Deeper look into Queer Mental Health
Before we fully take a deep dive into the mental health of queer youth, it’s important to know the history of how homophobia has evolved and changed through time in different groups. Homophobia was originally coined in the 1960s by George Weinberg. It is believed that homosexuality and being gender fluid were actually widely accepted in many ancient cultures. In indigenous communities, the concept of Two-Spirit was recognized as an honor of having a spirit of male and female. It was seen as a gift; they could see through the feminine and masculine perspectives. They have a rich culture where they truly acknowledged this part of them. Gender fluidity was celebrated in these Native communities. There was a huge impact on Native people. The forced assimilation by European settlers negatively embedded their ideologies in the culture of these Indigenous people through Indian Boarding Schools. European invaders coerced and harmed these groups by objecting to all aspects of their culture, inhumanely stripping the Native people of their identity.
Some key turning points in the U.S. history of the LGBTQ+ community are when Illinois decriminalized homosexuality by revoking its sodomy law. Ending criminalization of consensual same sex adult acts. This marked a step in the right direction, slowly dismantling the inequalities built into our system.
In 1969, the Stonewall Riots began. These riots happened when NYPD raided a gay club located in Greenwich Village. The authorities took cross-dressers into custody. This sparked the riots with six days of protests. These events accelerated change by launching the gay rights movement, with Marsha P. Johnson as a prominent figure advocating for gay liberation and trans rights. June was then recognized as Pride Month in homage to the Stonewall Riots.
More recently, the U.S. Supreme Court expanded protection for LGBTQ+ employees. Protecting them under federal law from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This law has wide-ranging effects that could lead to less discrimination not only in work but also in controlling sex discrimination in health care, housing accommodations, and more.
After seeing some of the many examples of systemic discrimination constructed in our society, it is clear that people identifying as LGBTQ+ have a more difficult time navigating through the complexities of organized structures built by the people in power. Through forced assimilation by the European colonizers, we come to understand how that has shaped the outlook on people who identify as neither male nor female. Through the barbaric actions of these settlers, they have undeniably made a tremendous impact on these indigenous communities, depriving them of their culture and ethos. These historical events have influenced today’s norms. More recently, on a good note, they protected people who are LGBTQ+, making discrimination against these folks illegal. Not only are employees protected, but students and youth who are LGBTQ+. This gives encouragement and hope to those who are in less accepting communities. Rules and regulations put in place affect the younger generations, allowing them to feel safe in their environment. Lessening the weight on them and their identities.
Meaningful progress regarding LGBTQ+ people and the youth would look like protecting and providing more accessible care to those in need. Many LGBTQ+ youth already struggle with their identities; it would be much easier for them if they had a mentor or access to mental health care freely. The long-term consequences of neglecting mental health in LGBTQ+ youth are most likely to affect the rates of depression, suicide, and anxiety due to a lack of social support, further increasing the rate if it goes unnoticed. But with constant advocacy and involvement from allies and community members, while still putting in the work to inform parents on how to help their LGBTQ+ child. It continues to be a step in the right direction. Unification and openness go a long way.
