Research suggests that the psychosocial mechanisms which enable LGBT personnel to maintain their sense of self and role are various. One mechanism is affirmation, whereby individuals receive support from family, friends, colleagues, and society for being themselves.
Studies show that coming out can be an important milestone in an individual's life, leading to positive changes such as improved self-esteem, reduced depression symptoms, and better mental health overall.
Joining gay pride events, participating in LGBT organizations, and connecting with like-minded people through social media can help create a sense of community and belonging.
Another mechanism is compartmentalization, whereby individuals keep separate work and personal lives. This may involve hiding one's sexual orientation or gender identity in professional settings or avoiding discussing it altogether. Research shows that those who do this experience less stress and discrimination than those who openly identify as LGBT.
Long-term effects of compartmentalization remain unclear and could include internalized homophobia and difficulties integrating different aspects of oneself.
Disclosure involves sharing information about one's sexuality or gender identity with others, either selectively or broadly. While disclosure may lead to increased acceptance and support, it also carries risks such as rejection or discrimination. Some choose not to disclose due to fear of losing job opportunities, while others prioritize the need to come out at work to establish authenticity and reduce tension between their public and private selves.
Identity management involves actively managing one's identity by changing behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs to align with normative expectations.
Some individuals adopt heteronormative roles such as staying single or concealing same-sex relationships to minimize the impact on professional relationships. Others use subtle cues such as clothing choices, body language, and tone of voice to signal nonconformity without explicitly revealing themselves. Research suggests that these strategies can be effective for maintaining coherence but may require extra effort and attention.
There are various psychosocial mechanisms which enable LGBT personnel to maintain coherence between personal identity and professional role. These include affirmation, compartmentalization, disclosure, and identity management. Each strategy has pros and cons, and individual experiences vary based on contextual factors such as industry, location, and social climate.
Finding a balance between personal and professional identities requires careful consideration and deliberate action.
What psychosocial mechanisms enable LGBT personnel to maintain coherence between personal identity and professional role?
One of the psychosocial mechanisms that enable LGBT personnel to maintain coherence between their personal identities and professional roles is by developing resilience. According to Kulick (2013), this involves building up the capacity to handle difficult situations with equanimity and composure.