September 2024 | August Joaquim

The psychological devastations that follow familial rejection towards LGBTQ+ individuals.

KEY POINTS

Familial rejection profoundly affects LGBTQ+ individuals, causing intense emotional pain, including betrayal, loneliness, and internalized shame.
Transgender people face unique psychological challenges due to family rejection, including worsened gender dysphoria and increased risk of mental health issues such as depression and suicidal ideation.
Research shows that familial rejection significantly heightens the risk of severe outcomes like homelessness, unemployment, and substance abuse, emphasizing the need for familial support and acceptance.

Gender Nonconforming

What does it mean to be gender nonconfirming?

Familial rejection can be a painful experience for anyone, but for members of the LGBTQ+ community, it can carry unique psychological burdens. When family members reject their loved ones based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, the impact can be profound and multifaceted. We are going to explore the psychological effects of familial rejection on LGBTQ+ individuals, with a focus on transgender and gender nonconforming (GNC) people, and offer insights into coping mechanisms and paths to healing.

1. The Emotional Impact of Rejection

The word ‘family’ is usually associated with unconditional love and support. When this fundamental support system is compromised, LGBTQ+ individuals can experience a range of intense emotions:

Rejection

What is the emotional impact?

2. Psychological Effects on Transgender Individuals

Transgender or GNC individuals face unique challenges when rejected by family, as their identity often requires more significant personal and social adjustments, such as undergoing name changes or medical transition. Without familial support, these changes that are integral to their mental well-being can create strife when faced with choosing one's true self above the comfort and safety of a family.

Identity Invalidations:

When a transgender person is dismissed by their family, it can feel like an invalidation of their very identity. This rejection can exacerbate feelings of gender dysphoria and undermine their efforts to live authentically. Those who make the choice to change their name, pronouns, and physical appearance also take on the responsibility of re-introducing themselves to their loved ones, and their social circles. This step in their transition is integral to attempts to alleviate the dysphoria caused by misgendering and dead-naming.

“My family’s initial reaction was to isolate me from any positive outside influence. ...They isolated me and then ignored my identity, leaving me to attempt to secretly socially transition within my inner circles.”

— Community Member

Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues:

Studies have shown that family rejection is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among transgender people. In 2018, one in four LGBTQ+ individuals in Charleston (and the surrounding counties) reported suicidal ideation, which is five times the national average. Additionally, the Center for American Progress reported in 2020 that 62% of transgender individuals experienced discrimination within the past year, further compounding these mental health issues.

Research consistently shows that family rejection significantly increases the risk of mental health issues among LGBTQ+ individuals. According to PubMed, LGBTQ+ youth who experience high levels of family rejection are:

Building Support Networks:

Connecting with LGBTQ+ communities, friends, or support groups can provide a sense of belonging and affirmation. There are certain networks out there that can offer you support.

Resources

Take note of these community resources

Barrier to Affirmation:

Family support is often crucial for affirming one's gender identity. Without it, transgender and GNC individuals might struggle to access necessary resources or support systems, increasing feelings of isolation and vulnerability.

The U.S. Transgender Survey Findings:

The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS), conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality, provides one of the most comprehensive insights into the lived experiences of transgender individuals in the United States. With nearly 28,000 respondents, this landmark survey sheds light on the profound challenges faced by transgender people, especially those who experience family rejection.

The survey revealed that transgender individuals who faced rejection from their families were significantly more likely to encounter a range of negative outcomes across various aspects of their lives:

Homelessness: Family rejection was strongly associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing homelessness. 30% of respondents who experienced family rejection had experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, compared to 11% of those who had supportive families.
Unemployment: Family rejection is also correlated with higher unemployment rates. The survey showed that respondents who experienced rejection from their families were more likely to be unemployed, with 27% of those who faced rejection being unemployed at the time of the survey.
Discrimination in Public Spaces: Transgender individuals who experienced family rejection were also more vulnerable to discrimination in public spaces. More than half of those who faced family rejection reported being verbally harassed in public, and 29% reported being denied equal treatment, compared to 36% and 19%, respectively, among those with supportive families.

For instance, according to the American Progress, 50% of LGBTQ+ individuals have encountered discrimination in public places. This environment of intolerance often leads to significant changes in behavior; in fact, two out of three transgender individuals report altering the way they dress and their mannerisms to avoid such discrimination. Notably, more than two-thirds of transgender people report experiencing significant psychological harm due to discrimination.

Mental Health Impact: The mental health consequences of family rejection were particularly alarming. The survey found that 54% of respondents who experienced familial rejection had attempted suicide at some point in their lives, compared to 37% of those who had supportive families. Additionally, 70% of those who faced rejection reported experiencing severe psychological distress in the month before taking the survey, compared to 42% of those with supportive families.
Substance Use: Family rejection was also linked to higher rates of substance abuse. 35% of those who experienced familial rejection had engaged in drug or alcohol use to cope with mistreatment based on their gender identity, compared to 22% of those whose families accepted them.

These statistics from the USTS underscore the severe impact that familial rejection can have on transgender individuals. The survey’s findings highlight the critical need for families to provide acceptance and support, as doing so can dramatically reduce the risks of homelessness, unemployment, discrimination, and mental health crises among transgender people.

The Role of Internalized Rejection

Internalized rejection is when individuals begin to internalize negative messages or attitudes they’ve received from their families. This can manifest in several ways:

“....when I brought up the desire for transition, I was met with such fear and disgust that I
even questioned my own needs for living as my true authentic self.”
- Community Member

4. Coping Strategies and Pathways to Healing

While the pain of family rejection is profound, there are strategies and pathways that can aid in healing:

*Centerway Psychiatry focuses on medication management, but we can recommend local therapy practices.

