There has been increasing recognition of the role that societal inclusion and exclusion play in shaping psychological resilience, identity formation, and lived experiences among members of LGBTQIA+ communities. This article seeks to explore how these two factors interact to impact the mental health, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual/aromantic/agender/androgynous/pansexual/polysexual/demisexual/nonbinary. The concept of societal inclusion refers to the degree to which individuals are accepted, valued, and supported within their social environment, while exclusion involves feelings of rejection, marginalization, and isolation. These two constructs have significant implications for individuals' sense of belonging, self-esteem, and ability to thrive in various contexts, including workplaces, educational institutions, religious organizations, families, and social groups.
The psychological effects of societal inclusion and exclusion can manifest themselves in different ways, depending on individual characteristics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, and geographic location.
Some research suggests that LGBTQIA+ people who experience high levels of acceptance and support from family and friends tend to have better mental health outcomes than those who do not (Cochran & Mays, 2007). Similarly, individuals who feel welcomed and affirmed by their cultural community may be more likely to report positive emotional health and resilience in response to external stressors (Diaz et al., 2016).
Even when they enjoy strong social connections with loved ones and communities, members of these minority groups may still face discrimination, prejudice, and microaggressions that erode their sense of safety and security, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms (Herek & Capitanio, 2015).
Experiences of inclusion and exclusion can shape identity formation processes among LGBTQIA+ individuals. Inclusive environments provide opportunities for open exploration, self-discovery, and personal growth, while exclusionary environments can lead to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and internalized homophobia or transphobia (Grosskurth, 2018). These identities are often fluid and evolving, influenced by a variety of factors including physical appearance, expression, behavior, relationships, and interactions with others (McDaniel et al., 2019). As such, the degree of societal inclusion and exclusion experienced by an individual at any given time can impact how they view themselves and interact with the world around them.
Lived experience is another important aspect of psychological resilience, identity formation, and quality of life within LGBTQIA+ communities. This refers to the day-to-day challenges and successes encountered by individuals as they navigate their intersecting identities, relationships, and social contexts.
Those who live in areas where same-sex marriage is legal may have greater access to resources and support networks than those in places where it remains illegal (Sears, Bockting, & Rosser, 2017). Similarly, people who hold marginalized identities within their own cultural groups may face additional barriers to inclusion and belonging that require unique strategies for coping and resilience (Aldrich et al., 2020).
The intersectionality of these three concepts suggests that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to promoting positive mental health, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life among LGBTQIA+ individuals; instead, targeted interventions must consider the complex and multifaceted nature of each person's experiences.
Understanding the dialectic between societal inclusion and exclusion provides insights into the resilience, identity formation, and lived experience of LGBTQIA+ individuals. While some may benefit from high levels of acceptance and affirmation, others may struggle with internalized shame or external discrimination. Moving forward, researchers, practitioners, and advocates should continue exploring ways to create more inclusive environments, foster positive self-identity, and address disparities in access to resources and support for all members of these communities.
How does the dialectic of societal inclusion and exclusion shape psychological resilience, identity formation, and lived experience in LGBT communities?
The dialectic between societal inclusion and exclusion shapes psychological resilience, identity formation, and lived experiences of people from marginalized groups such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities. The process of marginalization often leads to feelings of rejection, stigmatization, and exclusion, which can negatively impact an individual's mental health and self-esteem.