The term 'LGBT' is an acronym used to describe lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and other gender identities that are nonconforming to traditional binary gender roles. Individuals who identify with these communities have experienced marginalization, prejudice, exclusion, discrimination, stigma, bullying, physical harm, violence, mental health issues, unemployment, homelessness, suicide, and many more negative outcomes because of their identity. These individuals need resilience to survive societal challenges, yet there is little research on how they can cultivate this quality. This article explores ways that LGBT people can develop resilience while navigating systemic and interpersonal discrimination.
Resilience refers to the capacity of a person to deal with stressful situations and recover from adversity. It encompasses psychological processes such as self-efficacy, confidence, optimism, determination, coping skills, emotion regulation, social support, and problem-solving abilities. Resilient individuals have a sense of agency and control in life and feel empowered to overcome challenges (Masten & Reed, 2019). They maintain a positive attitude towards themselves, others, and the world despite setbacks. They have high self-esteem, a sense of purpose, and a strong connection with society (Ford et al., 2018). Resilience is crucial for well-being and success in life.
There are several ways that LGBT individuals can build resilience. One way is by developing an internal locus of control, which means believing that they can influence events around them rather than external forces. This belief enables them to take action when confronted with difficulties instead of feeling victimized or powerless. Another approach involves reframing negative experiences into positive ones.
An individual who was bullied at school might turn it into a learning opportunity to gain strength and grow stronger. Thirdly, resilience comes through setting achievable goals and working towards them even during challenging times. Fourth, cultivating social connections with peers, family, friends, and mentors provides emotional support that boosts resilience. Fifth, having a growth mindset where one sees failure not as permanent but as an opportunity to learn from mistakes contributes to resilience. Lastly, engaging in healthy habits such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or therapy promotes resilience.
Cultivating these qualities takes time and effort but has numerous benefits. It reduces stress and anxiety, enhances coping skills, increases motivation and persistence, improves relationships, and leads to better overall health outcomes (Goldstein et al., 2019). When faced with discrimination, it helps LGBT people cope with adversity more effectively, bounce back quickly after setbacks, adapt to new situations, and face challenges head-on without fear. Resilient individuals are less likely to suffer mental health problems like depression and suicidal ideation, have lower rates of substance abuse, and experience greater life satisfaction compared to their non-resilient counterparts.
Developing resilience is critical for the well-being of LGBT individuals navigating systemic and interpersonal discrimination. They can build this quality by adopting internal locus of control, reframing negative experiences, setting achievable goals, seeking supportive connections, maintaining a growth mindset, and engaging in healthy behaviors. Cultivating resilience enables them to thrive despite the challenges they encounter in society.