Browsing: Gender

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, intersex, asexual, etc. (LGBTQIA+) support can be extremely helpful for people but only if gay people feel comfortable enough to get it.

LGBTQIA+ discrimination is real and it has been felt in one way or another by almost every lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, etc. (LGBTQIA+) person. LGBTQIA+ discrimination can be seen in almost every aspect of life from housing, to employment, to schooling to family and religion. This type of discrimination is driven by LGBTQIA+ stigma and this type of stigma and discrimination often negatively impacts a person’s mental health.

Some people think that gay discrimination is a thing of the past, but unfortunately, gay stigma is still alive and well. Gay people still face stigma is the form of discrimination, harassment, bullying, teasing, homophobia and even assault. Gay discrimination can harm a person’s mental well-being, including their self-esteem. Gay discrimination affects both gay men and women and people who are perceived as being gay.

Gay and lesbian suicide is a real concern for the thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, questioning/queer, intersex, asexual, etc. (LGBTQIA+) people at greater than average risk for suicide and mental health problems. (More about the serious issue of homosexuality and suicide) While being gay, itself, is not a risk factor for any of these problems, the stressors that come with being a sexual minority in North America can increase these risks. The stigma and negative attitudes around being an LGBTQIA+ person may contribute to:

No one wants to think about suicide and homosexual suicide is no exception. However, it’s important to talk about LGBTQIA+ suicides in order to understand the facts and stem their tide. No person should ever feel the need to take their life because of their sexuality and it is important to let people know there is help for gays with depression.

Depression can be a serious issue for anyone but homosexual depression may be an even bigger concern as gay people are at greater risk for depression and other mental illnesses than the general population. This increase in gay depression isn’t because an individual is gay, but rather because gay people live in a society that shows stigma and discrimination towards sexual minority populations. Having to continually deal with LGBTQIA+ discrimination and stigma can affect your mental health.

Family Rejection of LGBTQIA+ Teenager When family rejects their LGBTQIA+ teen, there’s a higher likelihood that LGBTQIA+ teen will face…

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, intersex, asexual, etc. (LGBTQIA+) youth have special concerns in terms of mental health. LGBTQIA+ parenting, gay bullying, anti-gay stigma, suicidal thoughts and actions, and LGBTQIA+ addiction are just some of these concerns. While there have been great gains in the acceptance of LGBTQIA+ people, there is still a long way to go for many and this lack of acceptance affects LGBTQIA+ youth and adults.

There are issues to consider around homosexuality and mental health. While being gay is not a mental illness in any way, studies do show that people who are LGBTQIA+ show greater levels of anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and suicidal feelings.¹ This is likely due to the gay discrimination and stigma that these groups face and not due to their sexuality.

When people first hear the word biphobia, it is common to ask, “What is biphobia?” Biphobia refers to the fear, hatred or intolerance of bisexual men and women. Biphobia is a term used to describe aversion felt toward bisexuality and bisexuals as a social group or as individuals.