LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning. Discrimination is when someone treats another person badly because of their race, gender identity, religion, or some other characteristic they do not like. Repeated discrimination can have negative effects on an individual's cognitive, emotional, and social functioning, including but not limited to lower self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.
The cognitive effect of repeated discrimination may be seen in LGBTQ individuals through decreased academic performance, poor decision-making skills, impaired memory, and difficulty concentrating. This can lead to reduced opportunities for education and employment, further exacerbating the cycle of discrimination and increasing the likelihood of poverty.
LGBTQ individuals may experience increased stress levels, leading to physiological changes such as heightened heart rate and blood pressure, which can affect overall health and well-being.
Emotionally, repeated discrimination can cause increased feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, shame, and fear. These feelings can lead to withdrawal from social situations, avoidance of relationships, and increased self-doubt, making it difficult for LGBTQ individuals to find support systems. Depression and anxiety are common among LGBTQ populations, and suicide rates are higher than the general population.
Socially, repeated discrimination can lead to a sense of alienation and isolation, which can manifest in various ways. Some LGBTQ individuals may feel forced to hide their identities or live double lives, leading to confusion and internal conflict. Others may seek out communities that offer more acceptance and safety, but this can come at the cost of disconnection from family and friends who do not understand or approve of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Repeated discrimination can also limit access to resources, services, and opportunities for networking and advancement.
LGBTQ individuals face unique challenges in navigating the world due to societal expectations of conformity to traditional gender roles and heteronormative standards. The effects of repeated discrimination can be particularly harmful when combined with other factors such as poverty, homelessness, or mental illness. Addressing these issues requires advocacy, education, and policy reform to create safer environments and promote acceptance.
How does experiencing repeated discrimination affect cognitive, emotional, and social functioning in LGBTQ individuals?
Research shows that repeated discrimination against sexual minorities can have a significant impact on their mental health and wellbeing. It has been observed that they are more likely to experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to heterosexuals (Meyer, 2003).