Zimbabwe is a country where being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) is not only stigmatized but also criminalized. According to the Criminal Code, any “indecent act” between consenting adults of the same sex can be punished by up to 14 years in prison.
The late former president Robert Mugabe was notorious for his homophobic rhetoric, calling LGBTQIA+ people “worse than pigs and dogs” and declaring “we [Zimbabweans] are not gays”
Although Mugabe was ousted in 2017, the situation for LGBTQIA+ people in Zimbabwe has not improved much.
They still face widespread discrimination, harassment, violence, and exclusion from society.
This has a negative impact on their mental health and well-being, especially for LGBTQIA+ teens who are more vulnerable and less empowered than adults.
LGBTQIA+ teens in Zimbabwe often struggle with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, eating problems, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal feelings.
These mental health problems are not caused by their sexual or gender identity, but by the social factors that make them feel rejected, invalidated, and isolated. One of the most important factors is the attitude of their family.
According to the Family Acceptance Project, a research initiative in San Francisco, LGBT young people whose parents support them and stand up for them show much higher levels of self-esteem and greater well-being, with lower rates of health and mental health problems.
Family acceptance can also help LGBTQIA+ teens cope with the challenges they face in society and foster a sense of community and belonging.
However, many families in Zimbabwe do not accept their LGBTQIA+ children or try to change them. This may be due to cultural, religious, or personal beliefs that view homosexuality as unnatural, immoral, or sinful. Some parents may react with shock, anger, denial, or violence when their child comes out as LGBTQIA+. Some may even disown them or kick them out of their home.
Family Acceptance and Mental Health:
When it comes to the mental health of LGBTQI teens, the role of family cannot be underestimated. The Family Acceptance Project, a pioneering research initiative based in San Francisco, highlights the stark contrast between families that embrace their LGBTQI children and those who reject or attempt to change them.
Caitlin Ryan, director of the project, emphasizes that LGBTQ young people whose parents reject or try to alter their sexual orientation face elevated risks of depression, substance abuse, suicide, and HIV infection. Conversely, those with supportive parents experience higher self-esteem and well-being, with fewer health and mental health challenges.
The Impact of Coming Out:
Another pivotal factor influencing the mental health of LGBTQI teens is how their families respond to their coming out experience. Even initial shock, followed by adjustment and support from parents, can make a profound difference. The manner in which families react holds the power to shape the physical and mental health of LGBTQI youth.
The Consequences of Rejection:
When families fail to accept their LGBTQI teens, the consequences ripple throughout the community. Teens may find themselves abandoned, rejected, punished, or pressured to change, rendering them vulnerable to homelessness, abuse, bullying, drug use, and other dangers.
Research on Acceptance vs. Rejection of LGBTQI Teens:
A study in 2014 underscored the critical role of family rejection in the decisions of LGBTQI teens to commit suicide. Adolescents discharged from psychiatric units after suicide attempts reported feeling invalidated by their families, which challenged their sense of self and emotional well-being.
Shirley Yen, lead researcher and associate professor of psychiatry at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, explained that invalidation ranged from not accepting their child’s sexual orientation to dismissing their feelings of depression or anxiety.
The study revealed that male adolescents perceiving family rejection were almost four times more likely to attempt suicide than those who felt accepted. Prolonged feelings of rejection amplified this risk significantly.
The Struggles of LGBTQI Youth:
LGBTQI youth face numerous difficulties when not supported. Homelessness is a grim reality, with shelters often unable to provide appropriate accommodations. Transgender teens, in particular, may be forced to identify with a gender they no longer identify with, exposing them to physical danger and emotional distress.
Bullying remains a pervasive issue, with a high percentage of LGBTQI youth experiencing verbal and physical harassment. The emotional toll of bullying can lead to self-harm and other harmful behaviours.
The Ongoing Battle Against Suicide:
Tragically, bullying often pushes LGBTQI youth towards suicide. Statistics show that bullied teens are up to five times more likely to take their own lives. Leelah Alcorn’s heartbreaking story serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rejecting one’s identity. Pressure from friends and family can drive LGBTQI teens to seek escape through suicide, making them more susceptible to this tragic outcome. Parental support acts as a crucial safeguard against these risks.
Conclusion:
The struggles faced by LGBTQI teens in Zimbabwe are not just about sexual orientation but also encompass mental health, personality, political views, and social skills.
Embracing these young individuals and providing them with acceptance, support, and understanding is not just a matter of empathy; it is a matter of life and death. In a world moving towards inclusivity, it is imperative that Zimbabwe’s LGBTQI community receives the compassion and support they need to ensure the mental well-being of their teens.
By doing so, we can hope to create a society where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