5. Why Family Acceptance Matters

Family acceptance doesn't just reduce the risk of mental health issues—it can be life-saving. When LGBTQ+ individuals feel supported by their families, they are more likely to thrive, both mentally and emotionally. They can navigate the challenges of living in a world that often marginalizes them with the assurance that they have a safe and loving environment to fall back on.

For parents, guardians, siblings, and extended family members, understanding the importance of acceptance can make a world of difference. Simple acts of kindness, such as using the correct pronouns, advocating for your LGBTQ+ loved one, or simply listening without judgment, can foster a sense of belonging and self-worth.

“My mother sometimes refers to me in a non-gendered way and I love that. Those small
moments bring me such joy.”

— Community Member

6. Moving Forward: Finding Peace and Acceptance

Acceptance from family may not always be attainable, but finding peace and self-acceptance is a crucial goal. Embracing one’s identity, regardless of external validation, and focusing on personal growth and happiness can lead to a fulfilling and authentic life.

Familial rejection is a deeply painful experience, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals who rely on family support for validation and stability. Understanding the psychological impact and exploring coping strategies can help individuals navigate this challenging terrain.

Through support networks, therapy, and self-affirmation, LGBTQ+ individuals can find ways to heal and build a fulfilling life, even in the face of familial rejection.

Breaking the Cycle of Rejection

It's crucial to recognize that change is possible. Families who have initially rejected their LGBTQ+ members can work towards healing and acceptance. Educational resources, support groups, and counseling can help families understand the importance of acceptance and learn how to provide the love and support that their LGBTQ+ loved ones need.

For those who may not have the immediate support of their family, it's important to seek out alternative sources of support—whether it’s through friends, chosen family, or LGBTQ+ community organizations. No one should have to face the challenges of being LGBTQ+ alone, and there are countless resources available to provide the love and acceptance that everyone deserves.

“Family isn’t stitched to biology, as we’ve learned, biology isn’t the end all be all. Family

can be found in friends, mentors, and those who nourish you. Chosen family is just as

powerful.”

— Community Member

Family rejection is a silent epidemic that deeply affects the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. The statistics are clear: rejection leads to a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. However, the power to change these outcomes lies within families. By embracing love, acceptance, and understanding, families can become the safe havens that every LGBTQ+ person needs and deserves.

If you or someone you know is struggling with family rejection, remember that help is available. Reach out to local LGBTQ+ organizations, find supportive communities, and never underestimate the impact that acceptance can have on someone’s life. If you need assistance with med management, please contact us to schedule a consultation.

If you are in need of assistance, please see below for a list of national and Charleston-specific organizations:

GLAAD Resource List https://glaad.org/resourcelist/

The Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/

Lowcountry Pride https://www.lowcountrypride.org/

References

2024 Anti-Trans Bills: Trans legislation tracker. 2024 Anti-Trans Bills: Trans Legislation Tracker. (n.d.). https://translegislation.com/

Alliance For Full Acceptance. (2019). Tri-County Area LGBTQ Community Needs Assessment Report. AFFA-SC. https://www.affa-sc.org/wp-content/uploads/AFFA_AssessmentReport_2019_Singles.pdf.

The state of the LGBTQ community in 2020. Center for American Progress. Retrieved February 2, 2023, from https://www.americanprogress.org/article/state-lgbtq-community-2020/

Direct online and phone support services for LGBTQ+ Youth. HRC. (n.d.). https://www.hrc.org/resources/direct-online-and-phone-support-services-for-lgbtq-youth

Fact sheet: Transgender & gender nonconforming youth in school. SRLP (Sylvia Rivera Law Project). (2012, August 20). https://srlp.org/resources/fact-sheet-transgender-gender-nonconforming-youth-school/#:~:text=“Gender%20nonconforming”%20refers%20to%20people,they%20were%20assigned%20at%20birth

Family. US Trans Survey. (2024, August 13). https://ustranssurvey.org/report/family/

Family Acceptance and LGBTQ+ Youth. The Trevor Project. (2023). www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/family-acceptance.

Free stock photos, royalty free stock images & Copyright Free Pictures · Pexels. (n.d.). https://www.pexels.com/

The Report of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey. Washington, DC: National Center for Transgender Equality. James, S. E., Herman, J. L., Rankin, S., Keisling, M., Mottet, L., & Anafi, M. (2016).

Marquez-Velarde, G., Miller, G. H., Shircliff, J. E., & Suárez, M. I. (2023). The impact of family support and rejection on suicide ideation and attempt among transgender adults in the U.S. LGBTQ+ Family: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 19(4), 275–287. https://doi.org/10.1080/27703371.2023.2192177

Research. Research | Family Acceptance Project ®. (n.d.). https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/research

Ryan, C., Huebner, D., Diaz, R. M., & Sanchez, J. (2009). Family rejection as a predictor of negative health outcomes in white and Latino Lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults. Pediatrics, 123(1), 346–352. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2007-3524

Trevorspace .The Trevor Project. (2024, August 15). http://www.thetrevorproject.org/pages/safe-community

Understanding LGBTQ+ Rejection and Mental Health. GLAAD. (2024). www.glaad.org/resources/LGBTQ+-rejection-mental-health.

US Trans Survey. (2017, October). Florida State Report - National Center for Transgender. Equality. 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey: Florida State Report. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/USTSFLStateReport(1017).pdf

What is gender dysphoria? Psychiatry.org - What is Gender Dysphoria? (2022). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gender-dysphoria/what-is-genderdysphoria