Identifying and Understanding the Effects of Microaggression on LGBTQ+ People

CONTENT WARNING: This article or section, or pages it links to, contains information about Sexual Assault, Abuse, Sexism and misogyny, Transphobia and trans misogyny, Homophobia and heterosexism which may be triggering to some or all LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Pride Month is observed every June to commemorate the Stonewall riots of 1960, as well as to celebrate diversity and elevate oppressed voices in the LGBTQIA+ community. The majority of this community's members, however, face a disproportionate risk of violence, harassment, and abuse, all of which are deeply rooted in microaggression.

Microaggressions are "brief verbal, intentional or unintentional, behavioural, or environmental indignities, whether that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults.” (Sue et al., 2007)

It can be pervasive and automatic in daily interaction. It is subtle, harmless or "unconscious (i.e., the perpetrator doesn’t even know they did something) while some may be unintentional (i.e., the perpetrator may be aware of their actions, but may not realise the negative impact they may have on people), (Psychology Benefits, 2014). Despite its origins in critical racism theory, the microaggression literature has evolved to better understand the experiences of sexual minorities and gender variant individuals (Sue, 2010).

Derald Wing Sue, a Columbia University professor of psychology and education, proposed a shortened guide to easily identify Microaggression, which comes in three forms. These are as follows:

Microassaults: overt verbal or nonverbal insults and behaviours

Ex: Telling a trans person they can't use the restroom or refusing them entry into a multi-stall restroom when they try to use one. Using transphobic terminology like "faggot" or "dyke"

Microinsults: a variety of subtle snubs that convey a hidden insult to the recipient through statements or actions that may belittle or demean a person's marginalised identity

Ex: Using the phrase "that's so gay" to describe something stupid, strange, or unappealing. Inquiring about a transgender person's gender reassignment surgery. Asking a gay or lesbian couple who plays the "boy or girl role" in the relationship, or telling bisexual individuals/couples that they are greedy and should choose a side.

Microinvalidations: serve to exclude, negate, or nullify certain groups' psychological thoughts, feelings, or experiential reality. This frequently minimizes personhood or gender.

Ex: Assuming that all gay people had a difficult time "coming out" or telling someone that they can't be queer if they've never had sex with someone of the same sex.

Darla Linville (2014) was also able to expand Sue's study, which is the "Taxonomy of Sexual Orientation and Microaggressions". It consists of 8 distinct categories that capture the experiences of LGBTQIA+ people:

Use of heterosexist and transphobic terminology, such as "faggot," "dyke," and "That's so gay!" or refusal to use preferred gender pronouns

Endorsement of heteronormative or gender normative culture/behaviors, such as asking

• People should act less gay or wear gender-conforming clothing.

• LGBTQIA+ relationships are similar to straight relationships in that one person is the man and the other is the woman.

Stereotypes that assume all LGBTQIA+ people have the same experience

• People who identify as LGBTQIA+ are all the same

• Lesbians are girls who play softball or basketball

• Basketball and football players are not gay

• Every gay boy is feminine

• Every lesbian wishes to be or appear to be a man

• The way LGBTQIA+ people dress makes them visible

• Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ will hit on anyone

• Families are rejecting LGBTQ children

• LGBTQIA+ relationships adhere to heteronormative norms (male/female roles)

Exoticization, such as viewing LGBTQIA+ people as "comic relief" or inquiring about trans people's genitalia

• The majority of girls are bi or are just experimenting and/or confused

• Bisexual individuals are lustful/greedy

• Transgender people are born in the incorrect body

Discomfort/disapproval of LGBTQIA+ experience

• Disrespect and criticism were shown

• LGBTQIA+ couples should not touch or kiss in public

• A club for LGBTQIA+ individuals is immoral

• Homosexuals, bisexuals, and drug users are the most likely to contract STDs/HIV/AIDS

• Gay boys are revolting

• A positive attitude toward gay people in the curriculum endangers the family and marriage

