Essay on the Coming Out Process

LGBTQ development model is a process of identity development for this group that entails six processes CITATION NSV12 \l 1033 (National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 2012). These steps include identity confusion, identity comparison, identity tolerance, identity acceptance, and identity pride and identity synthesis. It has been described as the most challenging process for the development of LGBTQ identity. In the entire process, an LGBTQ person may develop mixed feeling over time that includes fear, confusion, vulnerability, empowerment, pride, affirmation, relief, brevity, and exhilaration. Various points of the process can be criticized depending on the effect the stages have on a person. Therefore, this paper will discuss the criticism of coming out stage theory for the LGBTQ individual as well as their relevance for social work practice with this population.

A scrutiny on the opportunities associated with coming out reveals that LGBTQ is a process that aims at benefiting the social health of the individuals CITATION NSV12 \l 1033 (National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 2012). For instance, the process enables the affected to develop genuine and close relationships with other people in the society. The development process has three main aims that include helping an individual come out to self, come out to others and finally live out. Coming out to others implies that a person can openly talk about his or her sexuality. The process has proven to help LGBT individuals live in the society without fear of intimidation. Social inclusion has been the main goal of the coming out process, and the people can take part in constructive processes within the community. However, this is only one side of the coin since the aspect of culture, and other dynamics within the societies have not been addressed. People who have successfully managed to come out have become role models or other LGBTQ victims.

People in some cultures are strong advocates of male-female relationships and would not accept the emerging sexualities in the form of LGBTQ. This makes the coming out process an extremely challenging venture that can expose the victims to mockery rather than social inclusion CITATION Chr10 \l 1033 (Villarreal, 2010). Also, coming out to friends may not always present positive outcomes as such information may shock parents, friends, workmates or peers. Therefore, instead of presenting an opportunity for social inclusion, the coming out process may cause permanent changes in some relationships. While in some societies coming out may be met with positive gestures, some culturally rooted societies may only offer rejection and social humiliation for the LGBTQ. Some religions such as Islam are very strict to the extent that an LGBTQ who comes out will only be humiliated. In case relationships such as friendships and family ties change, an LGBTQ patient may experience psychological torture.

Social work practice is very important in creating community ties, and LGBTQ can use this tool to prove that they are normal people. Engaging in social work has been advocated in three of the stages of coming out which are tolerance acceptance and pride. Ability to engage in social work will prove that an LGBTQ has the nerves to tolerate their sexuality and are proud of the state. Engaging in social work proves that an LGBTQ is ready for both negative and positive reception which is beneficial to these people.

The coming out process of an LGBTQ aims to include an individual to the social fabrics. However, the results of the process may depend on internal and external factors where internal factors are the personal factors, and the external factors include the society or social environment. However, it is recommended that individual pursuing and coming out process engage in social work practice. Social work practice is an excellent gauge of the confident, resilience and pride of any LGBTQ individual.

Reference

BIBLIOGRAPHY NSVRC. (2012). The process of coming out: Sexual violence and individuals who identify as LGBTQ. National Sexual Violence Resource Center and Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. Retrieved from http://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/Publications_NSVRC_Guides_Process-Coming-Out.pdf

Villarreal, C. (2010). Coming out as gay: 6 stages for understanding the emotional process. Executive Coaching, Health and Wellness Education. Retrieved from https://drchristinavillarreal.com/2010/03/31/coming-out-gay-6-stages-understanding-emotional-process/