THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY THROUGH A COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY LENS: A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP

 

When we consider  the term 'minority' the community that comes to our minds is that of the LGBTQIA+. This particular set of letters stands for something much more significant; something which isn't new to us. So just to refresh all of our memories, this evolving abbreviation stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual and is a representation of the sexuality and gender identity spectrum. The fight for acceptance and equal rights by the LGBTQ+ community has advanced significantly when compared to the older times. Our history gives us all a detailed, yet unimaginable and an unjustifiable account of the oppression, stigma and discrimination the community has faced in itself for decades. Although we have come a long way, there still is much work to be done; moreover,  understanding community dynamics through the lens of community psychology opens our eyes to new possibilities and fresher perspectives. 

People of the LGBTQ+ community have been exposed to long-standing issues like marginalization, stigma, prejudice and discrimination being some of the many; basic human rights have been denied to those who belong to the spectrum and in several cases  they have been subjected to inequality . The stigma towards those belonging to the spectrum has ultimately resulted in a lower quality of life, unemployment, and in many cases, homelessness. However, after several years of struggle and fight they have overcome decades of hardship and discrimination to make outstanding progress towards acceptance and equality. 

Well, you might be wondering how community psychology has helped in any of these aspects, and let me tell you, you would be surprised!  It is a  novel approach towards  understanding people within their environments, including the larger social systems that have an impact on their lives. While collaborating with organizations and promoting empowerment, there is a focus on person-environment fit. The stories of individuals who belong to the community provides evidence of how well community psychology ideas work to support advocacy, resilience, and societal change. They have achieved significant strides over time, demonstrating the power of collective action and the ideas of community psychology. The LGBTQ+ community has successfully lobbied for legislative changes, including marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws. Community psychology emphasizes the significance of institutional and policy reforms in improving social justice within communities. It aggressively combats systematic prejudice and tries to alter cultural norms, laws, and policies that uphold inequity. Community psychologists frequently participate in advocacy campaigns for LGBTQ+ people in order to advance legal recognition and equal rights for them. 

 A fundamental tenet of community psychology is giving people the tools they need, to actively participate in changing their communities and advocating for change; it also emphasizes on the importance of collective pride and identity being shaped by representation. Collaboration between LGBTQ+ organizations, mental health service providers, and educational institutions can create a network of support.  These partnerships with the support of this field of psychology, helps in successfully addressing the needs of the community; it strives to establish safe spaces and support groups where people on the spectrum can interact, exchange experiences, and be themselves without worrying about being hurt or subjected to discrimination. Combating bullying in schools, creating workplaces that are more accepting of LGBTQ+ people, and supporting them in healthcare settings are all included in this. 

In addition, community psychology also recognizes how identities are interconnected, which is very important for the LGBTQ+ community. This entails being aware of the complex interactions and influences between various facets of identity, such as race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. Community psychologists approach the diverse needs of LGBTQ+ people from an intersectional perspective.

Furthermore, it is acknowledged that individuals belonging to the spectrum may get affected by certain distinct and complex mental health disorders as a result of decades of prejudice and injustice. The goals of community psychology interventions for the LGBTQ+ community are to abate stigma, improve access to mental health care, and promote resilience. Anti-stigma initiatives and community-based mental health programs may be involved. 

In conclusion, the LGBTQ+ community is moving towards inclusivity, acceptance, and equal rights, and community psychology provides a significant framework for understanding and assisting this movement. It offers the methods and ideas required to tackle the special difficulties this community has and co-operate for a more equitable and tolerant society. As we work toward a society where everyone can live authentically and with dignity, we may continue to celebrate the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community while also addressing its problems through community psychology. 

References: 

STUDIOGT - Desenvolvimento de sites - www.studiogt.com.br. (n.d.). The role of psychology in working with the LGBT population. https://www.cefipoa.com.br/en/o-papel-da-psicologia-no-trabalho-com-a-populacao-lgbt 

Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129(5), 674–697. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.5.674

Levine, M., Perkins, D. D., & Perkins, D. V. (2005). Principles of Community Psychology: Perspectives and applications. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/224817569_Principles_of_Community_Psychology_Perspectives_and_Applications

MSEd, K. C. (2022). Community psychology explores how individuals relate to society. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-community-psychology-2794898

About the Author: 

Aatmika Rao, Member, PsyCreative Column, Psychology Committee, SDSOS, NMIMS. 

Aatmika Rao enjoys reading a lot but sometimes struggles with deciding whether to spend more time in bed or choose the next book. She loves dancing too and it is one of the ways she expresses herself. She loves pets, especially doggos, and low-key enjoys a pets company more than humans. She finds horror movies hilarious and can't stop laughing when she's watching one. Finally, her one true love is coffee, in specific,  filter coffee (it satisfies her little south indian heart).