What existential strategies of meaning-making do LGBT people develop when their existence is defined as absurd by dominant moral systems?
The definition of what it means to be human has changed significantly throughout history, especially regarding gender roles and normative expressions of sexuality. Traditional values have been challenged by modern societies that emphasize individual freedom and diversity of expression.
There are still many individuals who struggle with being accepted for who they are due to social expectations and normative pressures from society. In this regard, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people face unique challenges in terms of identity formation and self-concept because they often experience rejection from family members or peers based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. As a result, they may question their worthiness as individuals, leading to feelings of despair or hopelessness about finding happiness in life. This essay will explore how LGBT people cope with these feelings through various existential strategies of meaning-making.
Existential Crisis and Meaning-Making
The term "existential crisis" refers to a period of intense anxiety where an individual feels disconnected from reality and lacks purpose in life. This feeling can lead them to question why they exist at all, resulting in a search for meaning beyond themselves.
Some LGBT people may wonder why they were born into a world that does not accept them or why they feel compelled to express themselves in ways contrary to traditional social mores. This sense of meaninglessness leads to what philosophers call an "existential vacuum," which is the perception that nothing ultimately matters because everything eventually ceases to exist. To alleviate such distress, people develop coping mechanisms known as "existential strategies." These tactics help individuals find meaning within their circumstances by creating new beliefs or behaviors that give purpose to life's struggles.
Strategies of Meaning-Making
There are several strategies that LGBT people use when faced with an existential crisis, including seeking support from others who share similar experiences, engaging in self-reflection and introspection to understand their emotions better, redefining their identity based on personal values rather than societal norms, pursuing meaningful activities outside of themselves (e.g., volunteering), and focusing on relationships rather than material possessions. These tactics allow individuals to maintain hope despite adversity while also providing practical solutions for managing daily challenges associated with being gay/bisexual/transgendered/queer (LGBTQ+). By understanding these strategies, therapists can assist clients in developing healthier responses to feelings of alienation or despair related to being LGBTQ+.
Educating society about the importance of valuing diverse identities could reduce stigmatization against this population so they can live more authentically without fear of judgment or ostracization.
Embracing one's unique identity helps create a sense of belonging in the world even if it means going against cultural expectations.
Finding Purpose and Acceptance
While many LGBTQ+ individuals face obstacles due to societal pressures around gender roles or sexual expression, there are ways to cope with such difficulties through existential strategies. These coping mechanisms involve finding purpose beyond oneself by connecting with others who have shared experiences, redefining identity according to personal beliefs rather than social norms, pursuing meaningful activities that bring joy, and cultivating intimate connections despite external forces opposing them. As long as we continue working towards creating a world where all individuals feel accepted regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, ability status, economic class, political ideology, etc., then we will ensure future generations understand what it means to be human without restriction or prejudice.
What existential strategies of meaning-making do LGBT people develop when their existence is defined as absurd by dominant moral systems?
The development of existential strategies of meaning-making for LGBT people involves various factors such as societal norms, personal experiences, cultural beliefs, religious values, and individual identities. These strategies are essential because they help individuals make sense of their lives and navigate through challenges that may arise due to their sexual orientation. When their existence is perceived as absurd by dominant moral systems, they must find ways to cope with this reality and create a new definition of self-worth.