Page 229 - Microaggressions in Everyday Live Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

The Detrimental Impact of Sexual-Orientation Microaggressions 203

trustworthy, and valuable allies in the struggle for equality. LGBTs begin
to experience an increased sense of comfort with their sexual - orientation
identity, and begin the process of synthesis and integration of individual
identity, group identity, and universal identity.
It is important to note that sexual - orientation identity development models
describe a process of movement from dealing with heterosexism to liberation.
If we accept the Cass (1979) model as a description of desirable movement,
it is important to realize that heterosexism is such a powerful force in our

society that many LGBTs never make it out of the first stage, and that others
may be stuck in earlier stages throughout their lives. The blame for the dis-
ruption or inability to develop a positive sexual - orientation identity, however,
does not reside in being a gay or lesbian person, but rather can be attributed
to a hostile and invalidating heterosexist culture.

Psychological Distress and Mental Disorders

Same - sex relationships are not signs of mental disorders (Sue & Sue, 2008).
Studies show that “ homosexuality ” is unrelated to psychological disturbance
or maladjustment, and that there are few adjustment differences between a
gay/lesbian population and heterosexuals (Berube, 1990; Gonsiorek, 1982).
However, considerable evidence exists that exposure to heterosexual preju-
dice and discrimination is related to elevated rates of Major Depression,
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and substance abuse among gays/lesbians
(Szymanski, Kashubeck - West, & Meyer, 2008; Rienzo, Button, Sheu, & Li,
2006). Further, LGBTs are at higher risk for substance and alcohol related
problems (Cochran, Keenan, Schober, & Mays, 2000; Kennedy, 2005), and
internalized homophobia is found to be directly related to depressive symp-
toms (Frost & Meyer, 2009). LGBT youths report more substance use, high - risk
sexual behaviors, suicidal thoughts or attempts, and personal safety issues
(Blake, Ledsky, Lehman, & Goodenow, 2001; Rienzo et al., 2006). They are
more likely to report social, emotional, and cognitive isolation, feelings of
extreme sadness and loneliness, lack of authenticity, impaired social relation-
ships, and constant feelings of threat and vigilance (Hunter & Mallon, 2000;
Szymanski et al., 2008).
Understanding of how heterosexism creates a hostile and intimidating
environment for LGBTs can be found in the following facts: compared
with heterosexuals, LGBTs are more like to have been abused as children
and adults, bullied in schools, and harassed in a multitude of environments

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