Psychological and Ethical Consequences of Prolonged Social Marginalization for LGBTQ+ Communities
Social marginalization is defined as the exclusion from society that leads to isolation, lack of resources, and diminished self-esteem. It can be caused by many factors such as age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, disability, and sexual orientation. When it comes to LGBTQ+ people, they are often marginalized due to their sexuality or gender identity, leading to significant psychological and ethical consequences. This essay will examine these effects and provide evidence for how prolonged social marginalization has negative impacts on mental health, physical well-being, and societal acceptance.
Mental Health Impacts
One major consequence of prolonged social marginalization is its effect on mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that LGBTQ+ individuals are twice as likely as heterosexual peers to experience mental illness. This is because they face discrimination, stigma, and prejudice in their daily lives, which can cause anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
Transgender individuals have a higher risk of suicide than cisgender individuals, with around one in five attempting to take their own life compared to one in twenty-five among cisgender individuals. This is due to rejection from family, friends, and communities, as well as struggles related to transitioning.
Physical Well-Being Impacts
Prolonged social marginalization also affects physical well-being. Studies show that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, and use drugs due to stress, anxiety, and depression. They may also engage in risky behavior such as unprotected sex or unsafe needle sharing, increasing the chances of contracting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C.
They often lack access to quality healthcare due to discrimination within medical facilities. These factors contribute to poorer physical health outcomes, including increased rates of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Societal Acceptance Impacts
The psychological and physical consequences of prolonged social marginalization are compounded by the broader societal impacts. When people feel isolated and rejected, they may turn to subcultures like drag balls, clubs, and online forums where they can find support and community.
These spaces are not always safe or welcoming, and many face violence, harassment, and discrimination even within these groups. This perpetuates feelings of isolation and exclusion, leading to further mental health issues.
When mainstream society continues to reject LGBTQ+ people, it reinforces negative stereotypes and creates a culture of prejudice and fear. This makes it difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals to live openly and safely, resulting in lower job prospects, housing instability, and educational disparities.
Prolonged social marginalization has significant psychological and ethical consequences for LGBTQ+ communities. It leads to higher rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and physical health problems, while creating barriers to living openly and authentically. By addressing these issues head-on, we can work towards greater acceptance and understanding, leading to better health outcomes and more fulfilling lives for all.
What are the psychological and ethical consequences of prolonged social marginalization for LGBTQ+ communities?
The experience of being excluded from society has significant psychological consequences on members of the LGBTQ+ community. Studies have found that those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other non-heteronormative sexual orientations are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm than their heterosexual counterparts (Hayes et al. , 2017).