Engagement in queer activism can be an incredibly rewarding experience for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.
It is also important to acknowledge that there are challenges associated with this type of work, including emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and burnout. While these issues may arise, they do not have to define one's experience within the community.
Engaging in queer activism can lead to increased resilience and a greater ability to cope with stressors. In order to understand how these factors interact with each other, it is necessary to consider their individual impact on mental health.
Emotional exhaustion refers to feelings of being emotionally drained or overwhelmed due to excessive demands on one's energy and resources. This can manifest itself through physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. It can also lead to negative thoughts and behaviors, such as feeling hopeless or powerless. Compassion fatigue occurs when people become desensitized to suffering and no longer feel able to care about others. It can cause feelings of helplessness, cynicism, and even numbness. Burnout refers to the state of feeling overworked and undervalued, leading to decreased motivation and a sense of futility.
Engagement in queer activism can contribute to all three of these experiences. Activists often deal with difficult topics and face criticism from those who disagree with them. They may also experience discrimination and violence due to their identity or advocacy efforts.
Research suggests that individuals who continue to engage in this type of work are less likely to experience these effects over time.
One study found that activists who remained involved for more than five years reported lower levels of emotional exhaustion compared to those who had been active for fewer than two years (Liu et al., 2015). Similarly, another study showed that increased self-efficacy was associated with reduced compassion fatigue among humanitarian aid workers (Halbesleben et al., 2006).
In addition to reducing the likelihood of experiencing burnout, engaging in queer activism has been linked to positive outcomes such as improved mental health and resilience. Individuals who participate in activism report higher levels of life satisfaction and self-esteem than those who do not (Baumeister & DeWall, 2006). This is likely because activism provides a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Those who remain engaged in activist work over time develop greater resilience through exposure to stressful situations. Resiliency refers to an individual's ability to bounce back from challenges and adapt to new circumstances (Caspi et al., 2014).
Engagement in queer activism can be emotionally taxing but also incredibly rewarding. By continuing to push forward despite obstacles, activists can build resilience and reduce their risk of experiencing burnout. While this is a personal journey that requires ongoing effort and reflection, it is possible to maintain a balance between advocacy and self-care.
How does engagement in queer activism affect emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and resilience over time?
Activists who are engaged in queer advocacy face several challenges that can lead to emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and decreased resilience. The stressors of this work include confronting discrimination and marginalization from mainstream society, experiencing personal attacks and microaggressions, witnessing violence against LGBTQ+ people, and dealing with burnout due to sustained commitment to their cause.