The Role of Allies in LGBT+ Mental Health

Being a part of the LGBT+ Community is often synonymous with being labeled as

different. On a daily basis, the members of the community face discrimination,

prejudice, bullying, and even violence due to their sexual and/or gender identity.

Quite naturally, these experiences have an adverse impact on the mental/physical

health and emotional well-being of the individuals belonging to the said community.

A majority of adolescent members of the LGBT+ Community experience

homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia-related bullying, both online and in school. It

isn’t surprising that research shows that when compared with the general population,

the members of the LGBT+ Community face higher rates of emotional distress.

A substantial proportion of members of the community develop issues such as low

self-esteem, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, etcetera. And unfortunately, the

tragic outcome, many times, is suicide. It isn’t a person’s sexual and/or gender

identity or involvement in the LGBT+ Community that initiates these problems;

instead, it’s the stigma and the discrimination that they face which causes such

issues.

As an ally of the LGBT+ Community myself, I firmly believe that providing support to

the members of the community is essential to ensure their mental, emotional and

social well-being. It is imperative to understand that the members of the LGBT+

Community are not asking for sympathy or pity, instead, they demand basic,

fundamental human rights and the ability to freely express themselves and live as

equals.

Supporting the LGBT+ Community is of acute significance to ensure the overall well-

being of its members. We need to understand that a change needs to be brought

about. We need to create a safe and healthy environment that encourages

everyone to be proud of who they are and to be able to share their experiences and

voice their opinions.

All sexualities and identities are valid. You are valid.