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LGBT-Friendly

LGBT-Friendly

Despite rapidly growing cultural acceptance of diverse and romantic orientations and gender identifications, oppression, discrimination, and marginalization of LGBT people persists. 

Coping with social prejudices and anxieties, coming out to one’s family and friends, and sorting out an authentic sense of self in the face of social expectations and pressures can lead to:

    • Higher levels of depression
    • Anxiety
    • Substance abuse
    • And other mental health concerns

Gender Dysphoria as Listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)

Gender dysphoria is listed as a psychological condition in the DSM-5 to account for the significant distress a person might experience when a person’s gender identity or expression does not correspond with that person’s physical sex assigned at birth.

Problems Faced by LGBT People in the Mainstream Society:

    • Discrimination in the workplace
    • Rejection from friends and family members
    • Homophobia
    • Harassment
    • Psychological distress
    • Barriers to care
    • Victims of hate crimes and violence
    • Legal injustice

Experiences that could negatively impact mental health:

    • Hostility from or rejection by loved ones or religious groups
    • Bullying at school, harassment by neighbors, danger of violence in public places
    • Casual homophobic comments on everyday basis
    • Prejudice/embarrassed response from professionals
    • No protection against discrimination at work, housing, pensions, etc.
    • Childhood sexual abuse
    • Verbal harassment, greater fear of physical violence and discrimination.

At The Personal Growth Center, we are qualified mental health professionals who have experience and familiarity with the issues that confront the LGBT community.  We believe that it is very important for LGBT individuals to build a strong support system and we are here to help achieve that goal.