Exploring How Stigma Against the LGBTQ+ Community Influences the Members’ Health in India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v11i4.3612Keywords:
LGBTQ , stigma, mental well-beingAbstract
The aim of the study was to explore the impact of stigma on the mental health of members of the LGBTQ+ community in India and provide recommendations to reduce this impact based the use of qualitative data through interviews and surveys. The content of the data was analysed for emerging themes of which the most prominent were. This study recruited 14 non-heterosexual individuals (bisexual, homosexual and transsexual.) The results showed that 78.6% of the individuals experienced dejection of which 57.1% overall met the criteria for clinical depression. 71.4% of the participants have combatted fear as a result of constant taunts from others. 64.3% of the participants felt lonely due to abuse by their families and communities. 50.0% of participants felt ashamed of their sexualities. 50.0% of the participants were also helpless when they discovered their sexualities. 28.6% of the participants reporting or attempting suicidal (thoughts.) It appears that mindset changes are necessary to eliminate prevalent heterosexism and stigma against the LGBTQ+ community. This will ensure better mental well-being for members. This can be done through education and awareness coupled with community support and additional mental health services to support members of the LGBTQ+ community.
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