People of color and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQI) communities experience significant challenges disclosing their real identities. Researchers have concentrated on analyzing the plight of white LGBTQI societies but accorded less emphasis on black individuals. Despite being segregated because of ethnicity, same-sex people face oppression because of their minority status, disability, or being female. This discrimination can result in mental health issues, significant psychological problems, and acculture stress.
Various factors affect LGBTQI people of color to come out and disclose their identity in society. For example, some individuals relate blacks to criminality; therefore, same-sex people believe that what they do is wrong. These individuals fear what others might think about them or their choices. On the other hand, black culture can reject any idea related to the white because of the oppression, slavery, and discrimination history. For instance, most African-American religions disregard homosexuality and define it as a sin against God. This has resulted in an increased number of HIV cases among LGBTQI black people because homosexuality is a primary contributor to the illness and has caused many deaths. Eventually, these individuals engage in drugs and substance use, risky sexual behaviors, fighting, and violence because they feel misunderstood by society and their households.
Cultural and family values also hinder LGBTQI individuals from speaking about their sexual life preferences. This is because African-American cultures demonize homosexuality and might denounce people who engage in it. As a result, LGBTQI’s get inadequate support from friends and family members, which adversely affects their self-esteem and confidence. Therefore, blending the two distinct identities that the community cannot accept can lead to stigma and cause the individual to commit suicide.