Every individual has a sexual orientation and sense of self, and these are not necessarily based on genders assigned at birth. The LGBTQIA+ community includes people within this larger spectrum, with persons who identify with various gender and sexual identities.

Homosexuality was used to be categorised as a mental disease throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality as a mental disease from the second edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The World Health Organisation took more than two decades to recognise homosexuality as normal. However, society's attitude toward community members endures. Even today people hesitate and feel ashamed to talk about homosexuality and transgender issues. This is where Queer Affirmative Therapy becomes crucial. As a Queer- Affirmative Mental Health Professional, it is about providing an informed and safe space for every person who reaches out to us.

Let me share the story of our friend, Aansh, who was struggling a lot but eventually found solace. Aansh was always sensing a doubt while he was growing up. He had a mixed group of friends, but it was when he turned 15, he realised that he might be gay. He was constantly trying to terms with his sexual identity. He even thought of completely isolating himself. Constant bouts of anxiety and feelings of loneliness became his friends. It took him a long time to confide in one of his friends, and an even longer time to venture out to eventually start dating others. However, while he may have accepted his identity, his family remains unaware. It was becoming very exhausting. Recently Aansh started therapy. He is currently working towards unlearning his behaviours, and being more comfortable with who he is. The idea is to be comfortable in being oneself, no matter what, so you can live with yourself irrespective of what others say.

LGBTQIA+ people endure higher mental health concerns than heterosexuals, according to studies conducted across the globe. According to the researchers, the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination people suffer as a result of their differences contribute to their mental health problems. LGBTQIA+ people are at a higher risk of suffering from mental illnesses such as substance use disorders, mood disorders, and suicidal ideation, according to community studies. According to a 2016 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), LGBTQIA+ community members are approximately three times as likely as heterosexual community members to have suicidal thoughts. Same-sex marriages are still frowned upon in mainstream society. For many in the LGBTQIA+ community, the institution of family or intimacy, which the heterosexual community takes for granted, is a luxury. They are at danger of having an identity crisis, emotions of rejection, and pessimism due to a lack of affection, acknowledgment, and approval.

To make matters worse, mental health issues in the country are considered taboo. Seeking help for a mental health problem is frowned upon by your friends and family members. Consider the predicament of the LQBTQIA+ community in this context. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of LGBTQIA+-related psychiatric literature in India, and people within the medical fraternity also lack the sensitisation needed to support patients from the community.

However, the situation seems to be changing with the emergence of Queer Affirmative Therapy.