ADDRESSING THE STIGMA AROUND THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY AND THEIR MENTAL HEALTH
Over the years, the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+) community has faced intense prejudice and discrimination. This social stigma against the community is still prevalent in many parts of the world. Particularly in India, even several years after the decriminalisation of Section 377, the LGBTQ+ community still faces discrimination and violence from the heterosexual majority.
Being an LGBTQ+ individual is not a mental illness, yet a significantly large proportion of LGBTQ+ people suffer from psychological issues. According to research, LGBTQ+ individuals are more susceptible to mental health issues, as compared to the heterosexuals. An individual’s confidence significantly depends on their identity and self-expression. But a large number of LGBTQ+ people have a fear of ‘Coming out’, (which is an important aspect of identifying as LGBTQ+) because of the prevalent social stigma, discrimination, and violence. Not accepting one’s true identity and sexuality can only have a detrimental impact on one’s mental health. However, according to recently published research journals, accepting and being proud of one’s sexuality leads to better mental health and encourages a sense of belonging.
A large number of LGBTQ+ members suffer from, or are likely to suffer from mental health issues. The cause of these issues is almost always attributed to social stigma and discrimination. An increasing number of LGBTQ+ people suffer from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Gender dysphoria, and others. The fear of
judgement from society and the social stigma also prevents the LGBTQ+ people from seeking professional help. This only elevates the issues and can lead to extreme situations, such as suicide. It has been estimated that transgender people think of committing suicide at least 40 times in their lives, which is over 9 times higher than any average human. The bisexual and transgender community are more likely to suffer from mental health issues as compared to other members of the LGBTQ+ community. Young LGBTQ+ people are found to have been struggling the most with psychological issues.
Now that these issues have been brought to light, it is important to know and identify ways in which we, as individuals can help. Tiny drops can make an ocean, and our individual efforts, even though on a minuscule scale, have the potential to make a difference. We can start by being more aware and educated on mental health issues and the LGBTQ+ community, normalizing them within our individual circles, and respecting other individuals irrespective of their sexuality and sexual orientation. We can lend an ear to an LGBTQ+ person, and try to provide a safe, healthy environment for them to express themselves freely. Other than that, new ways of accessing professional psychiatric help, such that an individual has the option to remain anonymous if they wish to, can be created. The LGBTQ+ community should be normalised as another part of society, through popular media. Small changes can indeed make a difference, and we, as individuals of society have a duty to fulfil.
By Amrita