LGBTQ+ is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning. These terms are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It may refer to anyone who is non-heterosexual or non-cisgender. LGBTQ+ is short for LGBTQQIP2SAA. Let’s see what each of these letters mean:

L – Lesbian – A woman who is attracted to other women, either sexually, emotionally, or both.

G – Gay – Traditionally, ‘gay’ was used to describe a man who was sexually and/or emotionally attracted to other men. Presently however, the term is used to describe homosexuality as a whole. It refers to both men and women who are attracted to the same sex.

B – Bisexual – Those who identify as bisexual are attracted to more than one gender identity.

T – Transgender – Transgender, or “trans” for short, refers to a person whose gender identity differs from the one assigned to them at birth.

Q – Queer – The word “Queer” is an umbrella term for anyone who is not straight or cisgender.

Q – Questioning – Questioning, or “curious”, refers to anyone who is unsure of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Members of this group go on to identify as one of the other groups later, or decide that they are straight/cisgender.

I – Intersex – It is an umbrella term for those who are born with traits that prevent them from fitting the traditional gender molds of male and female. These traits can be biological, hormonal, genetic, or anatomical in nature.

P – Pansexual – Pansexual people are sexually and/or emotionally attracted to all gender identities. They do not discriminate by one’s sex, gender, or identity.

2s – Two-Spirit – “Two-Spirit” is an umbrella term used to describe members of Native American cultures who fulfill a traditional third gender or other variants in a ceremonial or social role. The exact nature of these variants differs for each tribe, and the term was created to refer to them collectively.

A – Androgynous – “Androgynous” refers to someone who either presents or identifies as neither masculine nor feminine. Instead they are a mix or indeterminate gender.

A – Asexual – Asexual people lack any sexual attraction to other people, no matter the identity. Asexual people may feel romantic affection for others but they do not have the desire to act on that desire in a sexual manner.

+ – The plus sign, found at the end of LGBTQ+, is used to refer to any who feel they are not represented by any of the above. The pride movement prioritizes inclusivity and thus establishes spaces for those who don’t necessarily fit in.

Gender identity is defined as a personal conception of oneself as man/boy or woman/girl or as some combination of man/boy and woman/girl or as someone outside those categories altogether. For most persons, gender identity and biological sex correspond in the conventional way. Some individuals, however, experience little or no connection between sex and gender, such as among transgender persons.

Sexual orientation is a term used to refer to a person’s pattern of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to people of a particular gender (male or female).

Being of lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations are not disorders. Research has found no inherent association between any of these sexual orientations and psychopathology. Both heterosexual behavior and homosexual behavior are normal aspects of human sexuality.  LGBT communities still experience significant emotional distress and mental health challenges as a result of stigmatization, victimization, discrimination and barriers to accessing mental healthcare services.

Present condition in Nepal

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in Nepal are among the most progressive in Asia. The Nepalese Constitution (2015) recognizes LGBT rights as fundamental rights. The Nepalese Constitution includes several provisions pertaining to the rights of LGBT people. These are the right to acquire a citizenship certificate in accordance to one’s gender identity, a prohibition on discrimination on any ground including sex by the State and by private parties, eligibility for special protections that may be provided by law, and the right of access to public services for gender and sexual minorities.

However, despite these supportive laws and provisions, LGBT people still face societal discrimination in Nepal and there is significant pressure to conform and to marry a partner of the opposite sex.

Important risk factors of LGBTQ+ peoples’ mental health

1. Coming out
   For people in an unsupportive environment coming out could have a negative impact on their mental health.
   
2. Rejection and discrimination
   Gender inequality, harmful social norms and practices towards people who identify as LGBTIQ+ fuels stigma, discrimination and violence, often to an extreme level. This has a severe adverse effect on them.
   
3. Substance abuse
   People with LGBTQ+ are found to have an increase risk of substance abuse.
   
4. Homelessness
   Due to family rejection or discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, LGBTQ+ face homelessness as well as difficulty finding homeless shelter.
   
5. Suicide
   Many people in this community struggle in silence and are at a greater risk of suicide compared to heterosexual groups.
   
   

How can we be respectful of people who identify as LGBTQ?

• We can be genuine and curious about someone’s life without being invasive.
• Ask open-ended questions.
• Ask people about their preferred pronouns, and use them.
• Be willing to make mistakes and apologize, and try again without being defensive.
• Do not ask trans-identified people about their birth name or the medical steps toward transition.
  

How can we help someone who might be struggling?

• Give support in the way we would give it to anyone.
• Active listening is a good way to start. So is asking how we can help.
• It is also important that we always show respect and acceptance through words and actions.
• Reflect the person’s language about partners and identity.

Tips for self-care

1. Physical self-care:
   It includes what are you eating, how much sleep you’re getting, how much physical activity you are doing, and how well you’re caring for your physical needs.
   
   
2. Coming out:
   Coming out should be on your own terms. Nobody else’s. Respect yourself and do it when you are ready.
   
   
3. Find a creative outlet:
   Find an escape and dive into your creative side such as being involved in music, painting, gardening, or playing sports.
   
   
4. Mental self-care:
   Mental self-care includes doing things that keep your mind sharp, like puzzles, or learning about a subject that fascinates you. You might find reading books or watching movies that inspire you fuels your mind. Practicing self-compassion and acceptance, for example, helps you maintain a healthier inner dialogue.
   
   
5. Emotional self-care:
   Emotional self-care may include activities that help you acknowledge and express your feelings regularly and safely. These are healthy coping skills. Whether you talk to a partner or close friend about how you feel, or you set aside time for leisure activities that help you process your emotions, it’s important to incorporate emotional self-care into your life.
   
   
6. Community care and finding support:
   It includes getting together with others, to talk non-politics, or to learn more about what others are doing that might interest you, i.e. socialize and surround yourself with people who appreciate or support you.
   
   
   

Benefits of effective self-care routine

• Reducing anxiety and depression
• Reducing stress and improving resilience
• Improving happiness
• Increasing energy
• Reducing burnout
• Stronger interpersonal relationships
  
  
  
  
  
  

References

Abshire, L. (2022). Mental Health in the LGBTQIA+ Community – Sage Neuroscience Center. Sage Neuroscience Center. Retrieved 5 July 2022, from https://sageclinic.org/blog/mental-health-in-the-lgbtqia-community/.

Scott, E. (2022). 5 Self-Care Practices for Every Area of Your Life. Verywell Mind. Retrieved 6 July 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729#:~:text=Physical%20self%2Dcare%20includes%20how,of%20good%20physical%20self%2Dcare.

Mason, S. (2022). Mental health challenges in the LGBTQ community | HealthPartners Blog. HealthPartners Blog. Retrieved 5 July 2022, from https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/mental-health-in-the-lgbtq-community/.

Smith, J. (2022). The Meaning of LGBTQQIP2SAA – The George-Anne Media Group. The George-Anne Media Group. Retrieved 5 July 2022, from https://thegeorgeanne.com/30774/reflector/the-meaning-of-lgbtqqip2saa/