Oppressions and Exclusions' Impact on LGBT Individuals' Development
I will explore how systemic oppressions and social exclusions affect the cognitive, emotional, and relational development of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. As human beings, we all experience psychological and emotional changes that can have significant impacts on our overall well-being.
When it comes to marginalized groups like LGBT people, these changes are often more profound due to the societal pressures they face. The effects of systemic oppression and social exclusion can manifest themselves differently depending on factors such as gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, age, and other variables. This article will examine how different aspects of oppression and exclusion affect LGBT individuals' cognitive, emotional, and relational development.
Cognitive Development
The first aspect of development is cognitive development, which refers to the process by which humans acquire knowledge, learn skills, and develop intellectual abilities. In a heteronormative society, where most individuals identify as straight or cisgender, LGBT youth may feel out of place and struggle with understanding their own identities. They may not see themselves reflected in media, literature, or even the school curriculum. This lack of representation can lead to feelings of isolation and confusion, making them question their own reality and self-worth.
LGBT individuals may face discrimination in educational settings, leading to lower academic achievement rates than their peers. Studies show that LGBT students are more likely to drop out of school, have higher rates of depression and anxiety, and experience bullying and harassment from both teachers and peers. These experiences can negatively impact their cognitive development, resulting in lower academic performance and decreased confidence levels.
LGBT people may face difficulty finding role models who share similar experiences and backgrounds, making it challenging for them to understand how they fit into the world around them. Without these positive influences, they may become disengaged from learning, believing they do not belong in certain spaces or do not possess the necessary skills to succeed.
Systemic oppressions and social exclusions can significantly impact LGBT individuals' cognitive development, leaving them feeling isolated, confused, and unsupported.
Emotional Development
Emotional development involves the ability to express and regulate emotions appropriately, form healthy relationships, and manage stress effectively. In an oppressive society, LGBT people often face rejection, stigma, and prejudice, which can cause significant emotional distress.
Studies have shown that gay and bisexual men are twice as likely to suffer from depressive symptoms compared to heterosexual males. Transgender individuals also report higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation than cisgender individuals.
These emotional difficulties arise due to various factors, including discrimination, lack of acceptance, and marginalization. Many LGBT youth fear coming out because they fear rejection from friends, family, or communities. They may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their identities, leading to self-hatred and negative self-esteem. This sense of shame can persist throughout their lives, affecting their interpersonal relationships and overall well-being.
LGBT people may struggle with social support networks. Since many families and communities are not accepting, they may turn to online forums or virtual communities to find belonging.
This isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair.
Social pressure to conform to traditional gender roles can be particularly challenging for transgender individuals. Gender dysphoria is a psychological condition where one experiences discomfort or distress due to a mismatch between their assigned sex at birth and their gender identity. Transgender people may experience heightened anxiety and depression levels, impacting their ability to function in society.
Systemic oppression and social exclusions can significantly hinder LGBT individuals' emotional development, resulting in mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Relational Development
Relational development refers to the process by which individuals develop social skills, build healthy relationships, and interact positively with others. Systemic oppression and social exclusion can make it difficult for LGBT people to form strong connections and create meaningful relationships. They may face discrimination and marginalization from family, peers, and even strangers, making it difficult to feel safe and accepted.
LGBT youth often report feeling isolated and alone, leading to difficulty building friendships and forming romantic partnerships. Even if they do connect with someone who shares similar identities, they may still face societal stigma, making them reluctant to reveal their true selves. This lack of trust and vulnerability can damage the relationship over time.
Many families are not supportive of LGBT children, causing strained relationships between parents and offspring. Some parents may reject their children outright, while others tolerate but don't accept them fully. These dynamics can lead to poor communication, reduced parent-child bonding, and increased conflict. This tension can carry into adulthood, impacting future interpersonal relationships.
LGBT people may struggle to find role models or mentors who share similar experiences. Without positive influences in their lives, they may become disengaged from society, believing that there is no place for them. This alienation can impede their ability to connect with others and contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Systemic oppression and social exclusions can hinder LGBT individuals' relational development, preventing them from establishing healthy bonds and meaningful connections.
How do systemic oppression and social exclusion influence cognitive, emotional, and relational development in LGBT individuals?
In this essay, I will address how systemic oppression and social exclusion impact the cognitive, emotional, and relational development of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. Research has demonstrated that LGBT people experience discrimination from various sources, including family members, peers, educational institutions, religious groups, and government agencies.