Glossary

4.4 Societal attitudes and discrimination

4 min read•august 1, 2024

Societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals have varied throughout history, from acceptance to persecution. While progress has been made in many places, discrimination persists. LGBTQ+ people still face challenges in employment, housing, healthcare, and other areas of life.

Discrimination can severely impact LGBTQ+ mental and physical health, leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and chronic illnesses. Strategies for inclusion involve legal protections, inclusive policies, education, and support systems to create a more welcoming society for all.

Societal Attitudes towards LGBTQ+ Individuals

Historical Attitudes

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  • Societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals have varied throughout history and across cultures, ranging from acceptance and celebration to stigmatization and persecution
  • In many ancient civilizations (ancient Greece and Rome), same-sex relationships were accepted and even celebrated in certain contexts, while in other societies, they were strictly forbidden and punished
  • The rise of Christianity and other Abrahamic religions in the Western world led to the widespread condemnation and criminalization of same-sex relationships and gender non-conformity

Contemporary Attitudes

  • The medicalization of homosexuality in the late 19th and early 20th centuries further contributed to the stigmatization of LGBTQ+ individuals by classifying it as a mental disorder
  • The modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, which began in the mid-20th century, has led to significant progress in terms of legal rights and social acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals in many parts of the world
    • This includes the decriminalization of homosexuality, the legalization of , and the passage of in many countries
  • Despite this progress, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face discrimination, violence, and in many societies, particularly in countries where homosexuality remains criminalized or where conservative religious or cultural attitudes prevail (Saudi Arabia, Uganda)

Discrimination against LGBTQ+ Individuals

Discrimination in Various Aspects of Life

  • LGBTQ+ individuals may experience discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment, housing, healthcare, education, and public accommodations
  • Employment discrimination can take the form of hiring discrimination, workplace harassment, unequal pay, and wrongful termination based on sexual orientation or
  • Housing discrimination can involve the denial of rental applications, eviction, or harassment by landlords or neighbors based on LGBTQ+ status
  • Healthcare discrimination can include the denial of medical services, inadequate or inappropriate care, or the refusal to recognize same-sex partners as legal next of kin
  • In educational settings, LGBTQ+ students may face bullying, harassment, or exclusion from school activities and resources

Criminalization and Severe Discrimination

  • LGBTQ+ individuals may also experience discrimination in public accommodations, such as being denied service or access to facilities based on their sexual orientation or gender identity (restrooms, locker rooms)
  • In some countries, LGBTQ+ individuals face criminalization, imprisonment, or even the death penalty for their sexual orientation or gender identity
    • As of 2021, homosexuality remains criminalized in over 70 countries, with penalties ranging from fines and imprisonment to the death penalty in a handful of countries (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen)

Impact of Discrimination on LGBTQ+ Well-being

Mental Health Consequences

  • Discrimination and stigmatization can have severe negative impacts on the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals
  • LGBTQ+ individuals who experience discrimination are at higher risk for developing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation
  • Internalized or , which occurs when LGBTQ+ individuals internalize negative societal attitudes about their identities, can further contribute to mental health problems
  • LGBTQ+ youth who face rejection or lack of support from their families are at particularly high risk for homelessness, substance abuse, and suicide

Physical Health and Social Consequences

  • The stress and trauma associated with discrimination can lead to chronic health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and weakened immune function
  • Discrimination can also lead to social isolation and loneliness, as LGBTQ+ individuals may feel unsafe or unwelcome in certain social settings or communities
  • The cumulative impact of discrimination over a lifetime can lead to significant disparities in mental and physical health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals compared to their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts
    • Studies have found that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, compared to non-LGBTQ+ individuals

Strategies for LGBTQ+ Inclusion

  • Legal protections, such as anti-discrimination laws and hate crime legislation, can help to reduce discrimination and provide recourse for LGBTQ+ individuals who experience mistreatment
  • Inclusive policies and practices in workplaces, schools, and other institutions can create a more welcoming and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals
    • Examples include non-discrimination policies, diversity training, and the provision of gender-neutral restrooms and locker rooms
  • Education and awareness campaigns can help to reduce and promote understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals among the general public

Support and Allyship

  • Positive media representation of LGBTQ+ individuals and their experiences can help to challenge stereotypes and promote more nuanced and accurate understandings of LGBTQ+ identities (TV shows, movies, books)
  • Providing support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, such as counseling services, support groups, and community centers, can help to mitigate the negative impacts of discrimination and promote resilience
  • Encouraging allyship and solidarity among non-LGBTQ+ individuals can help to create a more inclusive and supportive social environment for LGBTQ+ individuals
  • Addressing the root causes of discrimination, such as and binary gender norms, through education and cultural change can help to create a more fundamentally inclusive society over time

Key Terms to Review (18)

