Research has consistently shown that coming out to one's family is a significant milestone for many members of the LGBTQ+ community, as it represents an opportunity for them to accept their true selves and connect more deeply with their loved ones.
This process can also be fraught with difficulty and danger, particularly when parents, guardians, or siblings reject their child's sexual orientation or gender identity. In such cases, individuals may experience feelings of shame, guilt, isolation, and anxiety, which can have lasting impacts on their psychological well-being and social functioning.
Familial rejection can take various forms, from verbal abuse and emotional manipulation to physical violence and even disownment. This type of mistreatment can lead to increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidality, self-harm, and other adverse health outcomes.
One study found that LGBTQ+ youth who experienced familial rejection were twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to those who did not. Moreover, individuals who do not have a supportive environment in which they feel accepted may struggle to form positive relationships outside of their immediate family, leading to difficulties in finding employment, housing, and other essential resources.
Some individuals find solace in chosen families, which are networks of support that provide emotional, practical, and financial assistance to queer people who lack these things from their biological relatives. Chosen families can offer a sense of belonging, acceptance, and love that can help mitigate the effects of familial rejection. Research suggests that these communities can promote resilience, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and improve mental health outcomes. Members of chosen families may also serve as advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and provide valuable information about local resources and services.
It is clear that familial rejection has profound consequences for queer identity development, social functioning, and emotional well-being.
The creation of chosen families provides a vital safety net for those who experience this mistreatment, allowing them to build meaningful connections with others while navigating a challenging social landscape. As such, efforts should be made to increase awareness of the importance of chosen families and facilitate their formation through peer mentorship programs, community centers, and other initiatives.
How does familial rejection shape queer identity development, social functioning, and emotional well-being, and how does chosen family mitigate these effects?
Familial rejection can have significant impacts on a person's development of a queer identity, their ability to form healthy relationships, and their overall sense of self. When someone is rejected by their biological family due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, they may experience feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and shame. This can lead them to internalize negative messages about themselves and their worth, which can be difficult to overcome.