Social Construction of Normalcy
The social construction of "normalcy" is a concept that refers to the way society defines what is considered normal behavior or characteristics for individuals. This includes how society views gender identity, sexual orientation, and romantic attractions. For many years, the majority of societies around the world have viewed heterosexuality as the norm, which has led to discrimination against those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+). In this essay, we will explore how the social construction of "normalcy" affects the lived experiences of LGBT people.
Gender Identity
Society's view of gender identity can have significant impacts on an individual's ability to live their lives openly and authentically. Many cultures still associate femininity and masculinity with specific traits and behaviors, making it difficult for those who do not conform to these expectations to be accepted. Transgender individuals may face criticism for presenting themselves in ways that do not align with their assigned sex at birth, while nonbinary individuals may struggle to find spaces where they feel comfortable expressing themselves fully. These factors can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation, as well as increased risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Sexual Orientation
Society's narrow view of sexual orientation can create barriers for those who identify as anything other than straight. Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia are all forms of prejudice that can result in harassment, violence, and even murder. LGBT people may fear coming out to friends, family members, and coworkers due to the potential repercussions. They may also struggle to find supportive communities or resources within their local area. This can lead to increased stress levels and higher rates of substance abuse among LGBT populations.
Romantic Attraction
The social construction of "normalcy" around romantic attraction can also impact how LGBT people navigate relationships. Heterosexuality is often considered the norm, meaning that LGBT people may face difficulties finding partners who share their same identity. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can contribute to poorer mental health outcomes.
LGBT people may face discrimination from service providers like therapists or healthcare professionals when seeking relationship counseling or medical services related to sexual health.
The social construction of "normalcy" has significant effects on the lived experiences of LGBT individuals. It creates obstacles in areas such as gender expression, sexual orientation, and romantic attraction, leading to increased risk of mental health issues, difficulty accessing necessary services, and a sense of alienation from mainstream culture. It is essential for society to work towards creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and accepted regardless of their identities. By doing so, we can promote positive mental health outcomes for all people, including those who identify as LGBT.
How does the social construction of “normalcy†affect the lived experiences of LGBT people?
The concept of normalcy is constructed by society and influenced by cultural norms and expectations. It can vary across time and space, with different meanings assigned to different behaviors based on individual beliefs and values. The social construction of normalcy has been used to exclude and discriminate against members of minority groups who deviate from societal expectations, including LGBT people.