People can be stigmatized for various factors, both visible and invisible, in today’s society. The sorts of prejudice that most likely come to mind first include being oppressed for a visible identity; such as race or gender, but invisible factors, such as mental health, can also lead to people feeling oppressed. People with mental illnesses are heavily concentrated among the society’s poor; these intersecting oppressions impact every aspect of an individual’s quality of life (Wilton
Queer culture has a strange history with psychology. It was psychologists that originally created the category “homosexual.” Well, I don’t mean category so much as I mean diagnostic term, because so called homosexuality was pathologized by the medical community, with lesbians and gay men seen as “sick products of disturbed upbringings” (Coyle, 2002). Homosexuality was a mental health diagnosis till the 1970’s.
The stigma attached to being LGBTTQ* contributes to many peoples decision to keep that part of their identity a secret. Decisions whether or not to come out are often linked to familial, societal, and cultural attitudes toward ‘homosexuality’ (Coyle, 2002). Usually, only after carefully weighing up all the pros and cons associated with being LGBTTQ* can the identity formation process, and ultimately discloser, begin (Coyle, 2002). There is a lack of research around identity formation, which is the process of movement into (and out of, and between) categories of sexual identity (Coyle, 2002). Identity formation may (or may not) lead to coming out; which is the process of identifying ones self as something other than heterosexual and the disclosure of this to others (Clarke, 2010). Coming out happens in two steps: first to self, then to others. Coming out has important mental health benefits. Self disclosure is important; individuals need to feel that they are loved and valued for who they really are and not who they are pretending to be (Clarke, 2010). Authenticity and integrity are important factors for good mental health. Also, being “closeted” is extremely stressful; one must live with the constant threat of being discovered.
Individuals often describe feeling very alone after coming out to self, this is especially true if they do not know anyone else who identifies as other than heterosexual (and, LGBTTQ* role models are sorely lacking in popular media) (Coyle, 2002). The process of coming out to oneself is often gradual, and emotionally based; whereas the decision to come out to others is often based on situational factors and perceptions of others reactions (Coyle, 2002). Reasons not to come out include protecting others, lack of necessity to tell certain people, negative attitudes, and fearing rejection. Risks and benefits of self disclosure are carefully measured; underlying the decision making process are internalized societal norms (Coyle, 2002).
The disclosure to friends and family of an identity other than heterosexual is often an important milestone, though the process can be extremely stressful (Clarke, 2010). Though coming out is usually assumed to be a positive event, it is not always viable or even safe. It may result in loosing important support structures and jeopardizing important familial relationships (Clarke, 2010). To balance the risks and benefits of coming out, many LGBTTQ* people may choose to come out in some, but not all instances.
Love & Rage
Julianna
Clarke, V., Ellis, S., Peel, E., & Riggs, D. (2010). Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, & queer
psychology. Cambridge University Press, NY: New York
Coyle, A., & Kitzinger, C. (2002). Lesbian and gay psychology. MA: Malden
Publishers Ltd
illness. Social Sciences and Medicine, 58: 25-39
It is hard when a person who is LGBTTQ* wants to come out but does not know anyone else with the same identity. Fortunately for youth there are places they can go to socialize with others such as camp Aurora. Unfortunately for those who do not come out untill they are adults have no where but bars to socialize with others. I do not find this a great setting and unless you live in Toronto or Vancouver it seems to be the only option.
ReplyDeleteBrittany
I never knew that the term "homosexual" orginated as an offensive mental health diagnosis. This makes me wonder if being referred to as "homosexual" is offensive to LGBTTQ* people. Do you know anything about this?
ReplyDeleteKim
I think like me there are many people who have very little idea about the the LGBTTQ and about the problems they have to face. There is a lot to know and this article is one start with especially about the the dynamism of mental illness and LGBTQ.
ReplyDeletesubas
Mental illness is everywhere, people who are greater affected by mental illnesses are the people who are the most misunderstood. The LGBTTQ goes though a lot of criticism from people who don't understand why they "choose" to be anything but heterosexual. Which just shows how little people know about members of LGBTTQ. Good blog post Julianna.
ReplyDelete-Chandra B
Prior to reading your blog, when I thought of LGBTTQ* people, I did not stop to think of them with mental illnesses but with a group who has been misunderstood by our society because of their sexual orientation. I have more respect for LGBTTQ* people than I ever have because of all the issues and barriers they have to face because of their sexual orientation. For now, I will say that I can educate myself and others to become more understanding and accepting of LGBTTQ* people.
ReplyDeleteStephanie M.
Great post! I didn't know that the term "homosexual" was a pathologized term, it honestly annoys me a bit that homosexuality used to be considered as a medical disease.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see the reaction after someone comes out to their peers. I know someone who came out and was completely at peace with their sexuality and after seeing this many others got the courage to come out as well. This may not be true for most people or places but it's what I've seen happen, and I think it's something interesting to note.
- Jody.