- Published: October 1, 2022
- Updated: October 1, 2022
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 23
Gender Identity Microaggressions My chosen family comprises of four individuals of different sexual orientation. Specifically, there is a heterosexual couple and lesbian partners. The heterosexuals are my girlfriend and me while the lesbians are Joan and Jenny. The need to understand the dynamics in the modern sexual orientation and gender identity influenced the choice for this family. Specifically, being a family enhances the understanding of others in a more detailed and unbiased approach than learning from books. In most cases, there are sexual stereotypes said about the LGBTQ that one learns to be untrue through close relationship and interactions. Therefore, the formation of the family aimed at exposing the members into different sexual orientation in, a more or less, observational technique to understand what sexuality entails. In this case, the family assists in understanding lesbianism and heterosexuals in a detailed manner. The family is not only a study association but also a social bond enhanced by the sexual diversity, indifference and respect. For this reason, the actual meaning of the relationship is immeasurable in both the neither qualitative nor quantitative terms. However, the solidarity and cohesion promoted by the family is unpredictable. The family is an opportunity to understand sexual orientation in a holistic perspective by examining the factors that influence sexuality, social perception, and the challenges experienced by the LGBTQ individuals.
The most common type of gender identity microaggressions in an institution is the disapproval of the LGBTQ experience where these individuals receive awkward and condemned treatment. Specifically, the disapproval occurs either consciously or unintentional. However, both cases causes harm to the victim (Nadal 91). Additionally, there is a general perception of the LGBTQs as abnormal for their non-conforming sexual orientation. Specifically, heterosexual individuals consider the LGBTQ persons as overly sexual and sexual deviant (Nadal 93). Other forms of microaggressions include the denial of the reality of transphobia, physical threat and harassment, and denial of bodily privacy among others (Nadal 96).
Notably, institutions such as schools and the workplace exhibit instances of gender identity microaggressions. Specifically, the most common types of discrimination occur among friends, family members or even the LGBT people (Nadal, 2013). The consequence of microaggressions includes victimization, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, and depression among other well-being effects. For this reason, gender identity discrimination from LGBT people is equally harmful to that from the heterosexual individuals. Notably, the LGBT expects their counterparts to show compassion since they understand the challenges associated with their sexual orientation. Therefore, discrimination expressed by these groups send a message that a particular orientation within the LGBT community is justifiable or socially upright than the other are (Nadal, 104). Consequently, this leads to a sense of rejection and pioneer negative feeling of suicide, depression, and substance abuse.
The transgender or gender-nonconforming communities experience various challenges because of their intergroup culture. For example, in health care, this population is vulnerable as there is a lack of cultural competent healthcare providers to offer adequate quality services. The most fundamental strategies of increasing cultural competence while working with this population include talking, gawking, and collecting data to aid in the understanding of their challenges and needs (Hanssmann, Morrison, and Russian 7-9). Specifically, understand the challenges and the specific needs are imperative. Notably, this is achievable through open communication and observation. When there is adequate information about the group, it is easy to work with them and provide services that satisfy their needs.
Works Cited
Hanssmann, Christoph, Darius Morrison, and Ellery Russian. ” Talking, Gawking, or Getting It Done: Provider Trainings to Increase Cultural and Clinical Competence for Transgender and Gender-nonconforming Patients and Clients.” Sexuality Research and Social Policy: Journal of Nsrc 5. 1 (2008): 5-23. Print.
Nadal, Kevin L. Thats so Gay!: Microaggressions and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community. Washington: American Psychological Assn., 2013. Print.