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HOW LGBT YOUTH BUILD RESILIENCE THROUGH SUPPORTIVE FRIENDSHIPS AND ROMANTIC PARTNERSHIPS? enIT FR DE PL TR PT RU AR JA CN ES

3 min read Queer

LGBT youth are those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity, or are unsure about it. They may be bullied and harassed in school or society because of this difference, making them feel alone and isolated.

Having strong supportive friendships and romantic partnerships can help these young people cope with such challenges better. This essay will explore how exactly they do so through five steps.

1. Feeling validated: When LGBT youth have friends who accept them for who they are without judgment, they begin to understand that there is nothing wrong with being different from what society expects. They feel relieved and more confident in themselves when someone does not criticize their choices or feelings.

If a boy likes girls but his parents consider it a sin, he may find solace in his best friend who is also open to dating anyone regardless of gender.

2. Sharing experiences: Friends can offer emotional support during tough times by listening and empathizing. If someone has been rejected by a crush or feels unsafe at home, a caring person can give advice and a shoulder to cry on. It helps LGBT individuals avoid feeling lonely and helpless in difficult situations. They learn that they are not alone in experiencing rejection, discrimination, or other issues related to their sexuality or gender expression.

3. Building resilience: Having a close network makes LGBT youth less likely to succumb to depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance abuse, and suicide ideation. Research shows that youth with supportive adults are more likely to thrive than those without them. Resilient youth also gain the ability to bounce back from disappointments and setbacks rather than giving up on life altogether.

4. Finding identity: When an LGBT individual comes out, they often seek validation and approval from others.

Some family members might reject them, which leads to confusion and self-doubt. A supportive partner can affirm their identity as valid and help them accept themselves fully without fear of social repercussions. As they grow closer together, they develop mutual respect and trust based on shared values.

If a bisexual woman's parents disown her due to religious beliefs, she may find solace in her girlfriend who accepts her for who she is.

5. Overcoming obstacles: In addition to emotional support, friends and partners offer practical assistance too. They may provide transportation when someone needs to go out but lacks resources, or accompany them to medical appointments where doctors are uneducated about transgender healthcare. If parents refuse treatment for an HIV+ teenager, a friend can advocate for him and ensure his safety and wellbeing.

Supportive relationships enable LGBT youth to cope better with challenges related to sexuality and gender identity. Friends validate feelings, share experiences, build resilience, foster identity, and overcome barriers. Thus, having strong connections is crucial for mental health and overall success in life.

How do supportive friendships and romantic partnerships facilitate adaptation and coping in LGBT youth?

Friendships and romantic relationships play an important role in helping LGBT adolescents cope with stressors related to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Supportive relationships provide LGBT teenagers with a sense of belongingness, acceptance, and validation that can help them feel comfortable expressing themselves freely. Furthermore, these relationships offer opportunities for sharing experiences and receiving guidance from individuals who understand the unique challenges they face.

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