is crucial
for building a more inclusive and compassionate society. Join us as we delve
into the science and psychology behind human sexuality and gender identity,
celebrating the rich diversity that makes us all unique.
Research shows that LGBTQIA+ people have higher rates of
mental health challenges than the general population. LGBTQIA+ people often
struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma and self-acceptance as a result of
facing ongoing discrimination over their lifetimes. LGBT QIA+ youth are about
three to four times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers. There is
evidence that these higher rates of mental health challenges are due to
heightened and long-term exposure of LGBTQIA+ people to societal and
institutional prejudice and discrimination. It's important to remember,
however, that not all LGBTQIA+ people have lived the same experiences, and that
people respond to similar experiences in different ways. It is also important
to note that issues of sexual orientation (lesbian, gay and bisexual) are very
different from issues of gender identity (transgender).
Gender is about how we look and express ourselves, as male,
female, or somewhere in between, while sexual orientation is about who we are
romantically and sexually attracted to. This elevated risk of mental ill-health
and suicidality among LGBTQIA+ people is not due to sexuality, sex or gender
identity in and of themselves but rather due to discrimination and exclusion as
key determinants of health. This is sometimes called minority stress.
Homophobia and transphobia are the fear of and/or prejudice against people who
are perceived as gay or trans, respectively, or more generally as people who do
not conform to conventional male or female gender norms. They are often
expressed as stereotyping, ostracism, discrimination, harassment and violence.
Heterosexism is discrimination in favor of heterosexuals and
against homosexuals and bisexuals, as well as people who challenge assumptions
that there are only two genders. It can be seen to include homophobia and
transphobia and discrimination against intersex people. Thus for LGBTQIA+
people, exposure to heterosexism can be a key determinant of health stability.
Exposure to and fear of discrimination and isolation can have a direct impact
on people's mental health, causing stress, psychological distress and suicide.
LGBTQIA+ people unquestionably experience long-term stress related to their
sexual orientation or gender identity. They often internalize the negative
messages about being different. These messages become beliefs that can fester 2
and develop into two struggles: shame about who they are and what they feel,
and guilt about what they do. Moreover, they witness physical assaults against
others they identify with, which further threatens their sense of physical and
emotional safety.
Some of the important factors are 1. Rejection -for many people in
the LGBTQIA+ community, self-disclosure can be difficult and even painful.
Rejection from family or close friends can be difficult due to personal issues
such as identity theft. According to a 2013 study, 40 percent of LGBTQIA+
adults were rejected by family members or close friends. LGBTQIA+ youth also
face physical and verbal bullying at school, which can have a significant
impact on their mental health. Additionally, people in the LGBTQI community may
be rejected at work or within their religious community.
2. Trauma – Homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, bullying, and
identity-based stigma often traumatize people. LGBTQIA+ faces many forms of
discrimination, including labels, negative comments, denial of access or
access, and verbal, emotional and physical abuse. They are one of the most
targeted hate crime communities in the country.
Such discrimination can contribute to a significantly heightened
risk for PTSD among individuals in the LGBTQI community compared to those who
identity as heterosexual and cisgender. 3. Substance Use - Abuse or excessive
use of a substance, which may be used as a coping mechanism or method of
self-medication, is a significant problem for members of this community. LGBTQIA+
adults are almost twice as likely to experience substance abuse as heterosexual
adults. Trans people are about four times more likely to use drugs than
cisgender people. High school students who identify as LGBTQIA+ or who are
unsure of their identity are more likely to use illegal drugs than their
heterosexual peers. 4. Homelessness – LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults are
estimated to be 120% more likely to experience homelessness.
Untimely housing is often the result of family rejection and
discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation.
Many members of this community face the additional challenge of
finding homeless shelters willing to take them in and face harassment and abuse
at these facilities. 5. Suicide - Many people in this community are struggling
quietly and are facing poor health as a result. Their populations have a higher
risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts than heterosexual and cisgender
people. High school students who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual are
almost five times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual
peers.40% of transgender adults have attempted suicide in their lifetime,
compared to less than 5% of the general U.S. population. 6. Mental Health
Care-The approach to sexual orientation and gender identity in mental health
care often groups together anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community, when these
communities are considered at all. This method can be problematic because each
subcommunity faces unique challenges, rates of mental illness, and experiences.
Communities also have other factors, such as race and economy, that can affect
the quality of care they receive or their ability to access.
Conclusion:
Our journey into the physiological and psychological understanding
of the LGBTQIA+ community has allowed us to see the beauty and complexity of
human diversity. By embracing the science behind sexual orientation and the
psychology of gender identity, we take a step towards creating a more inclusive
and compassionate world. Let's stand united in advocating for equality,
breaking down barriers, and fostering a society where every individual is
celebrated and embraced for who they are. Together, we can build a future where
diversity is not just accepted but celebrated as one of humanity's greatest
strengths.
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