• LGBTQIA+ people are odd

• Homosexuality is an inappropriate topic for young kids/teenagers

• Teaching about homosexuality is dangerously misleading because it is an unacceptable way of life

Denial of societal heterosexism or transphobia, such as denying discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender expression

• school for LGBTQIA+ students discriminates against heterosexual students

Sexual pathology/abnormality assumption, such as oversexualizing LGBTQIA+ people and labeling them as sexual deviants

• Bisexuals desire sex with everyone

• AIDS is spread by gay people

• LGBTQIA+ people are unable to form intimate relationships because they are only interested in sex and not in love

• LGBTQIA+ youth are unable to have sex because they are unable to find sex partners

• LGBTQIA+ relationships do not last a lifetime, as opposed to marriage

• Gay sex is perversion because it uses body parts for purposes they were not designed for

• LGBTQ people are obsessed with sex and have sex all the time

Individual heterosexism/transphobia denial

• Being trans is much harder than being lesbian, gay, or bisexual

• A heterosexual person denying heterosexist and transgender bias "I am not homophobic; I have a gay friend!"

Threatening behaviours

• LGBTQIA+ individuals are being harassed, bullied and beaten in public. They are vulnerable to violence

Another discourse to which you may refer is the 7 major sexual microaggressions themes identified in a qualitative study conducted with LGBTQIA+ clients by Psychologists Shelton and Delgado-Romero. These are the following:

• Assumption that sexual orientation is the root of all problems

• Sexual orientation is avoided and minimized

• Over-identification with LGBTQIA+ individuals

• Making assumptions about LGBTQIA+ individuals based on stereotypes

• Manifestations of heteronormative bias

• Assumption that LGBTQIA+ people require psychotherapeutic treatment

• Concerns about the risks of identifying as LGBTQIA+

Takeaway

Many people, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, are unaware of how microaggressions can harm our mental and physical health. Some people are aware of this, but they may find it difficult to express how they have been mistreated, stigmatized, discriminated against, neglected, and so on.

As a result, LGBTQIA+ people are more likely to suffer from psychological distress and trauma, as well as be affected by disparities in education, employment, and healthcare. Recognizing the presence of this issue is critical for raising collective awareness and improving our understanding of how complex microaggression is.

So here are a few ways to impart a safe space and provide support to the LGBTQIA+ Community:

• Make yourself a visible ally

• Using inclusive language and forms

• Intervene in situations where an LGBTQIA+ person is being harassed or attacked

• Recognize the complexities and challenges that LGBTQIA+ people have faced since then and continue to face today

• Advocacy. Support LGBTQIA+ platforms and related advocacy efforts to ensure that their voices are heard

• Be a good human being! Treat us with the same respect and kindness that you do to your heterosexual friends, families, and so on

And as for my fellow LGBTQIA+ sisters, brothers, and gender non-confirming individuals, know that you are loved, and you are valid. BE LOUD AND QUEER! Happy PRIDE!!

You may bookmark this post or check this site regularly for new tips and resources for maintaining your mental health and well-being.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS AT IMMEDIATE RISK OF SELF-HARM OR SUICIDE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

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References:

Sue, Derald Wing. Microaggressions and Marginality: Manifestation, Dynamics, and Impact. Wiley, 2010.

Sue, Derald Wing. Microaggressions in Everyday Life: Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation. John Wiley & Sons, 2010.

Microaggressions Webinar Transcript - American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/apags/governance/subcommittees/microaggressions-webinar-transcript.pdf

Administrator. “Stop Saying ‘That's so Gay!": 6 Types of Microaggressions That Harm LGBTQ People.” Psychology Benefits Society, 4 Mar. 2014, https://psychologybenefits.org/2014/02/07/anti-lgbt-microaggressions/

Linville, Darla. “When Words Inflict Harm: Documenting Sexuality and Gender Identity Microaggressions in Schools for LGBTQQ Youth.” De Gruyter, De Gruyter, 1 Sept. 2018, https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/mlt-2017-0009/html?lang=en

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