Psychological Toll of Conditional Acceptance by Family Members
There are many challenges that LGBT individuals face when coming out to their families. One of the most difficult is the experience of being accepted but only under certain conditions. This type of conditional acceptance can have serious psychological effects on those who identify as LGBT. In this article, I will explore some of these impacts.
It's important to understand why family members may offer conditional acceptance. Some parents may feel ashamed or embarrassed by their child's sexual orientation or gender identity and want to protect themselves from judgment by others. They may believe that if they do not accept their child for who they are, they will lose friends, religious community, or social status. Others may fear that their child will be subjected to discrimination or violence because of their identity. Still, others may simply not know how to handle the news and need time to process it before offering full acceptance.
Regardless of the reason behind conditional acceptance, it can have lasting psychological effects on LGBT individuals. For one thing, it sends a message that their identity is something to hide or be ashamed of, even within the safety of their own home. This can lead to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It also reinforces the idea that there is something wrong with them and that they must change to fit societal norms.
Conditional acceptance can create an environment where trust is lacking. If the family member reserves acceptance until certain behaviors or attitudes are changed, the person may feel like they cannot fully express themselves without risking rejection. This can be particularly harmful when it comes to intimate relationships. Many LGBT individuals have difficulty forming close bonds due to past experiences of rejection, so any additional barriers can make things even more difficult.
Conditional acceptance can create a sense of isolation within the family unit. When only some members accept someone for who they are, it can become apparent to everyone else. The individual may feel singled out and alone, even if they are surrounded by loved ones. This can lead to further mental health issues such as depression and loneliness.
While many parents want what's best for their children, offering conditional acceptance is not the way to go about it. It can cause long-lasting damage and should be avoided at all costs. Instead, families should strive to offer full and unconditional love and support to their LGBT members.
What psychological toll does conditional acceptance by family members take on LGBT individuals?
Conditional acceptance can cause significant psychological distress for LGBT individuals as it suggests that their sexual orientation is something shameful or wrong, which may lead to feelings of rejection, isolation, and low self-esteem. This can have a lasting impact on mental health and wellbeing, increasing risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.