M6S3: Sexuality As Determinant Of Health

Question 1

Sexuality

Answer 1

Aka sexual orientation
-one’s own sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions and behaviours to other people
-includes the idea that individuals can find other people physically, sexually and/or emotionally attractive
-sexual and gender identities can fall under umbrella term 2SLGBTQIA+

Question 2

Bisexual

Answer 2

Being sexually or romantically attracted to both men and women, or to more than one sex and gender

Question 3

Asexual

Answer 3

Experiencing no sexual feelings or desires
-thus, not feeling sexual attraction to anyone no matter their sex or gender

Question 4

What does 2SLGBTQIA+ stand for

Answer 4

-inclusive term that includes people of all sexual identities and gender identities
2S-> two-spirit
L-> lesbian
G-> Gay
B-> Bisexual
T-> Transgender
Q-> Queer or Questioning
I-> Intersex
A -> Asexual
+ -> members of other LGBTQIA+ communities and allies

Question 5

Sexuality and mental health

Answer 5

-those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ more likely to Experince sadness, anxiety, substance misuse, homelessness, self-harm, suicidal thoughts
-especially true for young people who identify with these components of their identity who may also be enduring victimization and bullying at school as comes to terms with sexuality

Question 6

Stressors affecting mental health

Answer 6

-feeling different from other people
-feeling unsupported and misunderstood
-feeling worried about coming out and then being rejected or isolated
-feeling pressure to deny or change their sexuality or gender expression
-being bullied (verbally or physically)

-these unique stress are on top of everything an individual has to deal with like managing school, finding a job, forming relationships, making sense of one’s identity and place in world

Can affect: sleep, appetite, concentration, relationships

Question 7

additional challenges facing the 2SCGBTQIA+ community

Answer 7

Increased vulnerability
-stigmatization and discrimination can eventually result in higher chance of anxiety, depression and emotional suffering

Societal pressure
-people can feel conventional ideas about being female or male
-people who do not meet these normative expectations can be victims of physical abuse, intimidation and ridicule

Discrimination
-many community members continue to Experince harassment, discrimination, prejudice, violence at school, work, and within varying social situations

Question 8

Rob’s story

Answer 8

-25 year old aboriginal man who’s bisexual
-no more racism, equal
-helpful to have community and family support
-need more awareness what bisexual is
-counsellor can help go when happy so can notice if something wrong and don’t gotta go back to square one