LGBT adolescence is a sensitive time marked by physical, emotional, and social changes. These young people may experience increased stress due to the challenges of coming out, navigating unfamiliar feelings, adjusting their identity in society, dealing with rejection from family members or peers, facing discrimination, developing new friendships, exploring romantic and sexual partnerships, discovering gender roles, etc. This can make them more vulnerable to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Religious educational settings that are non-affirming may add additional challenges for LGBT youth, who feel pressured to conform to heteronormative beliefs or risk being ostracized, bullied, or even expelled.
Many coping strategies can help LGBT adolescents navigate religious educational settings that do not affirm their identities. One effective strategy is to seek support from other queer individuals, either online or in real life. They can find safety, acceptance, and camaraderie through these relationships. Another strategy is to build resilience by cultivating mindfulness, gratitude, optimism, empathy, and other positive qualities that promote wellbeing. Thirdly, they can practice skills like communication, conflict resolution, assertiveness, boundary setting, and self-advocacy to address issues related to their sexuality in school or at home. It's also important for LGBT teens to prioritize activities that bring joy, such as artistic expression, sports, volunteering, activism, spirituality, or hobbies.
Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can provide an objective perspective on struggles while teaching coping tools and problem-solving techniques.
LGBT adolescence presents unique challenges due to physical, emotional, social changes.
These young people can be particularly vulnerable to mental health problems.
Religious educational settings that are non-affirming can create extra difficulties for LGBT teens.
Coping strategies include finding support from peers, building resilience, practicing communication skills, engaging in enjoyable activities, and seeking professional help.
Which coping strategies are most effective for LGBT adolescents in religious educational settings that are non-affirming?
Despite increasing acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity within society, many adolescents still experience negative attitudes towards their identities in both school and religious settings. Non-affirming educational institutions may further exacerbate feelings of isolation and alienation among this population. As such, coping strategies can be an important part of developing resilience and promoting wellbeing.