Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer

Emotional Effects

Sexual minorities experience many of the same emotional responses as other survivors who have experienced sexual trauma—anger, anxiety, confusion, depression, difficulty with emotional and physical intimacy, dissociation (commonly referred to as “spacing out” or detaching body awareness from feeling), helplessness, hopelessness, isolation, low self-esteem, self-blame/self-hatred, and shame. Shame can be particularly difficult for LGBTQ survivors to overcome especially if the assault was a part of a hate crime.  The survivor may feel that they “caused” the assault.  In the case of same-sex assaults, the survivor may experience guilt for “turning” on their community if they choose to report.  It may also leave the survivor feeling isolated and betrayed. Some additional factors that intensify the feelings of shame, guilt, and betrayal include many of the stereotypes and societal myths about LGBTQ persons, such as the myths that women can’t assault other women or that sexual assault does not happen within LGBTQ communities.