Affirmative Therapy: A therapeutic approach that validates and supports LGBTQ individuals' identities and experiences, creating a safe and supportive environment for exploration and growth.

Bi Erasure: The dismissal of bisexuality as a valid sexual orientation, where the experiences, identities, and relationships of individuals attracted to more than one gender are minimized, overlooked, or denied. It manifests through assumptions that bisexuality is a phase, reinforcement of a gay/straight binary, erasure within LGBTQ+ spaces and media representation, and invalidation of relationships. This phenomenon contributes to feelings of invisibility, invalidation, and self-doubt among bisexual individuals, exacerbating mental health challenges and hindering access to support and affirming spaces. 

Chosen Family: A supportive network of individuals (friends, mentors, community members) who provide the emotional, social, and sometimes material support that may be lacking from biological or legal family. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those who have experienced rejection from their families of origin, chosen family is a vital source of resilience, connection, and mental health support.

Cisnormativity: The assumption that all people are cisgender (meaning their gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth), and that cisgender identities are the norm or ideal. This pervasive assumption can lead to the marginalization, invalidation, and mental health strain of transgender and non-binary individuals by creating environments that do not acknowledge or accommodate their identities.

Coming Out: The process through which LGBTQ individuals reveal their sexual orientation or gender identity to others, which can be a significant and ongoing experience affecting mental health. Coming out can be an ongoing process for LGBTQ individuals over the course of their lives depending on where they live and their circumstances (work, family, religion, social life).

Conversion Therapy: A harmful and highly discredited practice that attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity through psychological or religious interventions. Conversion therapy is widely condemned by mental health professionals and the research consistently shows that it is completely ineffective and leads to increased anxiety, depression, suicidality, and more. 

Gender Affirmation: The process by which an individual comes to recognize, accept, and express their gender identity, and the process by which others acknowledge and support that identity. This can involve social (e.g., using chosen name and pronouns), legal (e.g., changing identity documents), and medical (e.g., hormones, surgeries) aspects. Experiencing gender affirmation is crucial for the mental health of transgender and non-binary individuals, significantly reducing dysphoria and promoting overall well-being.

Gender Dysphoria: The distress or discomfort experienced by individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender dysphoria can lead to significant emotional distress and may require mental health support.

Gender Euphoria: The profound sense of joy, comfort, or rightness that a transgender or non-binary person experiences when their gender is affirmed or expressed in a way that aligns with their internal sense of self. It is a positive and often powerful emotional experience that directly contributes to positive mental health outcomes and resilience against gender dysphoria.

Heteronormativity: The assumption that heterosexuality is the only normal or natural sexual orientation, and that romantic and sexual relationships are primarily between people of opposite genders. This societal assumption can contribute to the invisibility, marginalization, and mental health challenges of LGBTQ+ individuals by making their identities and relationships seem "other" or abnormal.

Internalized Homophobia/Transphobia: The internalization of negative societal attitudes and beliefs about homosexuality or transgender identity. Internalized homophobia/transphobia can lead to feelings of shame, self-hatred, and low self-esteem, contributing to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Intersectionality: The recognition that an individual's identity is shaped by multiple intersecting factors, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Intersectionality acknowledges the complexity of identity and the unique mental health challenges faced by individuals with intersecting marginalized identities.

LGBTQ Trauma: Psychological and emotional distress resulting from experiences unique to being LGBTQ+ in a heteronormative and cisnormative society. This can include experiences like rejection from family/friends, bullying, hate crimes, discrimination in housing/employment/healthcare, conversion therapy, and the cumulative impact of minority stress. Recognizing LGBTQ-specific trauma is vital for effective mental health treatment.

Microaggressions: Subtle, often unintentional forms of discrimination or invalidation experienced by LGBTQ individuals in their daily interactions. Microaggressions can have a cumulative effect on mental health and contribute to feelings of alienation, invisibility, and self-doubt.

Misgendering occurs when someone is referred to using pronouns or gendered language that does not align with their gender identity. Repeated misgendering, even if unintentional, can be a significant source of distress, invalidation, and mental health strain for transgender and non-binary individuals. Respecting chosen pronouns is fundamental to affirming identity and promoting mental well-being.

Minority Stress: The unique stressors experienced by LGBTQ individuals as a result of societal prejudice, discrimination, and stigma. Minority stress can contribute to mental health disparities, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse within the LGBTQ community.

Queer-Competent Care: Healthcare services that are sensitive to the needs of LGBTQ individuals and provided by professionals who are knowledgeable about LGBTQ identities and issues. Queer-competent care can improve access to mental health services and reduce disparities in care for LGBTQ individuals.

Queer Resilience: The capacity of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities to cope with, adapt to, and thrive in the face of adversity, discrimination, and minority stress. This term highlights the strengths, coping mechanisms, and community support systems that enable LGBTQ+ people to maintain and improve their mental health despite societal challenges.

Stigma (Internalized/Externalized): Stigma refers to negative societal attitudes and beliefs that lead to discrimination and prejudice. Externalized stigma is the outward manifestation of these negative attitudes (e.g., discrimination, slurs). Internalized stigma (which includes internalized homophobia/transphobia already listed) occurs when individuals internalize these negative messages about their own identity, leading to self-doubt, shame, and self-hatred. Both forms of stigma are major contributors to poor mental health outcomes in the LGBTQ+ community.

Transphobia: Prejudice, discrimination, or negative attitudes toward transgender individuals, often rooted in fear or misunderstanding of gender diversity. Transphobia can negatively impact the mental health and well-being of transgender individuals, contributing to stress, anxiety, and depression.

Affirming Therapy for LGBTQIA+ Mental Health

If you're a queer person struggling with one or more of the above, consider short term or long term LGBTQIA affirming therapy. An affirming therapist is familiar with all of the above and knows how to create a space that is validating of both your struggles, and your unique strengths.

Expansive Therapy is a 100% LGBTQ owned therapy practice, and most of our therapists are LGBTQ identified, so we truly understand the challenges our community faces and we are passionate about queer healing and empowerment. We have immediate openings in New York and California, reach out to our front desk today.