Undoubtedly, it is challenging to discover whether people choose their sexual orientation on their own or live with it from birth. On the one hand, according to Steensma et al. (2013), psychological factors, such as child and parental characteristics, and the biological ones, such as the effects of parental exposure to gonadal hormones and the role of genetics, can contribute to gender identity. On the other hand, every individual chooses what company to spend time with and what books, television series, and movies to consume. These factors are likely to influence one’s sexual identity too. Hence, many aspects ranging from genetics to popular culture can play various critical roles in the process of gender identity formation. Honestly, I do not recall making a conscious choice to be gay or straight at all. Besides, I am firmly convinced that most people have never decided on their sexual orientation on purpose.
Furthermore, it is essential to recognize how potential reactions to adolescents’ questioning of their gender role may influence their social environment, behavior, and self-esteem to minimize adverse impact. First, LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning) adolescents may face different issues in their social environment depending on whether they reveal their sexual identity or keep it secret. Nevertheless, the former, along with the latter, suffer much. Kosciw et al. (2016) stated, “Schools nationwide are hostile environments for a distressing number of LGBTQ students, the overwhelming majority of whom routinely hear the anti-LGBT language and experience victimization and discrimination at school” (p. 16). Unfortunately, many adolescents face problems at home and in other social settings as well. Parents may object to their children’s choice to belong to the LGBTQ community, and peers or other adults may stop interacting with them, strictly judge, or even insult because of different stereotypes.
Second, the negative social environment leads to adverse consequences for adolescents’ behavior and self-esteem. Taking into account the fact that adolescents are especially vulnerable, the problem is particularly severe. According to Goldbach et al. (2015), “Sexual minority adolescents experience disparities in health and behavioral health outcomes, including high rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance use, HIV risk behavior, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts” (p. 297). The researchers presented much evidence to support their claim; thus, it is essential to realize what adverse behavioral outcomes may cause the negative social environment. Besides, LGBTQ adolescents have lower levels of self-esteem and higher levels of depression (Kosciw et al., 2016). Without any doubt, the negative social environment causes this as well, as if immature individuals have to deal with criticism or continuous insults, they stop believing in themselves and start to exhibit bad behavior. Therefore, adolescents’ questioning of their gender role may adversely influence their social environment, behavior, and self-esteem.
In conclusion, social workers can play a significant role in assuring the best outcomes for these adolescents. First of all, they need to prove to them that it is normal to question one’s sexual identity. Braly (2002) said that his son showed him the beauty and power of being yourself and letting other people be themselves. Undoubtedly, it is a critical lesson, which social workers have to realize on their own and teach LGBTQ adolescents. They need to emphasize that it is vital to have one’s own perspective, build confidence, and successfully handle criticism and insults of narrow-minded individuals to be a fulfilled and happy person.
References
Braly. J. (2002). Oliver’s pink bicycle [Audio file].
Goldbach, J. T., & Gibbs, J. (2015). Strategies employed by sexual minority adolescents to cope with minority stress. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 2(3), 297-306. Web.
Kosciw, J. G., Greytak, E. A., Giga, N. M., Villenas, C., Danischewski, D. J., & Gay, L. (2016). The 2015 National school climate survey: The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth in our nation’s schools. Executive summary.
Steensma, T. D., Kreukels, B. C., de Vries, A. C., & Cohen-Kettenis, P. T. (2013). Gender identity development in adolescence. Hormones and Behavior, 64(2), 288-297.