Anti-discrimination laws: Anti-discrimination laws are legal frameworks designed to protect individuals from unfair treatment based on certain characteristics, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. These laws aim to promote equality and prevent discrimination in various areas including employment, housing, and education. They are especially relevant in discussions around LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, societal attitudes and discrimination, and the legal aspects of sexual behavior.
Gender Identity: Gender identity is a deeply held sense of being male, female, a blend of both, or neither, which may or may not align with an individual's sex assigned at birth. This understanding of oneself is influenced by a mix of biological, social, and psychological factors and plays a critical role in how individuals express themselves and navigate their relationships within society.
Heteronormativity: Heteronormativity refers to the cultural belief that heterosexuality is the default or 'normal' sexual orientation, which often marginalizes other sexual orientations and identities. This belief system influences various aspects of society, reinforcing binary gender roles and creating expectations about relationships and family structures that privilege heterosexual couples while stigmatizing LGBTQ+ identities.
Homophobia: Homophobia refers to the fear, hatred, or prejudice against individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ or those perceived to be LGBTQ+. This negative attitude can manifest in various forms, including discrimination, social stigma, and acts of violence. It plays a significant role in shaping societal attitudes and contributes to legal inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, impacting their rights and protections within society.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how different aspects of a person's identity, such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, intersect to create unique experiences of privilege and oppression. This concept emphasizes that individuals are shaped by multiple identities, which can lead to varying levels of discrimination or privilege in society.
Marginalization: Marginalization refers to the social process by which certain groups or individuals are pushed to the edges of society, resulting in their diminished access to resources, rights, and opportunities. This process often leads to systemic inequalities, where marginalized groups experience discrimination, limited visibility, and exclusion from mainstream social, economic, and political activities.
Marriage Equality Movement: The marriage equality movement refers to the ongoing campaign advocating for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages and the equal rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in relation to marriage. This movement seeks to challenge societal norms and legal barriers that discriminate against same-sex couples, emphasizing the fundamental right to marry regardless of sexual orientation. As it progresses, it highlights broader issues of discrimination and societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals.
Queer theory: Queer theory is an interdisciplinary framework that challenges and deconstructs normative understandings of gender and sexuality, emphasizing the fluidity of these identities. It critiques the binary categorization of sexual orientation and gender, advocating for a more inclusive understanding that recognizes diverse experiences and expressions beyond traditional labels.
Reproductive rights: Reproductive rights refer to the legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health, including the right to access family planning services, contraception, and abortion. These rights are essential for individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health and have been influenced by various historical, cultural, and societal factors over time.
Same-sex marriage: Same-sex marriage is the legally recognized union between two individuals of the same gender, granting them the same legal rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples. This term reflects a significant evolution in societal views on relationships, love, and equality, highlighting a shift towards greater acceptance and recognition of diverse sexual orientations. The progression of same-sex marriage rights is intertwined with historical struggles for LGBTQ+ equality and the changing cultural norms surrounding marriage.
Sex Positivity: Sex positivity is an attitude that embraces and promotes healthy sexual expression, viewing sexuality as a natural and important aspect of human life. This concept encourages open discussions about sex, supports individual choices regarding sexual practices, and challenges societal norms that stigmatize certain sexual behaviors. It plays a significant role in how we understand various aspects of sexuality, including individual rights, personal agency, and the importance of consent.
Sexual Consent: Sexual consent refers to an explicit agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity. This agreement must be informed, mutual, and can be revoked at any time, emphasizing the importance of communication and respect in sexual interactions. Understanding sexual consent is crucial as it intersects with historical perspectives on sexuality, societal norms, sexual responses, partnered activities, therapeutic practices, and moral considerations.
Sexual identity: Sexual identity refers to how individuals perceive themselves and identify in terms of their sexual orientation and preferences. It encompasses a person's feelings, attractions, behaviors, and roles within the context of sexuality. Sexual identity is not just about whom one is attracted to, but also how one expresses that attraction and how they relate to societal norms and expectations surrounding sexuality.
Sexual Orientation Bias: Sexual orientation bias refers to the prejudice or discrimination against individuals based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation. This bias manifests in various societal attitudes, resulting in unequal treatment and negative stereotypes towards LGBTQ+ individuals, which can lead to broader patterns of discrimination in multiple areas of life such as employment, housing, and healthcare.
Sexualization of Culture: The sexualization of culture refers to the process where sexual imagery, language, and themes become prominent and normalized in various aspects of society, such as media, advertising, and everyday interactions. This phenomenon shapes societal attitudes towards sexuality, influencing how individuals perceive themselves and others, often leading to the objectification and commodification of bodies. As a result, this pervasive sexual imagery can foster discriminatory attitudes based on gender, sexuality, and body image.
Stigma: Stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs that society holds towards certain characteristics, behaviors, or identities, often resulting in discrimination and social exclusion. It can lead to harmful consequences for individuals, especially those who belong to marginalized groups, as stigma can affect their mental health, access to resources, and overall quality of life.
Stonewall Riots: The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, which occurred in June 1969. These riots are widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, leading to the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and greater visibility for sexual orientation and gender identity issues in society.
Transphobia: Transphobia refers to the fear, prejudice, or discrimination against transgender individuals or those who do not conform to traditional gender norms. This negative attitude can manifest in various forms, including social exclusion, verbal harassment, and systemic discrimination, impacting the lives of transgender people and contributing to broader societal attitudes about gender identity.
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