Wednesday 17 August 2022

Prejudice, Social Stress and Lack of Acceptance, All Play a Significant Role in the Mental Health of the LGBTQ+ Community


By Dr. Neerja Birla, Mpower

Homosexuality in India has had a turbulent history. Despite considerable improvements in legislation and social norms, prejudice and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community persists. Public opinion regarding the acceptance of homosexuality in the Indian society still remains fiercely polarized. Negative social stigma and limited access to support groups have had a devastating impact on their mental and physical health.

Over the years, LGBTQ+ youth confront numerous obstacles in educational institutions stemming from discrimination against minorities like them. This almost constant struggle has catastrophic consequences on their health, mental well-being and sense of self worth. Members of the community, in particular, experience a condition known as "minority stress." It is the condition of minorities living in hostile circumstances.

In context, data reveals that a considerable number of LGBTQ+ youth have either considered suicide, engaged in self-harm, or displayed symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder. Additionally, one in three have reported experiencing physical threats and are homeless. Rejection, isolation, bullying, and safety issues – all conspire to make it more difficult for LGBTQ youth to feel safe and supported. During a time when mental illness is still widely stigmatised and disregarded in our country, the LGBTQ+ community bears a double stigma.

The historic movement that led to the ruling of Section 377 in India may have begun as a fight for survival, but it has evolved into a story of resilience, given the current circumstances. This is progress paved by heroes in the past, present and into the future. Now, more than ever, it is time for all of us to stand up, speak out and claim care for our LGBTQ community and for our future. Gay rights must be won not only in the courtroom, but also in the hearts of the people.

 

In order to improve the situation, these obstacles to queer mental health must be addressed at all levels of society, from health care settings to workplaces, and schools. Schools can provide LGBTQ+ adolescents with protective settings that help them thrive in the face of minority stressors. Programs in schools, particularly those that emphasise social justice and equity, have the capacity to protect LGBTQ+ students who are experiencing hardship. Social-emotional learning initiatives may also be a feasible means of enhancing the environment for LGBTQ people. In addition, LGBTQ-inclusive curricula will raise knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues, boost the visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals, and stimulate conversation.

The workplace is no exception to the prevalence of discrimination and harassment towards LGBTQ+ individuals. Creating an inclusive work environment that supports, respects, and protects all employees is an important part of an LGBTQ+-friendly company's culture. This will also lead to better retention rates, job performance, and productivity. Companies must include sexual orientation and gender identity in their no-discrimination policies. Companies can assist LGBTQ+ employees' health by providing coverage for same-sex spouses, protocols for gender transition, and paid parental leave for same-sex couples and adoptive parents.

Concerning mental health difficulties, LGBTQ+ people must be handled with dignity and compassion. In light of the progress, a wide range of collectives in metro cities and state capitals have been tirelessly working on celebrating all things queer while also providing support to those who are in need. In reality, however, rural India lacks access to such resources. Mental health professionals, on the other hand, pathologize these identities. Enhancing the burden of the minority stress model, that hinders access to help due to stigma and prejudice contributing to their discomfort.

It is vital that groups that provide safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ population in India receive widespread exposure across the nation. The government must commit funds to research on LGBTQ+ treatment approaches suited to the Indian setting linked with a more optimistic viewpoint, rather than viewing it as a disease. Group, family, and community counselling must be encouraged to embrace affirmative therapy paradigms for LGBTQ+ mental health difficulties.

After all, the world is a better place when people coexist in harmony. As a nation, a culture, and, above all, as fellow human beings, it is our responsibility to proactively eliminate this stigma and discrimination in order to improve the health of the LGBTQ community throughout their life.

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