Queer affirmative therapy in Kerala is a safe, supportive approach that helps individuals embrace their identity, heal from stigma, and improve mental well-being. While society has made progress, queer individuals still face discrimination, isolation, and emotional challenges. This is where queer affirmative therapy plays a crucial role — offering validation, acceptance, and guidance for those navigating their journey in Kerala.Queer affirmative therapy is an area where many misconceptions still exist. In the first edition of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) by the American Psychological Association, homosexuality was considered a mental disorder. Even in the second edition, it was listed as ‘Sexual Orientation Disturbance (SOD),’ pathologizing homosexuality. This led to the legitimation of conversion therapy, which forced individuals to undergo such treatments due to parental pressure and societal expectations.
- Being forced to change or hide one’s sexual orientation and gender identity can lead to emotional trauma.
- Although the DSM removed references to homosexuality in 1973, some related disorders remained.
- It wasn’t until after 1987 that homosexuality was recognized as not being a mental disorder, but rather a normal variation of human sexuality that doesn’t require treatment.
- Given that the queer community still faces discrimination and bullying in society, it’s essential to address the mental health issues they experience.
- Often, society fails to recognize them as human beings, leading to significant mental health challenges.
- In such cases, queer affirmative therapy can be an effective way to address these issues. Through this approach, individuals can improve their mental health and well-being, leading to better social functioning and overall health.
Sexual orientation is a component of identity that describes a person’s physical, emotional, and/or romantic attraction to another person as well as social affiliations associated with this identity (APA, 2012).
Need to Talk to Someone?
Book a private online session with a licensed therapist
Read more to learn about queer affirmative therapy and the mental health struggles faced by the queer community…
The concept of gay affirmative therapy was first introduced by Alan K. Maylon in 1982. Notably, Alan proposed this concept even before the DSM had any health-related references to homosexuality.
- Alan’s research focuses on the client’s identity and valuing their sexual orientation. The main concept is to empower clients to reach a state of self-actualization through therapeutic interventions. Since then, numerous research studies and possibilities for queer affirmative therapy have emerged, and it remains a developing field.
- India’s National Planning Commission’s Five-Year Plan outlines strategies to address the health needs and provide social protection to the LGBT community.
- Notably, Kerala is the first state to implement a Transgender Policy. Raising awareness in this area is crucial.
- Queer individuals can overcome mental health challenges through online counseling and individual therapy.
Utilizing these resources can be beneficial. Book a secure and safe Malayalam online therapy session, including queer affirmative therapy, today!
The queer community in Kerala faces significant challenges, including social stigma, discrimination, and marginalization, leading to feelings of isolation and mental health struggles. In such cases, online therapy in kerala and counseling can be effective in improving mental well-being and reducing identity struggles. Queer affirmative therapy is specifically designed to address these issues.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
You’re Not Alone. Get Support from an
Oppam Therapist Wherever You Are
Oppam Therapist Wherever You Are
Queer individuals undergo unique challenges due to their gender identity and sexual orientation, leading to complex mental health experiences in a prejudiced society. Clarifying one’s identity is essential, and confusion can cause significant mental distress. Seeking individual therapy and online counseling can be beneficial in improving mental health.
In Kerala, many LGBTQIA+ individuals struggle to find mental health care that understands their identity and experiences. Queer affirmative therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space where sexuality, gender identity, and cultural challenges can be openly discussed. For Malayali queer people—whether living in Kerala or abroad in the GCC, UK, or US—accessing counselling in Malayalam or English helps them feel understood and supported. With queer-affirmative counselling, clients can heal from identity crises, manage anxiety or depression, and build healthier relationships without fear of stigma.
Queer-Affirmative Counselling for Malayali LGBTQ+ Worldwide
1. Fear of Acceptance & Rejection
- As social beings, humans crave acceptance and love from their peers. When individuals are marginalized, rejected, or isolated due to their identity, they experience significant distress.
- This is particularly true for queer individuals who face rejection and blame from family and society when their identity is revealed.
- Such experiences can lead to severe mental health struggles. In these situations, seeking counseling and therapy can be beneficial.
2. Social Pressure
- Society still views queer individuals as abnormal, and this stigma persists. When individuals reveal their identity, they often face significant challenges and social issues.
- To avoid these problems, many hide their true selves, which can negatively impact their self-confidence and self-esteem.
- The fear of bullying, homophobic jokes, and constant struggles in daily life (such as job loss, difficulty finding housing, and physical and mental abuse) forces queer individuals to conform to societal norms.
- Even parental support is often lacking, leading to feelings of isolation and internalized stress. This can result in depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
- In such cases, seeking online counseling and therapy can be beneficial in improving mental well-being.
