To be or not to be (Queer) – Application of Psychology in Understanding LGBTQ+ and Homophobia

Trigger Warning: mentions of heteronormativity, queer phobia and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community.

The existence of LGBTQ+, though a long occurring natural phenomenon, has been disregarded in many ways by the society all over the world. Though the queer community still faces a lot of prejudices and struggles, the field of psychology, via research, has helped in clearing out certain misconceptions which initially fueled the stigma. Firstly, psychological studies disproved the belief that homosexuality is related to mental illness and criminality. The second contribution by psychology is the discovery that homosexuality is largely determined by heredity, and not just free choice. This discovery is important, as support for the rights of homosexual persons is strongly linked to the belief that it is something individuals are “born with” (Gallup, 2007). Most gay men and lesbians believe they have “no choice at all” in their sexual orientation (Herek, Norton, Allen & Sims, 2010). A third major way that psychology has advanced the rights of homosexual persons is by turning the lens on those with strong anti-homosexual attitudes. The term “homophobia,” was introduced by Weinberg (1972). Based on his work with therapy patients, Weinberg concluded that anti-homosexual attitudes are often a real phobia, based upon a repressed fear that one is unconsciously homosexual (McFarland, 2018). In a research study conducted by Higa et al (2014), it was concluded that social efforts should move towards reducing and eliminating the prejudicial sentiments often present in the institutions and situations that LGBTQ+ youth encounter. Here, it becomes significant how changes in attitude will be more effective than legal changes. A change in attitude, defined by various levels of acceptance, tolerance and inclusivity, is intrinsic. Extrinsic factors of motivation (here, like the change in laws) are limited in their scope of effectiveness. They are not the only tools of change. In fact, extrinsic changes should be looked upon as the factors that enhance or accelerate intrinsic factors, which are ultimately going to be more effective in increasing the desire of the population to accept a change, and move towards the non-normative standards. Hitherto the significance of attitude change has been immense. According to a research conducted by Simonson (1977), it was inferred that attitude change could be produced in society in favour of diverse sexual identities.

However, the behavioral and experimental approach that is usually taken, is typical of the research used to identify and support the consistency theories of attitude change summarized next. Early attitude change literature is firmly anchored in traditional experimental psychology and draws heavily on behaviourism (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993), (AECT, 2001). The normative cisgender heterosexual stereotype is dominant in the Indian society, and being queer is frowned upon by a major population in our country. For a clear understanding of heteronormativity, Gayle Rubin (1993) believes: “heteronormativity in mainstream society creates a 'sex hierarchy' that graduates sexual practices from morally "good sex" to "bad sex". The hierarchy places reproductive, monogamous sex between committed heterosexuals as "good" and places any sexual acts and individuals who fall short of this standard lower, until they fall into "bad sex".” The Indian society is not very flexible, in the sense that it does not give an individual adequate scope to safely explore outside the closet. The queer identity is subjected to oppression and bullying, which ingrains internalized homophobia, or fear and anxiety. The judgment of whether one’s identity is natural or unnatural is injudicious. Section 377 declared “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” punishable by imprisonment for life. Even with the decriminalization of section 377, the society continues to stigmatize same sex relationships. Hence, it is intelligible how legal decriminalization does not naturally assert social decriminalization and validate the identity as socially acceptable, especially since homosexual marriages still do not have legal acceptance and recognition in India. Furthermore, in terms of legal advancements in queer gender identities, transphobic laws exist, even in developed countries like the USA. Though India tried to pass a Trans Bill, it was quite problematic, insufficient and inadequate, and ultimately disregarded the transgender identities and contradicted the rights to privacy, rights to self-identity and many more. As this article earlier discussed the ways in which advanced psychology research helped mold the biased attitudes into more accurately inclusive ones, it would be fair to assume that certain aspects of psychology can be applied in the Indian society to try and achieve the same change, i.e., a change in the perception of the people. Since legal changes are limited in their effects and do not extend to obligate people’s beliefs to wholly embrace queer folks, it becomes important to understand how we can reach out to and impact more people on a more personal, social and psychological level.

People might find it hard to change their existing queer phobic values, because the acceptance values contradict the perpetuated values of queer phobia which some people were nurtured with, ever since childhood. Based on the theory of cognitive dissonance (Festinger, 1957), people try to balance internal harmony of their attitudes and beliefs. Persuasive communications attempt to change the affective component of an attitude system by changing the cognitive component of attitude. In other words, providing an individual with new information that changes the cognitive component of attitude will tend to cause that individual to change overall attitudes toward an object. Festinger's theory examines consistency among cognitive elements or beliefs about oneself, behaviour, or one's environment. Dissonance occurs when elements are logically inconsistent or psychologically inconsistent because of cultural mores, specific opinions deviating from more encompassing opinions, or information or experiences that are contrary to previous information or experiences. Dissonance motivates the individual to reduce the dissonance and return to consonance. When faced with dissonance, the individual seeks to avoid situations or information that may increase dissonance. (AECT, 2001). This might explain the phenomenon of denial by people and the continuity of rigidity of their beliefs even when presented with logical facts, arguments and information on how LGBTQ+ is not something against the law of nature.

Hence, there is a need for an intrinsic incentive to believe in the purpose of change. This is where the problem lies, because societal development, in terms of acceptance and “progressive” mindset, does not ensure a personal immediate monetary benefit or public recognition and praise. Research could be conducted on a national level to find out what non- monetary and external rewards motivate people as much as money or internal rewards, to at least attempt to introspect by themselves and reconsider their stance on queer phobic values. Therapy helps to gradually adapt individuals with a more flexible mindset and thought process, but people might not seek help for their homophobia if they do not see a problem with them being against queer identities. Here, it also becomes problematic when individuals refuse to educate themselves thoroughly, and form opinions on the trivial, inadequate information they have, especially with regards to how confusing and inconvenient queer identities are for them to understand and adapt to, hence they try to condemn what they do not understand. Therefore, research focused on finding out the incentives which will drive people to re- evaluate their beliefs, and ways to then subsequently accelerate intrinsic motivation for acceptance of LGBTQ+ or any other non-normative behavior, particularly focused on the demographic of India, could help destigmatize a lot of radical and sociological issues in the

society, and encourage people to have discussions about taboo topics. Moreover, as an ally to the community, non-queer folks can constantly update and adequately educate themselves with the issues of the community, which can go a long way to increase sensitivity against the concerned issues. The motive of this article is to contribute to the relentless attempt to reduce the stigma attached to identifying as queer, and to make this society a safe space for discovering one’s own true identity, instead of being assigned a definitive one from birth. To conclude, the journey to the change we all wish to see is long and challenging. However, we cannot give up now. Many more years and struggles have to go by until it is a completely safe and trustful society for every queer here. 6th September 2018 marks one victory, amongst many more to come. This victory signifies that no effort goes to waste. Each and every action matters. The society needs to realise that being anti-LGBTQ+ isn’t an opinion, but an oppression. Resources: 1. APA Resources on LGBTQ: https://www.apadivisions.org/division-44/resources 2. If someone comes out to you - https://lgbtq.unc.edu/programs/education/safe-zone- training/guidelines-safe-zone-allies/if-someone-comes-out-you 3. Thinking of Coming Out? - https://www.washington.edu/counseling/thinking-of-coming- out/ 4. Free 24/7 Counselling In India - https://www.vandrevalafoundation.com/ (Phone number and email-id are available on the website)

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· McFarland, S. (2018, May). How psychology has helped society accept homosexuality. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/ptn/2018/05/society-accept-homosexuality.

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