The term "systemic" refers to the way that social structures and systems impact individuals' lives, which can lead to discrimination and marginalization.
In the United States, the legal system has historically treated queer people differently from heterosexual ones, leading to disparities in access to healthcare, housing, education, employment, and more. These discriminations often result in increased levels of poverty, homelessness, drug abuse, and mental illness among LGBTQ populations. The medical field also perpetuates these inequalities by refusing to recognize gender dysphoria as a legitimate diagnosis until recently, contributing to a lack of resources for transgender people seeking help. This systemic oppression creates unique challenges for LGBTQ people when it comes to decision-making, risk assessment, and social engagement.
When making decisions, LGBTQ people must take into account how their identities will be perceived by society. They may have to think about whether they will face discrimination or violence if they pursue certain opportunities, like applying for jobs or joining social groups. This can lead to lower self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, as well as limiting career choices or personal growth.
Fear of rejection or violence can cause LGBTQ individuals to avoid taking risks that could improve their quality of life.
Risk assessment is another area where systemic oppression affects LGBTQ populations.
The criminal justice system disproportionately targets queer and transgender people, especially those of color. This can lead to overcrowding in prisons and jails, which increases vulnerability to abuse, sexual assault, and HIV/AIDS.
Police brutality against LGBTQ individuals is commonplace, leading to trauma, injury, and death. These realities create an atmosphere of distrust between law enforcement and the queer community, preventing them from reporting crimes or reaching out for help.
Social engagement also suffers due to systemic oppression. Queer and trans people may feel isolated due to a lack of representation in mainstream media, politics, and culture. Many communities do not provide resources or support networks for LGBTQ people. As a result, they may experience isolation, loneliness, and feelings of otherness. This can exacerbate mental health issues and make it difficult to form meaningful relationships with peers.
Systemic oppression has far-reaching effects on LGBTQ individuals' lives. It shapes decision-making, risk assessment, and social engagement by creating barriers to opportunity, safety, and acceptance. To address these challenges, we must work towards creating equitable systems and institutions that recognize the unique needs and experiences of queer and trans communities.
How does systemic oppression shape decision-making, risk assessment, and social engagement in LGBTQ populations?
Systemic oppression shapes decision-making, risk assessment, and social engagement of LGBTQ populations by influencing their perceptions of safety, belongingness, and acceptance in different contexts. Research shows that discrimination and prejudice can lead to internalized homophobia, which causes individuals to doubt themselves and their identities.