- Trauma is a significant mental health challenge faced by many queer individuals. The various forms of discrimination, isolation, blame, and bullying that queer individuals experience in society can lead to trauma.
- Those who experience trauma often struggle to open up about it or seek help due to fear of revealing their identity or reliving the associated mental and physical distress.
- Trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s life, affecting their decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being.
- In such cases, seeking counseling and therapy can be beneficial in reducing trauma. Queer affirmative therapy, in particular, can help individuals build self-confidence and self-love.
- Hiding one’s identity, fear of rejection, and societal pressures can cause significant stress and anxiety in queer individuals.
- The emotional trauma of living a life that doesn’t reflect one’s true identity can further exacerbate these feelings.
- In such cases, seeking therapy and counseling can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Queer affirmative therapy is particularly beneficial in addressing these concerns.
- The marginalization, neglect, and physical and mental abuse that queer individuals face from society and family can lead to depression.
- This can result in decreased self-esteem and confidence. Depression can also cause queer individuals to withdraw from society and struggle with daily life.
- Seeking online counseling and therapy can be beneficial in overcoming depression. Queer affirmative therapy, in particular, can help individuals build self-esteem, find happiness in life, and develop healthy relationships.
6. Internalized Homophobia/Transphobia
- Queer and trans individuals often experience internalized negative perceptions and self-doubt about their identity. This is usually a result of societal pressure and stigma.
- Internalized homophobia/transphobia can lead to feelings of shame and self-loathing, causing individuals to hide their true identity.
- Queer affirmative therapy can help individuals overcome these feelings and develop a more positive self-image.
7. Identity Issues
- Queer individuals often face significant challenges related to their identity, including self-acceptance, navigating relationships, and societal stigma.
- These challenges can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Online counseling and therapy can be beneficial in addressing these concerns.
- Queer affirmative therapy, in particular, can help individuals navigate their identity issues and develop a more positive sense of self.
8.Suicidal thoughts
In recent times, the increasing number of studies related to the LGBTQIA+ community has contributed to a deeper understanding of various aspects concerning their lives. Some recent findings point out that a significant proportion of youth within the LGBTQIA+ community are experiencing high levels of suicidal ideation.( Suicide among LGBTQIA+ youth: A review of the treatment literature – ScienceDirect)
A 2011 study highlights that suicidal ideation and such behaviors are reported to be significantly higher among these individuals compared to those observed among heterosexual individuals.
This could be due to the prejudices, neglect, and harassment they experience in society. Therefore, if you feel like you’re facing any such difficulties, you can consider utilizing queer-affirmative therapy in kerala options and Malayalam counseling sessions. These can positively impact and improve your overall mental health.
For queer individuals, finding a safe space can be a challenging task. Queer affirmative therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to open up to therapists. The therapist not only understands their situation but also accepts and validates their identity, giving them a sense of importance and clarity about their sexual orientation and identity.
This approach has a profoundly positive impact on the mental health of queer individuals. Queer affirmative therapy is a holistic approach that is transformative and inclusive, helping queer individuals understand and accept themselves, express their identity confidently in society, and build self-esteem.
At Oppam, we provide confidential queer affirmative counselling in Malayalam and English for LGBTQIA+ Malayalis in Kerala and abroad. Book your safe space today.
- Validation and acceptance: It provides a safe space for queer individuals to explore their identities without fear of judgment.
- Addressing minority stress: It acknowledges the impact of stigma, discrimination, and marginalization on mental health.
- Improved mental health: By reducing internalized shame and stigma, it can lead to better mental health outcomes.
- Empowerment: It supports queer individuals in asserting their needs, setting boundaries, and building resilience.
- Reducing health disparities: By providing culturally competent care, it can help reduce health disparities faced by queer communities.
- Building self-acceptance: It fosters a positive self-image, helping individuals develop a stronger sense of identity and self-worth.
- Navigating relationships: It provides guidance on building and maintaining healthy relationships, both romantic and platonic.
- Community connection: It can help individuals connect with queer communities and resources.
The mental health field is not entirely free from social stigma, and queer individuals often face similar challenges. However, given the significance of gender and sexual orientation as social identities, it’s essential to prioritize mental well-being by seeking necessary counseling and therapy.
Achieving overall wellness requires self-understanding and self-love. Embracing life with courage and finding happiness in it is crucial. The journey begins with acknowledging that your queer identity is not something to be ashamed of, but rather a natural part of who you are.
Struggling?
Talk to an Oppam Therapist
Get the Support You Deserve Online & Confidential
