Loneliness and the queer experience

Loneliness defines a queer or trans experience. There is a struggle to come to terms with an identity that doesn't fit expectations, and at first this is something that is struggled with alone.

Then there is the catch-22 experience that concealing an identity can compound distress, whereas 'coming out' can increase risk of hostile reactions, the loss of employment, social groups, etc.

The risk for loneliness and social isolation is compounded when someone then experiences violence or other hostility due to their identity. Isolation and avoidance are seen as coping strategies that can end up being overly used in response to such hostile experiences.

Many professionals advocate social connection as an essential component to mental health. However, there is a need to assess the quality of those social connections, especially for the queer and trans experience.

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