How can a relationship between two people who identify as LGBTQ+ develop trust, intimacy, and emotional security when they are living in a society that often views them as outcasts and marginalizes their identities? This question has been asked since time immemorial, but it remains unanswered due to lack of research.
Studies have shown that trust is essential for all relationships regardless of orientation and gender identity. Intimacy and emotional security are also necessary ingredients for a healthy and fulfilling relationship. The stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals make these qualities difficult to achieve because they create feelings of fear, vulnerability, and self-doubt that can lead to suspicion, avoidance, and distrust.
External pressures can cause partners to hide parts of themselves from each other, which further diminishes intimacy and security.
When it comes to building trust, LGBTQ+ couples must be mindful of their actions and words to ensure that they do not inadvertently hurt or offend one another. They should communicate openly and honestly with each other about their needs and expectations to prevent misunderstandings and resentment. Trust requires transparency, accountability, and dependability. It means being able to rely on your partner's word and actions. Building trust takes time, effort, and patience, and it requires both partners to work together to create an environment where they feel safe enough to share their innermost thoughts and feelings without judgement.
Intimacy is the closeness between two people who care deeply for each other. In many ways, it is the foundation of any successful relationship. Without intimacy, there is no connection, understanding, empathy, or support. For LGBTQ+ couples living under constant pressure and oppression, it can be challenging to create this type of bond.
Intimacy does not necessarily require physical touch; it also includes emotional, spiritual, and intellectual connections. Sharing activities like cooking meals, watching movies, reading books, or going out to see a show together can strengthen intimacy and build bonds. Couples can practice active listening by showing interest in each other's lives and genuinely responding when the other person talks.
Emotional security is feeling safe and confident within oneself and one's relationship. It means having faith that your partner will remain loyal, supportive, and loving despite external pressures. Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ individuals often struggle with emotional security because they may fear rejection or abandonment from family members, friends, coworkers, or even strangers due to their identity. They may also experience discrimination, harassment, and violence, which further erodes their sense of safety. To achieve emotional security, LGBTQ+ couples must communicate openly about their needs and expectations regarding love and commitment. They should work on building trust and intimacy so that they feel comfortable sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings without judgement. They can do this through regular check-ins, honest communication, and setting boundaries around what they are willing to tolerate and not tolerate.
How do trust, intimacy, and emotional security develop in LGBTQ relationships under the pressures of external stigma and marginalization?
Trust, intimacy, and emotional security are essential components of healthy romantic relationships. In the context of LGBTQ relationships, these elements can be challenging to establish due to various factors such as internalized prejudice, family disapproval, societal rejection, discrimination, microaggressions, and other negative experiences. Nevertheless, there are several strategies that can help LGBTQ individuals build strong bonds with their partners while overcoming obstacles.