Sexual Identity and Mental Well-being among LGBTQ+ Adults in India: A Qualitative Study

The intersection of sexual identity and mental health is a significant topic of research, especially in socio-cultural environments that are less accommodating to sexual minorities. Although much study has examined the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ persons in Western nations, there is a paucity of evidence concerning their experiences in non-Western, collectivist cultures such as India. In a society where conventional norms and societal expectations frequently marginalise people who deviate from heterosexual and cisgender identities, comprehending the psychological effects of sexual identity on LGBTQ+ individuals is essential. This study seeks to fill this vacuum by examining the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in an Indian community, highlighting the significant impact of stigma, discrimination, and familial rejection on their mental health. Results demonstrate that participants commonly struggled with anxiety, sadness, and internalised homophobia, usually intensified by societal pressures to hide their identity. Several individuals expressed feelings of loneliness stemming from insufficient acceptance and support from family members. The existence of supportive friends, online LGBTQ+ networks, and self-acceptance was seen as crucial resilience elements that alleviated these adverse consequences. Notwithstanding legal progress, including the decriminalisation of homosexuality, the lack of extensive legal safeguards and cultural acceptability persists in jeopardising the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ persons in India. This study employs qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews to elucidate the distinct stressors and resilience variables characterising the mental health experiences of LGBTQ+ persons in India. It promotes the implementation of more inclusive policies, the expansion of mental health services, and the adoption of culturally appropriate therapies to enhance support for this population and foster a more welcoming society atmosphere.