Coming Out: Psychological Implications Of This Process
In recent decades, important advances have been made in terms of rights for the LGTBIQ+ group. However, the reality is that there are still more than 70 countries in the world that recognize homosexuality as illegal, not to mention that until three decades ago it was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a mental illness. Thus, hatred and rejection towards people belonging to sexual minorities has permeated the foundations of society for a long time.
These antecedents are recent and proof of this is that many people in the group are still afraid to openly express what they are. Despite the achievements made, the idea that being heterosexual is “normal” still remains. Thus, when someone moves away from what is considered normative, they feel the obligation to communicate to others that it is not what they expected, that it does not fit that mold. This step, popularly known as Coming out of the closet is a liberating and painful process in equal parts
In this article we are going to talk about the implications of this process of recognizing one’s own sexual condition.
First of all, we must be clear that sexuality encompasses a whole set of emotional and behavioral processes in relation to sex. It is present throughout the entire life cycle of people, permeating each phase of development. Is about an intimate facet about which not everyone talks openly This becomes even more evident in people from the LGTBIQ+ group who do not accept their sexual orientation.
This lack of self-acceptance finds its origin in the discrimination that these individuals often suffer. Scenarios such as work, family and even one’s own friendships can become threatening environments due to the homophobia that permeates them.
Staying in the closet is for many people a pure survival strategy. Showing a mask to the world that hides who we really are can prevent short-term damage, although it does so at the cost of sacrificing our emotional health. Living in this constant dichotomy between what we are and what we should be is devastating, which is why many end up coming out of the closet and beginning to show themselves openly. This step is, of course, tremendously difficult. However, once it occurs it can be highly healing.
People who continually repress who they are have often grown up in environments that teach that love is conditional Far from feeling that one is worthy of being loved just as one is, the individual assumes that heterosexuality is the only way to achieve love and acceptance from his or her most loved people (family, colleagues, friends…). This experience causes a deep emotional wound, a feeling of abandonment, loneliness and insecurity that cuts deep into the soul and can be difficult to heal. The person feels vulnerable, isolated and defective.
For all that has been said, it is not surprising that people in the group show a greater risk than the general population of suffering from mental health problems such as addictions, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and even suicidal ideation.
The process of coming out is a mental health issue, which involves a deep work of self-acceptance. However, this should not be trivialized or forced. Above all, the person must feel prepared to take the step without feeling pressured to do so. Otherwise, the result may be contrary to what was expected. The path that people take to reach this turning point is long and stormy. They have lived homophobic experiences and have tried to exist as someone else, which can generate intense fear and anxiety in the moments before exposing themselves without further filters. For all this, it is logical that stopping hiding requires an important reflective process.
Outing: coming out under pressure
When someone is forced to come out of the closet against their will, this situation is known as outing, which would be translated as “taking someone out of the closet.” Although many people apply outing in a vindictive way, the truth is that all individuals should have the right to talk about their sexual condition only if they feel so. Pressuring and pushing someone into such an exposure can cause significant psychological damage, assuming a direct attack on their privacy. It is important to break with the idea that this is doing that person a favor, since it is actually quite the opposite. In fact, outing is associated with negative consequences such as the following:
Psychological implications of the coming out process
When a person manages to take the step of coming out of their own desire, this can be healing. Ideally, this process can be carried out with the support of a psychology professional.
1. Overcome internalized homophobia
People belonging to sexual minorities often internalize the hatred and rejection they receive from the outside. This causes the so-called internalized homophobia to occur, by which the person finds many problems when it comes to accepting himself
In short, the individual manifests aversion towards his own homosexual feelings and behaviors. This is accompanied by irrational thoughts, low self-esteem and emotions such as shame, guilt and anger. Often, internalized homophobia finds its origin in upbringing, values and education received. The environment plays an essential role in building a series of schemes that define for us how the world works, what is good and what is not, etc.
When someone comes out of the closet it is because they have previously managed to work on this rejection of their sexual condition. Thus, upon leaving it there is a recognition of what one is without negative emotions becoming the center. Although they may appear, they can be managed and understood, understanding why they appear and what function they may have been fulfilling until now.
2. Reinforced self-esteem
As we mentioned a few lines above, people must do a great exercise in self-acceptance to be able to come out of the closet. Therefore, once they achieve it, their self-esteem is clearly reinforced. The individual accepts who he is without hiding, which allows him to value himself and recognize himself as someone deserving of love, respect and freedom.
People in the group who live their sexuality without openly accepting it have difficulties getting involved in satisfactory relationships. It seems difficult to find fulfillment in a bond when it cannot be enjoyed naturally Therefore, taking the step of coming out can benefit the way in which the person lives their sexual relationships.
4. Better general psychological state
Coming out is also the door to better mental health. When a person lives life being consistent with themselves, without repressing parts of themselves or hiding, anxiety and stress are reduced. When all the environments where the individual moves are aware of who he is without masks, he is free.
5. Strengthening ties
When a person comes out of the closet and loved ones around them react positively, this can be a turning point in your relationship with them. By sharing that part of herself, she is able to strengthen ties, forming more genuine emotional bonds
Conclusions
In this article we have talked about some psychological implications associated with the process of coming out. The path towards recognition of one’s own sexual condition can be very painful, as the person is afraid of possible rejection from the environment. We live in a world in which homophobia has not yet been completely eradicated, despite the achievement of rights in recent years. For this reason, there are many who live repressing the person they are, showing a mask to the world that hides their authentic self. Living this way generates intense suffering and, therefore, greatly harms mental health.
However, taking the step of coming out is a decision that must be made thoughtfully and without external pressures. When this is done, it can be a liberating step that has beneficial consequences for the individual and their health.
