Trauma and the LGBTQ+ Community
Trauma and the LGBTQ+ community have been historically linked and connected. Many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community experience trauma at higher rates than straight and cisgender people.
Although in America, our society and culture have made strides to be more inclusive and accepting of members of the LGBTQ+ community, many individuals still face unique mental health challenges rooted in trauma due to discrimination, adverse childhood experiences, violence, harassment, bullying, and even abuse.
Take a closer look at the statistics in this chart:
These particular experiences can negatively affect an LGBTQ+ individual’s perception of life, which includes relationships, family dynamics, work-life, school, and even your physical and mental health.
It’s important for members of the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced trauma to have access to safe, brave, and welcoming spaces that allows them to explore and heal from their trauma associated with their sexuality or gender identity. It’s within these spaces that members of the LGBTQ+ community can acknowledge their trauma and find support and acceptance where they can exist authentically as their true selves.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community with experience of trauma who are seeking support from a mental health professional should not only work with an LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist but a therapist who is trauma-informed.
A trauma-informed therapist recognizes that the experience of trauma of those within the LGBTQ+ community have unique challenges that deeply affects their body and psyche in a way that is different from straight and cisgender people.
Trauma-informed care is based off five principles:
Safety: Your safety is of the utmost importance. A therapist should be able to create a space in which you feel seen, heard, and validated regardless of your sexuality or gender identity.
Collaboration: A therapist should be able to support you in developing healthy coping mechanisms and strategies when triggered or retraumatized. You should never feel like you are not a part of the process of healing.
Trust: Transparency between a therapist and client is crucial to receiving care. A client should always know and understand what the therapeutic space entails. This is especially important for LGBTQ+ individuals moving on from trauma because much of their trauma stems from the lack of trust.
Choice: Is based on the recognition that healing comes from the sharing of power and decision making. It’s important that LGBTQ+ individuals make informed decisions about their life.
Empower: Individuals should always feel safe and supported while simultaneously able to independently pursue their life goals without restrictions or fears. Empowerment for members of the LGBTQ+ community should approach this principle through an intersectional lens.
For example, bullying amongst LGBTQ+ youth is apparent and prevalent but if we take a closer look, bullying of Black and Latinx LGBTQ youth are more likely to experience harassment than LGBTQ+ white youth.
Empowering a LGBTQ+ person of color is different from empowering a white LGBTQ+ person AND recognizing that difference can lead to true empowerment.
Looking for support? Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma-informed therapist in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr or online therapy.
About the author:
(they/them)
Ken is a graduate of Columbia University with their Master’s in Advanced Clinical Social Work. They have been an activist and community organizer for marginalized communities since the age of fourteen. They began by advocating for healthy fresh affordable foods for low-income communities. That set the foundation for Ken’s advocacy work and has led them to do work specifically revolving around LGBTQ+ equity for youth and young adults, specifically LGBTQ+ and BIPOC homeless youth.
Ken is keen on uplifting and creating brave spaces for clients to truly be their authentic selves. Ken values the importance of finding and reclaiming one’s voice to feel empowered while also healing during the therapeutic process. They use both Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) when working in solidarity with clients. Ken is passionate about working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults.
In addition, Ken believes in the power of the arts and integrating that in therapy whether it be in regard to poetry, theater, painting, or music. Ken believes in the framework of listening, uplifting, supporting, and celebrating who you are as you navigate the world and strengthen your understanding of your emotions, mind, and body.