“The only queer people are those who don’t love anyone.” —Rita Mae Brown
I should start by saying I’m a 49-year-old gay man who has PTSD because of the verbal, physical, and sexual abuse I endured due to growing up gay in America.
Although I choose to be a victim no longer, even though I am being treated psychiatrically for it, I’m getting tired of most of today’s Americans who think there’s no reason for this phenomenon anymore. I was abused almost every day (and even shot once) because of the deep and saturated hate that existed in the majority of other human beings. So, what else is expected?
I don’t have to go far to find the current hate. The Governor of Florida, where I live (Ron DeSantis), has made sure staff in public schools are not able to support LGBTQ+ students in any way. Surely, Dear Readers, you know this. So, it’s still important to ask: What will this affect Florida’s children and adolescents?
So, yes, although most of us are grateful for the large number of people who now accept and support the LGBTQ+ community, it’s essential to understand that your LGBTQ+ friends, acquaintances, neighbors, or colleagues are still suffering (or currently suffering) from PTSD. And like members of the Black community, we are now enduring people’s assumption that the past ought not to influence the current cultural assumptions regarding minority health.
I will admit: Minorities are not the only ones abused or hated in America. This story is not about that. We must understand that hate ought never to be directed toward anyone except those who choose to hate once they become adults.
There seem to be five reasons that many members of the LGBTQ+ community (especially elderly ones) are suffering from PTSD. Although I realize my view may be narrow, and there are other reasons I haven’t thought of, the following reasons seem most apparent.
1. Minority Stress:
The first thing I thought about when it comes to PTSD is stress. There is indeed a concept called the “Minority Stress Model” (Meyer, Journal of Homosexuality, 2020), which suggests that LGBTQ individuals face chronic stress due to societal stigma and discrimination. This ongoing stress can contribute to the development of PTSD.
The study by Meyer states: “LGBTQ individuals are exposed to excess stress due to their minority position and that this stress causes an excess in mental disorders.”
2. Experiences of Violence and Harassment:
According to a report by the National Center for PTSD, “LGBT people are more likely to experience violence and other trauma than heterosexual and cisgender people. This puts them at greater risk for developing PTSD.”
This ought to go unsaid, but LGBTQ people are still more likely to experience physical and verbal abuse (Psychology Today, Brentmeier, 2024), and yes, self-abuse, which is either caused by or can lead to PTSD.
3. Family Rejection:
I was rejected by ALL family members growing up, so I speak to none today except my younger brother, who now realizes the cost of this rejection. He also wholly accepts LGBTQ+ members for who they are today. Rejection by family members can be a traumatic experience for LGBTQ individuals, potentially leading to PTSD.
To give some numbers and statistics, Ryan et al. (2009) found: “LGBT young adults who reported higher levels of family rejection during adolescence were 8.4 times more likely to report having attempted suicide, 5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression, and 3.4 times more likely to use illegal drugs.”
4. Internalized Homophobia/Transphobia:
We hear this concept all the time, but it’s essential to understand it because internalized negative attitudes about one’s own sexual orientation or gender identity can contribute to mental health issues, including PTSD.
Williamson, in LGBT Health, 2015, notes, “Internalized homophobia is a major factor in the development of depression and other mental health problems in lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals.” So, yes, Dear Readers, I’m even shocked to deeply learn that even those who are not LGBTQ+ can develop these mental disorders just by being filled with self-hate.
5. Delayed Identity Development:
Last, a concept called “Delayed Identity Development” stresses concealing one’s identity or coming out later in life. “Sexual orientation concealment and mental health problems are associated across development, with the strongest associations occurring in adulthood” (Pachankis et al. 2015).
Although this has become more and more rare, it can contribute to mental health challenges, such as PTSD, especially for the LGBTQ+ members who did this in the past and for those who are doing it right now. In fact, many current adolescents are delaying their identity right now. They can be sitting with or near you at this very moment. I am a friend with a nephew, for example, who is doing it right now.
So, overall, it’s important to note that while LGBTQ+ individuals may be at higher risk for PTSD, many factors contribute to an individual’s mental health, and not all LGBTQ people will develop PTSD. Access to supportive communities, affirming mental health care, and societal acceptance can all play protective roles in LGBTQ mental health. Perhaps you are already or can be one too now.
Thanks for considering reading this.