2024,
Flemish,
Monika Kowalska,
Netherlands,
Solange Dekker,
Director: Tim Dekkers
Release Year: 2024
Synopsis:
Depression among transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals is a significant and pressing public health concern. Research consistently shows that people within these communities face mental health challenges at disproportionately high rates compared to the general population. Several factors contribute to this disparity, including social, familial, and systemic discrimination, as well as the internalized stigma many LGBTQ+ people experience. "Uit 't leven," a documentary by Tim Dekkers is the attempt to present these challenges by focusing on the lives of three individuals: Jean - a muscular acrobat, Kris - a gay and effeminate man, and Solange - a transgender fashion model, hairstylist, and beauty pageant contestant,
One of the primary causes of elevated depression rates among LGBTQ+ individuals is the discrimination they encounter in various aspects of their lives. Transgender people, in particular, face unique challenges, often experiencing rejection from their families, communities, and workplaces. This kind of rejection can be profoundly damaging to one’s mental health, leading to feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and alienation. Many transgender people also face violence, harassment, and bullying, particularly in public spaces or at school, exacerbating the mental health risks they face. For LGBTQ+ individuals, experiencing prejudice and exclusion on a regular basis can create chronic stress, which is strongly linked to the development of depression and other mental health disorders.
The experience of being rejected by one's family or not being accepted for one’s sexual orientation or gender identity is another critical factor that contributes to depression.
.jpg)
For transgender individuals, family rejection can be particularly severe, as it may involve not only a lack of support for their identity but also physical and emotional abandonment. The pain of this rejection can lead to deep feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt, increasing the risk of developing depression. Many LGBTQ+ people also face difficulties in finding communities or support networks where they feel safe and understood, leaving them to cope with their struggles alone.
Moreover, internalized stigma plays a significant role in the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals. Societal attitudes toward non-heteronormative sexual orientations and gender identities are often negative, and many LGBTQ+ individuals internalize these prejudices, leading to feelings of shame and guilt about their identity. Internalized homophobia or transphobia can fuel depression, as individuals begin to see themselves through the negative lens of societal judgment. This can create a cycle of self-loathing, where the individual’s mental health deteriorates as they struggle to reconcile their true identity with the world’s rejection.
The lack of access to supportive mental health care is another obstacle. Many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people, find it difficult to access health services that are both affirming and competent in addressing their unique needs. Mental health professionals may not always be adequately trained to provide culturally sensitive care, and LGBTQ+ individuals may fear discrimination in healthcare settings. For transgender people, the additional challenge of finding medical providers who understand their needs for gender-affirming treatments can lead to further distress. Without access to proper care, depression can worsen, and individuals may feel that they have nowhere to turn for help.
Furthermore, the rates of suicidality among LGBTQ+ individuals are alarmingly high. Studies show that transgender individuals, in particular, are at a much greater risk of attempting suicide than their cisgender counterparts. The compounded effects of societal rejection, discrimination, violence, and internalized stigma create an environment where many LGBTQ+ people, especially those who are transgender, feel that their lives are not worth living. The hopelessness that results from these circumstances often leads to suicidal thoughts and attempts.
In light of these challenges, it is clear that urgent steps must be taken to support the mental health of transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals. Reducing stigma, offering accessible and affirming healthcare, and creating inclusive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities are essential. Mental health care that is sensitive to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals can help address the underlying issues contributing to depression and provide the support necessary to prevent suicide. By improving societal acceptance, ensuring access to mental health services, and fostering safe, inclusive spaces, we can work toward reducing the mental health disparities faced by these communities.
In an interview for the Heroines of My Life blog, Solange shares her experiences and insights into her journey as a transgender woman and beauty queen. Solange, who became the first-ever Miss Netherlands at the 2019 Miss Trans Star International, explains that being a beauty queen is not just about appearance but also about using the platform to help others, especially the transgender and non-binary community. She emphasizes the importance of personal growth, giving back, and being a role model for those in need.
Solange reflects on her experience at Miss Trans Star International, where she reached the Top 10 despite facing language barriers and being away from family. Discussing her modeling aspirations, Solange acknowledges the increasing visibility of trans women in the fashion industry but feels that more needs to be done to advocate for transgender rights and tackle issues like bullying and unemployment. She shares her personal struggles growing up, including being bullied and losing contact with her family after coming out as transgender. Despite these challenges, she managed to move forward and pursue her dreams.
.jpg)
Post a Comment