FEATURE
Why LGBTQ+ Isolation Is Our Greatest Threat
Loneliness is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue, with more people feeling isolated, disconnected, and alone.
May 7, 2024
Image: Creative Commons
Image: Creative Commons
Image: Creative Commons
Image: Creative Commons
USE ARROWS TO MOVE THROUGH IMAGES
By William Cameron
In the last decade, a silent epidemic has been silently creeping into our communities, threatening to unravel the very fabric of our society. Loneliness is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue, with more people feeling isolated, disconnected, and alone. No matter where you live or your ethnicity, the trend is alarming, and its impact is set to reverberate for years to come. The World Health Organization has even recognized social isolation as one of the most significant public health challenges, especially among older adults.
Within the LGBTQ+ community, this loneliness epidemic is particularly acute. Currently, one in three LGBTQ+ adults experiences mental illness, compared to one in five heterosexual adults. Our elders are doubly affected, with twice the likelihood of living alone, without the support they need during their twilight years.
While many attribute this loneliness epidemic to the COVID-19 pandemic, research shows that it has been steadily growing for at least a decade. The pandemic simply amplified a problem that was already lurking beneath the surface, unseen and unaddressed.
The economic fallout of the pandemic exacerbated this issue, leading to the closure of venues crucial to our community's social and mental well-being: restaurants, shops, bars, and more. Families and young people relocated, causing a shift in our neighborhoods, with some becoming trendy, gentrified, and unaffordable, forcing many of us out of the places we once called home.
Despite the interconnectedness technology provides, social media is proving to be a double-edged sword, potentially driving us further apart. Research from the American Psychological Association indicates that excessive phone use can lead to isolation, replacing genuine social interaction with digital facsimiles. Dating apps, while intended to connect us, often contribute to this isolation, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals. Many of these apps are geared toward gay men, leaving others feeling excluded. Even attempts to make friends on these platforms can result in ridicule and ostracization on social media.
As we, the Gen X and Millennial generations, transition into our "wise elder" years, the impact of this isolation becomes even more critical. Loneliness has been linked to a host of health issues, including cardiovascular problems, weakened immune systems, increased mortality rates, and chronic health conditions. Moreover, it can exacerbate mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, and increase the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
However, there is hope. The solutions are within reach. We must wean ourselves off the addictive allure of our phones and re-engage with the world around us. Genuine, face-to-face connections are more critical now than ever before. We must prioritize creating and nurturing real relationships, fostering genuine connections with others. This means logging off occasionally and embracing activities that bring us joy—hobbies, sports, outings, and travel to beautiful destinations.
It's time to recenter ourselves, to rebuild our communities, and to prioritize meaningful connections. While the challenges we face are daunting, they are not insurmountable. By coming together and prioritizing genuine human connection, we can overcome this crisis and build a brighter, more connected future for all. After all, as the generations before us have shown, community can save us.
----
M
About the author
With a 24-year background in print advertising sales and publishing, a love for art and design, and steadfast determination, William has helped develop and execute the successful launch of three publications over his career; METROMODE being his own. As the Creative Director, he sets the brand's vision and leads a talented team of writers while bringing his creative abilities (16-years in graphic design) to designing each issue.