Robyn is the CEO & Founder of HER. Find her on Twitter.
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Sep 04, 2024
#SponsoredContent – Written by Ella Rehder I Updated May 27th, 2024 by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Humans are social creatures. Being able to connect with others in one’s community and culture can improve mental and physical health, provide a sense of safety, and inspire positive change in one’s life. Not being able to access one’s community can lead to health risks and low self-esteem. In marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQ+ community, socialization can become especially crucial, as those in these communities often face social ostracization and stigma, which can lead to isolation. Understanding how to build community can be a step toward improved health.
Receive culturally informed and compassionate care in therapy
According to the Standford Social Innovation Review, the term “community” can be complex and difficult to define, as community differs based on culture, background, and the individuals that make it up. Community is based on the integration and connection of a group of people.
Communities are often larger than minor social groups like families or couples. Instead, they may make up the people in one’s city, state, or country. In addition, communities can be groups of people who share a certain identity. People who identify as queer may consider themselves part of a larger community of others who identify this way.
Community can offer a sense of being a “part of something” greater than oneself. Working together to create a safe space can improve well-being and give everyone a chance to have their voice heard. Communities can remind people that they aren’t alone when experiencing difficulties.
Connection is subjective. The basis of the term “connection” is “the state of being related to someone or something else.” However, this term can have various meanings in the context of relationships. Connection can mean the following:
In the context of community, connection can refer to a sense of being a part of a group and being seen by those in the group. People in a community may help each other, offer advice, and make efforts to improve the community’s overall health. In the queer community, individuals might support the group by organizing events, offering advocate services, protesting injustices, and spending time together in a safe space made only for other LGBTQ+ people.
People in the LGBTQ+ community are at a higher risk of mental health conditions and chronic stress. LGBTQ+ youth aged 12 to 24 may be at a higher risk than adults, but adults can also be impacted. According to the American Psychiatric Association, LGBTQ+ adults are more than twice as likely as heterosexual individuals to develop a mental disorder.
In a sample study of LGBTQ+ youth, researchers found that those with a community of people with their identity felt safer and accepted and had a greater sense of belonging. In addition, these youth felt more secure with their future, believed in themselves more, and had stronger relationships with family members.
Social support and community is directly linked to health and wellness. Without a social support system, individuals are at a higher risk of the following:
Not having a community can lead to a sense of being completely alone, which may lead someone in the LGBTQ+ community to believe that they are alone in their experiences or not safe to express themselves as they truly are. People who see others like them may be able to better express their gender and sexuality in public and around those they trust.
When seeking community, there are various resources you might consider, including but not limited to the following.
LGBTQ+ centers offer a place for queer people to join together and access resources, advocates, groups, and events. Individuals can use a tool like Centerlink’s LGBTQ Community Center Directory to find a center in their city. If there is no center in your community, consider advocating for one to be started. You might also use online resources, such as online groups, which can offer similar support.
Resources can also be distributed or accessed in regular community centers, which might have classes or support options. Individuals can also start LGBTQ+ meet-up groups by organizing a place and time. These groups can be free to start and attend and may offer a similar sense of community.
Hobby-based groups allow individuals to come together for a specific activity everyone enjoys or is interested in trying. Hobby groups could include:
Joining a group can improve mental health and may allow queer individuals to meet others with similar interests. Studies show that joining a music group, like a choir, may also reduce one’s risk of adverse mental health symptoms.
Volunteer work provides a chance to give back to one’s community, which may offer a sense of connection and joy. Studies show that volunteering can improve mood and reduce symptoms of mental illness and stress. If giving back to your community is a value of yours, you may notice that you meet others through this activity who also hold this value, which may be a way to make friends with similar morals and ideas about life.
Online resources may be helpful for those living in remote areas or places where a sense of queer community is difficult to find. For those aged 13 to 24, TrevorSpace may be a helpful social network to connect with other young LGBTQ+ people.
Groups may also be found on social media sites like Facebook, where people can post about their experiences and receive responses from others in the community. For lesbians, Lesbian Connection is a free magazine that can be mailed to individuals in almost any area worldwide. Donations are recommended to help the company keep up with publication costs.
Support groups are another way to find community. These groups allow individuals with a similar goal or identity to meet and discuss challenges, receiving advice and support from other members. Therapy groups can be similar, although they often come with a cost and are led by a licensed therapist. Support groups are peer-led and often free and may be a way to make friends who relate to you. Online support groups like Encircle offer a way to meet other queer people, even if you struggle to do so in your immediate area.
Receive culturally informed and compassionate care in therapy
Because people in the queer community are at a higher risk of mental illness and stress, it may be difficult to cope with and process challenges without professional support. However, accessing therapy in one’s area can be challenging if one is isolated or does not have the financial resources. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be more accessible.
Through an online platform, individuals can access cost-effective and accessible services that can be accessed from any location with an internet connection. In addition, online platforms often offer online support groups, including those for the queer community. These resources may offer a sense of community.
Studies show that online therapy is effective in supporting people coping with loneliness. One study found that internet cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly reduced loneliness in participants compared to the control group, who did not receive therapy. In addition, the intervention led to increased quality of life.
Community and connection can improve mental health and reduce the chances of physical illness. For the queer community, having others who understand the experience of being marginalized can be a way to know that one is seen, understood, and cared for. If you’re struggling to build community or find support systems, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist online or in your area. A provider can help you find resources and reduce loneliness.
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Robyn is the CEO & Founder of HER. Find her on Twitter.
