LGBTQIA+
Individuals who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community face unique challenges that can have a long-term impact on their mental health and overall well-being. People who are part of this marginalized community often face discrimination, stigma, and rejection, leading to increased anxiety, depression, suicidality, and symptoms associated with trauma. If you’re experiencing increase stress due to your sexual or gender identity, reach out now. We have skilled therapists that are highly trained in helping individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community.
What does LGBTQIA+ mean?
The acronym LGBTQIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and other related identities. It is used to represent a diverse spectrum of sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. Each letter represents a group of individuals with connected experiences:
Lesbian: Women who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other women.
Gay: Men who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other men.
Bisexual: Individuals who are attracted to both their own gender and opposite genders.
Transgender: Individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Queer/Questioning: Queer is an umbrella term that can include any non-heteronormative sexual orientation or gender identity, and Questioning refers to individuals who are exploring their own sexual orientation or gender identity.
Intersex: Individuals born with physical or biological sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female.
Asexual: Individuals who experience little or no sexual attraction to others.
Plus+: Represents the inclusion of other emerging identities and orientations not covered by the initial acronym.
Around 4.5% of adults in the United States identified as LGBTQIA+. However, this percentage may not fully capture the diversity of experiences and identities within the community. Affirming LGBTQIA+ psychotherapy understands the relevance of culturally competent psychologists. For this reason, it is important to define important terms related to the LGBTQIA+ community:
Sex: The biological characteristics that distinguish individuals as male, female, or intersex based on their reproductive anatomy and functioning (e.g., penis, vagina, intersex).
Sexual Orientation: An individual’s pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to people of the same gender, different gender, or multiple genders (e.g., Who do I feel attracted to?).
Gender identity: An individual's sense of their own gender, which may be different from the sex they were assigned at birth. It's how a person perceives themselves and what they understand and know about their own gender (e.g., How do I identify myself in the gender spectrum?).
Gender expression: How a person outwardly presents and expresses their gender to others, often through personal appearance, clothing, behavior mannerisms, and other forms of self-expression. It's about the ways individuals present their gender to the world (e.g., How do I behave and express myself and how do others perceive me?).
These concepts are distinct but interconnected aspects of a person's identity and experiences. It's important to respect and affirm these individuals’ intersections on self-identified sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions in order to create inclusive and respectful environments for everyone.
Unique Risk Factors for the LGBTQIA+ Community
The LGBTQIA+ community often face unique challenges and stressors that can impact their mental health. Discrimination, stigma, rejection, lack of access to mental health services and lack of legal protections can contribute to negative mental health outcomes. Some of the increased mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community include:
Depression and Anxiety: LGBTQIA+ individuals often experience higher rates of depression and anxiety, which can be attributed to the stressors related to the process of coming out, facing discrimination, and sociocultural factors to conform to socially heteronormative standards.
Trauma: LGBTQIA+ individuals may experience higher rates of traumatic events, including hate crimes, bullying and/or cyber-bullying, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence. These traumatic experiences can have long-term impacts on mental health.
Suicidality: LGBTQIA+ individuals are at a higher risk of suicidal ideation, attempts, and completed suicides compared to the general population of the United States. The intersectional experience of discrimination, family rejection, gender dysphoria, internalized homophobia and lack of social support can contribute to these elevated risks.
Substance Use: Substance use and abuse tends to be more prevalent among LGBTQIA+ individuals as a coping mechanism for dealing with discrimination, mental health challenges, and social isolation.
LGBTQIA+ individuals also experience various life stressors that increase their vulnerability to adverse mental health outcomes:
Identity Development and Coming Out Process: LGBTQIA+ individuals often go through a process of identity development as they come to terms with their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. This process can involve self-discovery, self-acceptance, and navigating the complexities of defining and expressing one's true self. Coming out, or disclosing one's LGBTQIA+ identity to others, can be a pivotal and sometimes anxiety-inducing experience, as it involves potential reactions from friends, family, and society. Accepting one's LGBTQIA+ identity can involve internal struggles, particularly in societies that may not be accepting or supportive. Individuals may experience feelings of shame, confusion, or isolation as they reconcile their identity with societal norms and expectations.
