The month of June marks the LGBT Pride Month that is in memory of the Stonewall riots (1969) which had taken place against the gay community. LGBT Pride Month also marks as a liberation month for those belonging to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community (LGBT). The acronym was further extended to include LGBTQA where Q represents Queer and A means Asexual.

A large number of people belonging to the LGBT community have confirmed facing discrimination, lack of opportunities, humiliation, and insensitivity towards their identity and orientation.

What does that mean for society?

Inclusivity is important for humankind to survive. The establishment of the LGBT Pride month was done to make people increase their tolerance and awareness levels towards the LGBT community while celebrating inclusion, and diversity. Even as colorful concerts and gatherings mark the celebration of Pride month, there are many more changes needed in society to truly feel proud of their existence. (Although laws have evolved in some regions to celebrate same-sex relationships and marriages.)

LGBT Issues: What is LGBT discrimination? What issues do LGBT face?

Isolation - Heterosexuals categorize LGBT as “different”
Discrimination - “Coming out” to speak about their orientation may cause the loss of opportunities, loss of promotion, no rights to lease a home, etc.
Ridicule/Humiliation/Slang and derogatory comments - Jokes and jibes continue, which impacts their work and emotions
Violence - There are too many crimes against the community.
Parenting issues - Not every state has granted rights for same-sex couples to take on the role of parenting through adoption.
The need to convert - Many Gay Conversion practitioners want to make them ‘normal’
Inequality in healthcare - The community continues to struggle to find access to healthcare. Many suffer mental illness due to emotional traumas inflicted by society.
Lack of acceptance, belonging - The LGBT community is often not included in group outings for being plain “different”
Judgmental attitude - They are judged for everything they do just because they are considered “different”

Adam is gay and lives a suppressed life. He doesn’t disclose his status for fear of being fired from his job. He also dresses up in strong bold colors despite wanting to choose softer shades. At home, Adam finds it difficult to release his pent up anxiety resulting in an addiction to smoking.

 

This widespread discrimination causes high emotional stress, suffocation, anxiety, depression, and more. Many of them develop internal conflicts for not being able to “come out” in the open. Sadly, substance abuse is often a part of the many coping strategies they are most likely to be drawn to.

 

 

LGBT Rights: We, as a society, need to create an accepting culture

 

Need for awareness: There is a strong need to be aware that not every person feels the same, or follow the choices heterosexuals may make in their lives. They are human and differences in preferences of orientation and lifestyle do not mean they are “different.”

Change in beliefs: There is a strong need to change contaminated beliefs one carries that people with different sexual orientations are “bad” people or they need to be “like us”.

Need for acceptance: One needs to learn to accept people with different preferences while being inclusive in all activities. There is a need to respect individuals and see them in a positive light.

Greater sensitivity: Be aware of interactions with them. Stop asking questions, “When did you come out that you were gay?” Be respectful and sensitive to their needs.

 

Although laws across the world are evolving, it is a humongous task to erase LGBT discrimination globally. However, if we join hands and begin with one step at a time, the LGBT community will feel respected, accepted, & valued. We would have people with fewer mental illnesses so that everyone can live a healthy and authentic life.

 

 

Have you faced LGBT discrimination? Have you been bullied? Please talk to a mental health professional. Rebuild the strength within you.

 

Looking for support to reduce the impact of discrimination? Join the Tava-Mitram’s FREE group coaching sessions. You get to participate in online/offline sessions where you can share your issues in a non-judgmental space. Join here as a participant. You can also write an anonymous confession.

Throughout the blog, the term LGBT is used as an indication and is not confining. This also encompasses the queer, asexuals, and those questioning their identity.