ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res.

11(09), 1152-1154

Journal Homepage: - www.journalijar.com

Article DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/17629

DOI URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/17629

RESEARCH ARTICLE
"WIDENING THE SPECTRUM: DIFFICULTIES FACED BY LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS IN INDIA" A
REVIEW ARTICLE

MBBS, SGT Medical College, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
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Manuscript Info Abstract
……………………. ………………………………………………………………
Manuscript History
Received: 28 July 2023
Final Accepted: 31 August 2023
Published: September 2023
Key words:-
LGBTQ, Health Facilities, Community,
Stress
Kanuja Sood
Introduction: Over the past decade, there has been considerable
discourse regarding the obstacles that the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and others)
community faces in India. Despite these efforts, they continue to
experience significant health inequities.
Objective: In this content review, we aimed to answer five questions
about the mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals. These questions
include the current state of research on the topic, the factors that lead to
mental health issues, the role of existing health facilities in addressing
these factors, proposed interventions for this group, and potential areas
for future research over the next decade.
Method: We explored the topic of mental health, which includes an
individual's thoughts, feelings, and actions. Our search for relevant
literature involved online journal databases, archives of leading
journals, websites of prominent LGBTQIA+ organizations, and cross-
referencing of papers. We analysed the data on problems faced by
LGBTQ+ review articles on PubMed in the last decade. A total of 60
articles were screened, lesser number of review articles highlights the
importance of increased research in this field of humanity.
Conclusion: Studies have shown that LGBTQIA+ individuals
experience higher rates of mental health concerns, possibly due to the
adapted minority stress model. Researchers have explored factors
related to mental well-being, societal attitudes, and personal
experiences. However, there is a lack of intervention studies, and
certain subgroups within the LGBTQIA+ community have been
underrepresented in research. Identifying these gaps has led to
recommendations for future research in the next decade.

Copy Right, IJAR, 2023,. All rights reserved.

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Introduction:-
India, a diverse and culturally rich nation, has made significant strides in various domains over the years. However,
one area where progress remains slow and challenging is recognizing and accepting LGBTQ+ rights and
individuals. This review article provides a glimpse into the multifaceted difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ individuals
in India, highlighting the sociocultural, legal, and psychological dimensions of their struggles.

Corresponding Author:- Kanuja Sood

Address:- MBBS, SGT Medical College, Gurugram, Haryana, India. 1152
ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res. 11(09), 1152-1154

LGBTQ+ continue their struggle for acknowledgment, especially in communities with deeply ingrained cultural and
societal standards like those in India, Pakistan, and other South Asian countries. It is imperative to highlight the
challenges encountered by these individuals, as the harsh realities of their existence are too often eclipsed by societal
norms.

Methodology:-
When an individual's assigned gender, does not match with the perceived gender, it is termed as Gender
Incongruence, (DSM-5) and if this leads to functional distress for more than 6 months, it is termed as Gender
Dysphoria. (DSM-5) [1]. It may be difficult and risky to decide to share one's sexuality, which may conflict with
their gender. When seen from the perspective of society as a whole, where strongly established traditions, norms,
and religious convictions predominate, this is made even worse.

This problem is exacerbated by the complexity of family honour, intricate family networks, social pressures to get
married, and pervasive religious beliefs, which restrict people's potential and rob them of their basic human rights
and self-respect. These societal structures often limit the potential of individuals to express their true identities and
strip them of their inherent human rights, thereby degrading their self-esteem and self-worth [2].

“Mental health aspects” were described as variables relevant to understanding individuals’ cognitions, emotions, and
behavior. We searched for literature in online journal databases, in archives of the most prominent journals, on
websites of prominent LGBTQIA+ organizations, and through cross-referencing of papers obtained. The data were
abstracted and coded into themes and subthemes. We found 22 reviews and reports, 4 viewpoints and comments, 7
editorials, 1 conference proceeding, and 60 original articles.

