Psychological Consequences of LGTBIfobia

LGTBIfobia inflicts a significant psychological toll on individuals who are part of the LGTBQA+ community. Have you ever wondered how aggressions of this kind can affect us in general terms?

What is LGTBIfobia?

When we talk about LGTBIfobia, we are referring to the discrimination faced by individuals in the LGTBQA+ community simply for not conforming to the norms of the cis-heteronormative system. This discrimination can manifest in various ways, including:

• Intolerance.
• Oppression.
• Violence (whether psychological, physical, or symbolic).

LGTBIfobia goes beyond the physical aggressions often seen in the news. It includes discrimination in areas such as employment, the creation of social prejudices related to any sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as the lack of recognition of rights, such as the absence of a State Trans Law.

Psychological Impact of LGTBIfobia

The numerous forms of discrimination faced by LGTBQA+ community members have a significant impact on their mental health. This psychological pressure can lead to medical issues when anxiety begins to interfere with daily functioning and results in health problems.

Some of the psychological consequences of LGTBIfobia include:

• Anxiety and stress.
• Tendency toward depression and other mood disorders.
• Feelings of helplessness and guilt.
• Increase in internalized LGTBIfobia.
• Higher likelihood of suicidal thoughts.
• Tendency toward self-harm and suicide attempts.
• Social isolation.
• Frustration.
• Issues with self-esteem, body image, and self-confidence.
• School absenteeism.
• Tendency toward substance abuse.
• Reduced academic performance.

Impact of Biphobia in Bisexual Visibility Month

This month, dedicated to bisexual visibility, provides an opportunity to highlight the specific impact of discrimination on bisexual individuals.

It is essential to recognize that bisexual individuals face a double discrimination, both from those outside the LGTBQA+ community and from within. It is not uncommon for gay or lesbian individuals to still not fully accept bisexuality, which is a real issue.

Bisexual adolescents, in particular, face high rates of suicidal thoughts, surpassed only by transgender individuals.

In addition to this, the psychological consequences of biphobia include:

• Intense feelings of guilt, with constant questioning of their orientation.
• Tendency toward social isolation.
• Anxiety and depression.
• Lack of acceptance of their own identity, in other words, internalization of biphobia.
• Shame.
• Fear.
• Tendency toward substance abuse.

Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, queer, or any other label, remember that you are valuable. If you are experiencing LGTBIfobia, seek support networks to help you overcome this situation, and if you need professional help, do not hesitate to contact psychologists who are openly LGTBIQA-friendly. You will see that you are not alone in this.