With the election season stirring up strong emotions and exacerbating deeply entrenched tensions, it is clearer than ever that in times of change and challenge, the well-being of ourselves and our communities depends on inclusivity and understanding.

“Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the hearts and minds of the community, where it really counts.” — Barbara Gittings.

The normal human process of self-discovery is often accompanied by stress, social stigma, and the challenge of finding a supportive environment. Young or older, this is especially true for LGTBQ+ individuals navigating their gender identity at a time when gender freedom itself has become so widely politicized and criticized.

With divisions more clearly on show than ever before, it’s vital to build spaces where everyone — regardless of their gender or sexual orientation — feels accepted and is able to be their authentic selves.

Understanding that mental health challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals are often exacerbated by external pressures such as discrimination and lack of representation is key. For many, these experiences lead to elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Inclusivity is not just about acceptance; it’s about reshaping societal structures to ensure that people can thrive.

Identity, inclusivity, and well-being are closely interconnected.

Here are a few ways to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive:

• The relationship between identity and well-being: Our identity is tied to the labels we give ourselves — and that society places upon us. Those labels may relate to sexual orientation, to gender, to race, or a range of other values and beliefs. When we find ourselves in a safe environment, we can express each element of our identity. An unsafe or exclusionary environment forces us to hide or suppress fundamental traits, negatively impacting our happiness and well-being.
• The impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives: It’s no coincidence that many workplaces are developing DEI policies. It’s a way of cultivating fair, welcoming, and inclusive spaces of different voices, cultures, and perspectives. These are spaces where everyone can feel safe and express themselves, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity.
• The link between human development and well-being: Acceptance and inclusion are vital in human development and well-being. When we feel safe, accepted, and satisfied with our emotional and physical needs, we’re much more likely to contribute to the community around us positively. That’s because our energy levels aren’t depleted by hostile, unhealthy, and unfavorable environments. We can focus instead on achieving our goals.

This topic can be confusing due to a lack of understanding of the variations of identity and self-expression in a hetero-normative gender gender-siloed world. Recently, I had a conversation with an 88-year-old family elder who made disparaging comments about DEI and “woke culture.” Before our words turned into a dueling match, I asked him if he had ever felt discriminated against because of his age. He quickly agreed that it was a frequent experience and upset him. I encouraged him to apply the same thought experiment to any other group that was unlike him.

The need to be seen, heard, and valued is a primary human need. When we invite everyone to our discussion tables to voice, thrive, and solve problems together, we stand a chance to heal and change the world. If you’re not okay, then I cannot really be okay. That’s how healthy societies work.

Like what you’re reading? Want more consciously prepared brain food?

Listen to this Harvesting Happiness episode: Real World Well-Being: LGTBQ+ Sexuality, Gender Identity, and Development with Myeshia Price PhD, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is part of The Good Citizen’s Election Season Survival Guide to Restoring Common Sense and Sanity in a Crazy World — produced in collaboration with renowned, fair-minded subject matter experts who provide strategies that enhance critical thinking, increase civic engagement, and foster healthy pleasure to boost personal well-being and relationship satisfaction.

Take an even deeper dive with More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness on Substack and Medium.

GUEST BIO: Dr. Myeshia Price, PhD is an Associate Research Scientist with the Kinsey Institute and an Associate Professor in the Human Development program within the Department of Counseling & Educational Psychology at Indiana University. Their unique perspective and current area of research focuses on the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people related to sexuality, gender identity, and mental health.

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