The term "queer" refers to people who identify outside of heterosexual normativity, including but not limited to bisexual, homosexual, pansexual, asexual, nonbinary, polyamorous, transgender, gender fluid, etc. Queer people face unique challenges related to their identity due to social stigma, marginalization, and discrimination. One such challenge is internalizing societal beauty standards, which can lead to perfectionist tendencies that negatively impact mental health. This article will explore how queer individuals may internalize these beauty standards and develop perfectionist behaviors.
Beauty Standards
Society has established certain physical characteristics as desirable or attractive, such as having clear skin, specific body types, and specific hair/eye colors. These standards are often cisgendered, heteronormative, and white supremacist. Queer individuals may feel pressure to conform to these standards if they want to be accepted by society, leading to negative self-esteem issues and self-hatred.
A queer person may feel inadequate because they do not fit into traditional beauty ideals or have a nonconforming appearance.
Internalization
When someone internalizes societal beauty standards, they believe that these standards are true and valid. They may compare themselves to others and judge themselves harshly for any perceived flaws. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms.
Internalized beauty standards can lead to unhealthy eating habits and excessive exercise to achieve an ideal body type.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism refers to the belief that one must always strive for flawlessness and perfection in all aspects of life. It can manifest in various ways, including procrastination, overworking, fear of failure, and self-criticism. Queer individuals may experience perfectionism due to their desire to meet societal beauty standards and be seen as "perfect."
They may avoid social situations or dating because they worry about being judged based on their physical appearance.
Impacts
The impacts of perfectionist behaviors can be severe and long-lasting. These behaviors can lead to burnout, chronic stress, and anxiety attacks. They can also strain relationships, as partners may feel pressure to meet impossible expectations. Moreover, perfectionism can lead to isolation, shame, and low self-worth, which can negatively affect mental health. Some queer individuals may develop eating disorders or engage in other harmful behaviors to attain perfection.
How does the internalization of societal beauty standards shape perfectionist behaviors in queer individuals?
The internalization of societal beauty standards has been shown to shape perfectionist behaviors in many individuals, including those who identify as queer. According to research, this phenomenon can lead to increased feelings of pressure and anxiety related to appearance, which may then contribute to higher levels of perfectionism.