Sexual minorities in society

The term "sexual minority" is used to collectively describe non-heteronormative and transgender people , i.e. those whose sexual orientation or gender identity does not fit into the model considered traditional. This term may not be very fortunate - the word "minority" additionally emphasizes the existing division and a certain isolation from the "majority" - but its advantage is its capacity and inclusiveness. It is worth noting that the problems related to this social group do not only affect their representatives - they often also include their families and friends , who are concerned about the health and safety of their loved ones.

Adolescence is most often a stage of life associated with constant self-reflection and attempts to discover one's own identity. As a result, a young person is seriously exposed to stress related to gender and sexual identity, especially if they are forced to hide it from their immediate family, and living in chronic stress often leads to health problems, both physical and mental. According to numerous studies by many groups of scientists, suicidal thoughts and attempts are much more common among non-heteronormative teenagers than among their cis hetero peers. And stressed youth later grow up to be stressed adults.

Data on the feeling of safety

Although the legal situation of sexual minorities has improved over the past few decades (remember that homosexuality was treated as a mental illness back in the 1970s), their daily lives are still associated with psychological discomfort . The Office for National Statistics, a British government body dealing with statistics, has been conducting long-term studies on the lifestyles of non-heteronormative people. The data they have collected shows, for example, that nearly 18% of respondents avoid medical visits because they worry that they may be treated differently than other patients . Unfortunately, these concerns are not unfounded - as many as 6% of doctors surveyed by the ONS admit that they do not want to treat LGBTQ+ people. Therefore, when a question about sexual orientation appeared in the surveys completed during registration at medical facilities, only 1% of patients admitted to being non-heteronormative. All of these conclusions are disturbing: doctors are supposed to be people who create a safe space and whom we trust, but in reality we have stressed patients, embarrassed or reluctant doctors, and medical students who hide their orientation so as not to have problems because of it at university.

As well as avoiding doctors’ surgeries, the strategy of hiding is also evident in other areas of life. ONS research shows that many LGBTQ+ people constantly feel unsafe when they are out and about . This is why they avoid cafes and restaurants, and even public transport. They also often have specific places where they do their daily shopping where they feel relatively safe. Religious gatherings are also a source of tension. Dominant religions such as Christianity and Islam tend to be hostile towards orientations other than heterosexuality, which is particularly difficult when a member of a sexual minority identifies as a religious person and is forced to face rejection by their own group.

What can be done to improve this state of affairs at least a little?

First, it is good to try to understand where the reluctance and prejudice may come from. Of course, there may be many reasons, but not without significance are fears resulting from ignorance and consequently relying on stereotypes . If we notice such reluctance in ourselves, let us ask ourselves what is its basis? If we do not know or do not understand something, let us try to increase our knowledge so as not to base it on assumptions or repeating false beliefs. In everyday conversations, we try to use inclusive language and not assume that every person we meet is heterosexual. Let us also draw the attention of our loved ones and friends to their exclusive behaviors - they may be doing it unconsciously. If not, let us not ignore it - then we give permission for homophobic comments.

Why is it important?

Why should we care about the comfort of sexual minorities, even if it doesn’t concern ourselves or our loved ones? Because we all want to live in a safe world, where mutual kindness and concern for safety are the standard, not a lofty ideal. But the only way to make that happen is through personal efforts by each of us.