Coping with discrimination & stigma

Discrimination, broadly, is a term used to describe the mistreatment of people based on things like race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexual orientation, ability, age, and other parts of people’s identities. 

Sometimes, it can be hard to notice right away (e.g., covert discrimination or microaggressions).¹ In the United States, there have been massive efforts to combat discrimination, but unfortunately, it persists. Recent studies show nearly 70% of Americans have experienced some form of discrimination, and higher rates of experience with discrimination are related to poorer mental health outcomes and higher risk of suicide.²

Despite higher visibility and acceptance for LGBTQ+ folks, discrimination targeted toward LGBTQ+ people is still a major issue. Interpersonal discrimination is also common for many LGBTQ+ folks who experience familial and social rejection at higher rates than their straight, cisgender peers.⁴

Transphobia, the hatred, fear, and practice of discrimination against transgender or nonbinary people, is incredibly painful to endure. Trans folks face undue amounts of violence, barriers to care and employment, and explicit, legal discrimination in many states. Misinformation and ignorance about transgender and nonbinary people often contributes to this violence and discrimination.

Homophobia and biphobia, prejudice and hatred toward gay and bisexual people, is similarly challenging. Unwelcoming homes and a hostile social climate have also made a major impact on the mental health of LGBTQ+ people. They are at significantly heightened risk for PTSD, depression, and other mental health conditions—not because of who they are, but because of the way they’re often discriminated against in society. These conditions can become all the more difficult for racially marginalized LGBTQ+ folks who also face the burden of white supremacy. Coping with phobia can be very difficult. That’s why access to safe and accepting mental health care and affirming communities is so important.

Living through discrimination and stigma is far from easy. Understandably, it can inspire a range of emotional reactions; it can make people feel angry, ashamed, and afraid. It can even contribute to physical and mental health problems—though it’s important to note that isn’t inherently because of who you are but because of the negative impact of prolonged mistreatment.

Long-held attitudes of fear and misunderstanding toward usually oppressed, marginalized people create stigma. These attitudes developed over time into malicious beliefs that certain people are lazy, crazy, dangerous, uneducated, creepy, and more. There are a few kinds of stigma:

• Public stigma is the negative or discriminatory attitudes held by the general public
• Self-stigma or internalized stigma refers to negative attitudes about yourself that reflect those held by the public
• Institutional stigma is more systemic, involving policies (whether at a government or corporate/organizational level) that limit opportunities for certain people

1. National Public Radio. Microaggressions are a big deal: How to talk them out and when to walk away
2. American Psychological Association. The Impact of Discrimination
3. American Civil Liberties Union. Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2024
4. The Trevor Project. Facts About Suicide Among LGBTQ+ Young People
5. Kimberle Crenshaw. Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color