Navigating identity, including discovering who we are, who we are attracted to, and how we express ourselves, is a normal part of being human. In Australia, identifying as cis-gendered (where your identity matches the binary gender assigned to you at birth) and heterosexual has long been the established norm.
However, there are a wide range of genders and sexualities that don’t fit this experience, and the term LGBTQIA+ has come to represent this diverse community. Whilst also celebrated with events like Midsumma Festival and Mardi Gras, belonging to this community comes with unique challenges.
What are some of the challenges associated with being part of the LGBTQIA+ community?
The right to feel accepted, valued and worthy is a fundamental human right, regardless of someone’s gender or sexuality. Unfortunately, those who identify as anything outside of the traditional cisgender and heterosexual (e.g. lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and other non-binary identities), experience stigma, discrimination, erasure, prejudice, and abuse, both historically and in the present day.
Research has shown that LGBTQIA+ Australians experience higher rates of mental ill-health and psychological distress than those who are not sex, gender or sexuality diverse. This is not specifically because of their sexual or gender identity, but due to their unique experiences of discrimination and stigma faced on the basis of being LGBTQIA+.
How can a psychologist support members of the LGBTQIA+ community?
Psychologists can support members of the LGBTQIA+ community in a number of valuable ways. These can include:
- Providing a safe space to just be yourself, away from judgement and expectations found in the broader hetero- and cis-normative world
- Helping you navigate the process of self-exploration and self-acceptance
- Affirm, respect and validate your identity, including choice of pronouns
- Supporting the process of ‘coming out’
- Providing support and assistance around navigating distress associated with discrimination or marginalisation (also known as minority stress)
- Processing past traumatic or difficult experiences
- Understanding and healing internalised stigma (such as internalised homophobia)
- Helping you with relationships (family, friends, and intimate)
Psychologists familiar with LGBTIQIA+ concerns also understand that your gender and/or sexual identity may not be related to what you are struggling with. We won’t assume that just because someone identifies as belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community that their gender or sexuality needs to be a direct focus in therapy. Instead, your treatment for non-LGBTQIA+ specific concerns can be enhanced by gender and sexuality-affirming care.
How can Peaceful Mind Psychology help?
All of our psychologists at Peaceful Mind Psychology are inclusive and affirming in their practice, regardless of an individual’s gender or sexual identity. Some of our practitioners also take a particular interest in supporting those struggling with LGBTQIA+ issues. If you would like see a psychologist regarding your mental health and wellbeing, contact us to discuss today.