Author: Santosh Kumar Biswa, Sr. Teacher, Damphu CS, Tsirang, Bhutan
According to the articles we've read, there are
a few essential concepts we should pay attention to comprehend how adolescents'
different identities relate to their gender and sexuality (Rosario et al.,
2006; Saewyc, 2011; Savin-Williams, 2018). Two concepts for comprehending the
various identities adolescents hold concerning their gender and sexual
orientation are:
Sexual orientation development
Numerous studies from a variety of disciplines,
including psychology, sociology, and biology, support the idea that the
formation of sexual orientation is a complicated and varied process. Studies
have demonstrated that a person's sexual orientation is influenced by
biological, psychological, and social variables. The precise nature of these
determinants and the extent to which they affect sexual orientation, however,
are still hotly contested topics.
While it is commonly acknowledged that
adolescents who identify as sexual minorities encounter particular
difficulties, such as stigma, discrimination, and a lack of social support, the
intensity of these difficulties can vary based on factors like location,
cultural norms, and personal experiences. In addition, it's crucial to
acknowledge that not everyone will feel secure or at ease exploring or
expressing their sexual orientation, even though it's crucial to give sexual
minority youth a safe and supportive environment in which to do so.
Furthermore, while access to appropriate resources and support systems can be
beneficial for sexual minority youth (Eckermann, 2016), it is important to note
that not all resources and support systems may be effective or appropriate for
every individual. For instance, some individuals may prefer peer support
groups, while others may benefit more from one-on-one counselling.
Additionally, some individuals may not have access to these resources due to
factors such as financial constraints or geographic location. Thus, the idea of
promoting resilience among sexual and gender minority youth is undoubtedly
important for reducing health disparities and promoting positive outcomes.
While interventions that promote resilience can be effective, they must be
coupled with efforts to address the root causes of discrimination and stigma,
including social, economic, and political factors (Saewyc, 2011).
Transgender and gender-nonconforming
youth
Research in several disciplines, including
psychology, sociology, and biology, supports the idea that gender identity
development is a complex process. An individual's gender identity is shaped by
biological, psychological, and social variables, although it is still unclear
to what extent any of this influences this process.
Transgender and gender-nonconforming youth can
encounter distinctive obstacles, such as discrimination, stigma, and inadequate
access to healthcare, which can adversely affect their mental health and
overall well-being. The severity of these obstacles may differ depending on
factors such as geographic location, cultural norms, and personal experiences.
It is vital to create a secure and comprehensive atmosphere for transgender and
gender nonconforming youth to explore and express their gender identity, but it
is also essential to acknowledge that not all individuals may feel comfortable
or secure doing so. For example, in schools, creating supportive environments
may require changes to policies and curricula, as well as training for teachers
and staff (UNICEF, 2022). Additionally, not all resources and support systems
may be effective or appropriate for every individual. Furthermore, it is
important to recognize that gender identity is a complex and diverse experience
that may not fit into traditional binary categories. As such, efforts to create
supportive and inclusive environments must be accompanied by broader social and
cultural change efforts.
In conclusion, the processes of developing a
person's sexual orientation and gender identity are intricate and multifaceted,
impacted by biological, psychological, and social variables. Youth who identify
as sexual or gender minorities may experience particular difficulties, such as
prejudice and a lack of support, which may affect their mental health. Access
to suitable resources and support networks, along with safe and inclusive
environments, can foster resilience and positive results. The core causes of
stigma and discrimination must, however, also be addressed through social,
economic, and political transformation.
Thus, my thought question is: How can we
ensure that all youth feel safe and valued regardless of their sexual or gender
identity?
References
Eckermann, E. (2016). Resilience as a double-edged
health promotion goal: examples from Lao PDR. Health Promotion
International, Volume 33, Issue 1. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daw058
Rosario, M., Schrimshaw, E. W., Hunter, J., &
Braun, L. (2006). Sexual identity development among gay, lesbian, and bisexual
youths: Consistency and change over time. Journal of Sex Research, 43(1),
46–58. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215279/
Saewyc, E. M. (2011). Research on adolescent sexual
orientation: Development, health disparities, stigma, and resilience. Journal
of Research on Adolescence, 21(1), 256–272.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4835230/
Savin-Williams, R. C. (2018). Developmental
trajectories and milestones of sexual-minority youth. In The Cambridge
Handbook of Sexual Development, 156–179. doi: 10.1017/9781108116121.009.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-handbook-of-sexual-development/developmental-trajectories-and-milestones-of-sexualminority-youth/F2DD0FB55AE140F07D3FD7EE73FD8DCE/core-reader
UNICEF. (2022). Five essential pillars for
promoting and protecting mental health and psychosocial well-being in schools
and learning environments: A Briefing Note for National Governments.
Retrieved from
https://www.unicef.org/media/126821/file/Promoting%20and%20protecting%20mental%20health%20in%20schools%20and%20learning%20environments.pdf
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