During childhood and adolescence, individuals learn about gender roles, sexual orientation, romantic relationships, sex, intimacy, etc., from their family members, teachers, peers, and media. Some people find that these messages align with their identity and experiences; others don't.
If you feel like your gender is different from what your parents say it is - or if you are attracted to someone of the same sex - it can be confusing and difficult to understand. If you live in a community with strict religious norms, it may be even harder because those norms dictate how men and women should behave, dress, and interact with each other.
LGBT persons have developed coping strategies to maintain resilience despite this pressure. Here are three effective strategies:
1. Support groups and online communities
If you cannot discuss your feelings openly with friends and family members, consider joining an LGBT support group or participating in online forums/chats/blogs where you can talk freely about your challenges, needs, and concerns. These platforms offer emotional and informative help, as well as advice on finding resources and solutions. In addition, they give you the opportunity to meet people who share similar struggles, creating a sense of belonging and normalcy. The more you know there are others like you out there, the easier it is to accept yourself and develop confidence in your identity.
2. Self-care and therapy
Self-care involves taking care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It includes things such as exercise, meditation, relaxation, rest, creativity, hobbies, etc., that promote balance and inner peace. This practice allows you to deal with stressors better and build resilience against negative thoughts and feelings related to identity. Also, psychotherapy helps you work through issues arising from stigma, discrimination, trauma, isolation, etc. A qualified professional can guide you towards recovery by providing unbiased insights into your situation, identifying potential problems, setting achievable goals, teaching you new skills, and offering tailored recommendations.
3. Education and activism
When we educate ourselves about gender, sexuality, and sex, we gain understanding and perspective on our experiences and identify possible solutions.
If you feel ashamed of being gay because society considers homosexuality immoral, learning about queer history, culture, politics, and literature will help you appreciate diversity, challenge stereotypes, and reject stigmatizing attitudes.
Joining activist groups or participating in advocacy campaigns promotes social change by raising awareness, countering prejudice, and fighting for equal rights. By becoming an agent of transformation, you empower yourself and inspire others to follow suit.
Despite challenges, LGBT persons can maintain resilience by seeking supportive communities, engaging in self-care and therapy, and promoting education and activism. With time and effort, these strategies help them overcome internalized homophobia/transphobia, redefine their identity, and experience authentic intimacy and fulfillment.
There is still much to be done to improve acceptance and inclusion in communities with strict religious norms.
What coping strategies help LGBT persons maintain resilience in communities with strict religious norms?
LGBT persons can employ several coping strategies to maintain their resilience in communities with strict religious norms that may view them as "out of place. " One common strategy is to seek support from friends, family members, or community organizations outside of one's immediate social circle who are more accepting of sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, many individuals rely on positive self-talk and affirmations to counteract negative messages about themselves and their identities that may be present in their community.