Rejection and Homelessness: LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially youth, are disproportionately at risk of homelessness due to family rejection or conflict related to their identity. Some families may react negatively to a family member coming out process, leading to being disowned or kicked out of their homes. Homelessness can have a severe negative psychological and emotional impact, contributing to increased mental health challenges.
Dating and Relationships: In some areas, LGBTQIA+ individuals experience legal inequalities that can affect the rights and recognition of LGBTQIA+ relationships. The lack of legal protection can lead to stress and frustration, potentially impacting relationship dynamics. LGBTQIA+ couples may also need to navigate discussions about sexual orientation, gender identity, and the impact of societal factors on their relationship, and others may need to address hostility and violence within their own relationships.
Despite facing unique challenges, many LGBTQIA+ individuals demonstrate resilience and find strength through community support networks. Finding acceptance within LGBTQIA+ communities and building chosen families can positively impact mental well-being. Additionally, finding a psychologist trained on LGBTQIA+ affirming psychotherapy can facilitate your mental health journey.
Psychological Theories and LGBQIA+ Affirming Treatments
It's important to mention that the mental health outcomes within the LGBTQIA+ community can vary widely based on sociocultural factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. In addition, some psychological theories have been used to better understand and explain the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. Here are two important theories that are often utilized in Psychology:
Minority Stress Theory: Focuses on the unique stressors faced by individuals who belong to marginalized groups, including LGBTQIA+ individuals. This theory emphasizes that the stressors faced by these individuals are not solely due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, but rather the result of structural and sociocultural stressors including societal stigma, discrimination, and prejudice uniquely tied to their minority identity. The cumulative impact of these stressors can lead to negative mental health outcomes and reduced overall well-being among LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Queer Theory: Challenges and critiques traditional notions of gender, sexuality, and identity, and questions the idea of fixed and stable identities and emphasizes the fluidity, complexity, and diversity of human experiences. It encourages the exploration of non-normative and non-binary identities and expressions. It has had a significant impact on Psychology by promoting more inclusive and nuanced understandings of human identity and behavior.
LGBTQIA+ informed and affirming psychotherapy draws on various psychological theories to create a supportive and affirming therapeutic environment for individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Some key theories that inform LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy include:
Affirmative Therapy Framework: Operates within an overarching framework that affirms and supports the client's LGBTQIA+ identity. It recognizes the challenges and unique stressors faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and seeks to create a safe space where clients can explore their identities, experiences, and concerns without judgment or bias.
Minority Stress Theory: As mentioned earlier, the Minority Stress Theory helps psychotherapists understand how societal stigma, discrimination, and prejudice contribute to the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. Working from this perspective aims to help clients cope with and navigate these stressors while fostering resilience and empowerment.
Attachment Theory: Explores how early relationships and attachments shape an individual's emotional and relational experiences throughout life. Psychotherapists can use this theory to help LGBTQIA+ clients navigate past and current relationships, promoting understanding and healthy relational patterns.
Our Approach to LGBTQIA+ Affirming Psychotherapy
Therapists often integrate multiple theories and approaches to tailor psychotherapy to the unique needs of each client. At CBT/EMDR Associates we understand that finding a psychotherapist who is not only knowledgeable but also culturally competent is essential for the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community. We are dedicated to creating a safe and affirming space where you can explore your unique journey, challenges, and triumphs as an LGBTQIA+ individual. With a deep understanding of the complexities of sexual orientations, gender identities, and the various stressors faced by the community, we will work collaboratively with you to address your mental health concerns. Through evidence-based practices and a commitment to diversity, we aim to empower you to overcome obstacles, embrace your authentic self, and foster a strong sense of resilience. Your journey is valid and having an LGBTQIA+ culturally competent psychologist by your side can make all the difference in achieving lasting well-being and personal growth.
If you are LGBTQIA+ and facing struggles, we can help. Reach out now for a free phone consultation to discuss what our work would look like.