A recent review reveals that queer community had higher incidences of mental health issues [3]. For instance,
Bowling J et al. revealed that lesbians very often suffered in isolation, had high anxiety levels, higher substance use
rates, and experienced suicidal ideations [1]. Risks are even more pronounced due to limited access to sexual
healthcare services that cater to their needs. For example, lesbian women are often overlooked in healthcare settings,
receiving less medical attention compared to their heterosexual individuals [3]. The serious consequences of this
negligence include an increased risk of STIs, particularly bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is often observed among
lesbians [4]. Numerous variables, such as the number of sexual partners, a history of forced intercourse, smoking,
and the stigma associated with their sexual orientation in society, are frequently blamed for the incidence of BV [5].
Vodstrcil et al. revealed that out of the total 122 lesbians, 51 incident cases of BV were reported. The analysis
highlighted that the incident BV was significantly correlated with exposure to a new sexual partner, a partner with
BV symptoms, and those who were receptive to oral sex [6].

Addressing these significant challenges necessitates prompt recognition and action from all societal segments.
Comprehensive research is required to gain a more profound understanding of the prevalence, risk factors, and safe
sex practices among lesbian populations, thereby paving the way for more effective interventions. [7] Concurrently,
healthcare providers should be adequately trained to identify and address the unique vulnerabilities faced by
lesbians. This would involve a paradigm shift in the approach to healthcare delivery, moving from a judgmental to a
compassionate and understanding stance, and ensuring the avoidance of prejudice and discrimination during
interviews and physical examinations

Discussion:-
From the early stages of childhood, subtle disparities and preferences reflective of an individual's sexuality start to
manifest. Yet, families often dismiss or overlook these signs under the false presumption that these behaviors are
transient and that the child will eventually conform to the traditional gender roles. The combination of this neglect
and the refusal to recognize and accept these sentiments results in an unpleasant environment that may last into
adolescence and can impede the child's general growth and development. Literature highlights the need to mentor
and educate parents to show support for their child's sexuality [8].

As these children grow into adolescents, they grapple with a host of additional problems. They are more susceptible
to a variety of problems, including unintended pregnancies, HIV/AIDS, and malnutrition, as a result of the strict
gender standards and prejudice they experience. Additionally, because of their desperation and the gravity of their

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situation, these people are more prone to engage in dangerous behaviors including suicide attempts and running
away from home.

Conclusion:-
The difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in India encompass a complex interplay of societal, legal, and
psychological factors. Progress toward equality and acceptance is being made, but substantial challenges remain.
Increased awareness, education, legal reform, and mental health support are crucial steps towards a more inclusive
and equitable society for LGBTQ+ individuals in India. Raising awareness of the challenges experienced by lesbians
is essential for removing societal obstacles and fostering an inclusive society, with psychiatrists and therapists for
counseling and medication for identity issues along with gynecologists for treatment of infections. If specialized
doctors collaborate and treat the individual, we would not only promote more inclusive, accepting, and respectful
cultures for all people, regardless of one's sexuality, but also more fair health results.

References:-
1. Bhatt N, Cannella J, Gentile JP: Gender-affirming care for transgender patients. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2022,
19:23-32.
2. Tripathi A, Talwar T: Parental Acceptance and Challenges Faced by LGBTQ Youth in India and Their Mental
Health. In. Mahajan, V. and Chowdhury, A. and Kaushal, U. and Jariwala, N. and Bong, SAGender Equity and
Challenges and Opportunities (ed): Springer, Singapore; 2022.
3. Wandrekar JR, Nigudkar AS: What Do We Know About LGBTQIA+ Mental Health in India?. A Review of
Research From. 200920192020, 2:26-36. 10.1177/2631831820918129
4. Bowling J, Dodge B, Banik S, et al.: Perceived health concerns among sexual minority women in Mumbai, India:
an exploratory qualitative study. Cult Health Sex. 2016, 10.1080/13691058.2015.1134812
5. Reisner SL, Vetters R, Leclerc M, et al.: Mental health of transgender youth in care at an adolescent urban
community health center: a matched retrospective cohort study. J Adolesc Health. 2015, 56:274-279.
10.1016/j.jadohealth.2014.10.264
6. Clift JB, Kirby J: Health care access and perceptions of provider care among individuals in same-sex couples:
findings from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). J Homosex. 2012, 59:839-850.
10.1080/00918369.2012.694766
7. Bradshaw CS, Walker SM, Vodstrcil LA, et al.: The influence of behaviors and relationships on the vaginal
microbiota of women and their female partners: theWOWHealth Study. J Infect Dis. 2014, 209:1562-1572.
10.1093/infdis/jit664
8. Vodstrcil LA, Walker SM, Hocking JS, et al.: Incident bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women who have sex with
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