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Growing research shows that mental health in the gay community is an ongoing concern. The Trevor Project has found that 40% of LGBTQ+ youth have considered suicide, and 68% report symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Unfortunately, the statistics don’t improve at the other end of life. SAGE, an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ elders, found that LGBTQ+ seniors are two times more likely to be single than their straight peers, and 53% of LGBTQ+ seniors feel isolated.
Sexuality is not the only factor that impacts mental health. For gay men, mental health is also affected by their gender. Mental Health America reports that more than 6 million men experience depression, but men are less likely than women to seek treatment. This is often due to social norms about masculinity and a reluctance to talk. The intersection of gender and sexuality can present unique challenges to the mental health of gay men.
A note about terminology: For ease of reading, this article uses the term gay men or LGBTQ+ men. However, these issues impact all men who love men, including those who identify as bisexual, pansexual or queer.
The Impact of Social Stigma on Mental Health
Social stigma is defined as the disapproval or discrimination a person experiences based on perceived characteristics. This can be directed at an individual or a group. Gay men can experience social stigma as isolation when they’re ignored or not accepted into social groups. However, for many gay men, stigma includes verbal and physical violence. Bullying, harassment and physical assaults towards LGBTQ+ men are a consequence of social stigma.
People who experience social stigma are more likely to have emotional distress, depression and anxiety. Some gay men may choose to be less open about their life to avoid this stigma. This can lead to higher levels of stress and less emotional support. Social isolation is also an issue, as LGBTQ+ people may avoid some social situations to prevent rejection.
Social stigma doesn’t only impact mental health. Some people avoid getting tested for things like monkeypox and HIV because these diseases are associated with the gay community. The uncertainty of not knowing a health diagnosis can lead to anxiety and other mental health issues.
Gay Men, Mental Health and Family Acceptance
The issue of family acceptance can loom large in the lives of LGBTQ+ men. A literature review by Cornell University found that rejection by parents increases the risk of depression and suicidal behavior in LGBT youth. Conversely, parents who affirm their child’s sexual orientation, defend them from victimization and take other steps to show acceptance can decrease the risk of poor mental health.
From 2001 to 2022, the number of people who believe gay and lesbian relationships are morally acceptable jumped from 40% to 71%, suggesting there’s a higher possibility of today’s LGBTQ+ youth finding acceptance from families. However, older gay men were more likely to experience rejection during times when homosexuality wasn’t accepted. Many depressed gay men may still be healing trauma from family rejection in their past.
The Effects of Internalized Homophobia
Internalized homophobia can be defined as when an LGBTQ+ person believes that any sexual orientation other than straight is wrong, evil or immoral. Essentially, the LGBTQ+ person thinks that all the homophobic myths, lies and stereotypes they hear are true. This can be a conscious or an unconscious reaction to the negative attitudes they’re exposed to throughout their life and often starts in childhood or adolescence.
There are many negative impacts that internalized homophobia can have on your life. It can lead to:
- Denying your sexual orientation
- Lying to yourself and others
- Living life in the closet
- Having secret same-sex relationships
- Having unhealthy relationships
- Believing that you’re wrong, evil or sick because of your thoughts, desires or relationships
All of this can contribute to low self-esteem, isolation and risky behaviors such as drug-taking and unsafe sex.
Perhaps the largest effect of internalized homophobia is how those affected see other members of the gay community. A belief that homosexuality is wrong makes people feel uncomfortable around other LGBTQ+ people. At more extreme levels, it can lead to feelings of anger and resentment toward other gay men. This can make people isolate themselves from others who could offer support and solidarity.
Minority Stress and Mental Health
Minority stress refers to the high levels of stress experienced by stigmatized groups. The term was coined by academics looking at LGBTQ+ people, but researchers now recognize that it also affects racial, religious and other minorities. These groups often experience unique stressors, such as discrimination and violence, that negatively affect health.
It’s not just personal experiences that can cause minority stress. Aggression towards the gay community as a whole can add to the stress felt by LGBTQ+ people. This can include political actions to curtail gay rights, threatened violence such as hateful groups attending Pride events and actual violence such as the Pulse and Club Q nightclub shootings.
As the name suggests, minority stress triggers a stress response. Exposure to ongoing stress has physical consequences, including high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. From a mental health perspective, stress can lead to depression, anxiety, substance-use problems and sleep disorders.
It’s important to remember that multiple-marginalized people experience greater discrimination and thus have more minority stress. For example, Black gay men encounter prejudice for both their race and their sexual orientation. If you’re part of multiple minorities, be aware of the impacts these prejudices have on your mental health.
Mental health is important for everyone, but the unique stressors gay men encounter put them at higher risk for depression, anxiety and more. Thankfully, as the community becomes aware of the impact of social stigma, family rejection, minority stress and internalized homophobia, it’s taking steps to improve mental health.
Good social support can be an essential factor in better mental health. Being surrounded by people who accept you and create a positive group identity leads to higher self-esteem, less stress and a more optimistic outlook on life. Professional assistance can also help you improve your mental health. If you’re dealing with trauma, mental illness or substance abuse, contact FHE Health at any time to speak to a representative about starting your recovery journey.
