Ptalk about sexuality and sexual orientation for many it is still a taboo. This is because our society recognizes heterosexuality as “the standard” and often makes life difficult for those who feel their gender identity is different from their sex. To raise awareness on the topic and ensure that everyone can freely express themselvesL’October 11, 1988 was established International Coming Out Daya date chosen because it was the anniversary of the Second National March on Washington for i rights of lesbian and gay people.
Hair to express your identity
Countryside Pantenne 2023, “Hair Has No Gender” draws attention to the enormous power that hair has in infusing the necessary strength to freely express one’s identity in society. Even through the choice of a style that expresses an authentic and unique self. A power that deserves to be celebrated because it is part of this deep emotional journey of change. A power that is also reflected in the support from those around to allow full self-expression. It is scheduled to launch on October 11th YouTube of a video he has 8 protagonists of the LGBTQ+ community coming from Europe and North America.
The importance of expressing your sexuality
According to the study ofNestlé Observatorywhich has been photographing Italian eating habits and lifestyles since 2009, in 2023 among the wishes of our compatriots emerges a 3.2% who intend to come out is one 0.2% That would like to change sex. «In today’s society there is one greater attention towards homophobia and transphobia. Nonetheless more or less direct, more or less explicit discrimination they are the order of the day. There is greater awareness, but the possibility of Expressing yourself isn’t always easy», explains the Professor Paolo Antonelli, Psychologist, Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, Clinical sexologist, Adjunct professor at the School of Psychology ofUniversity of Florence and Expert on LGBTQI issues.
Coming out: an often difficult choice
«By coming out we mean decision to openly declare one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Represents a fundamental moment in the life of an LGBT+ personin which you become aware of an important part of yourself, and you feel ready to show yourself freely to your family, loved ones and society. There is a need to do it, but with whom? It always starts in more welcoming and inclusive contextswhat may those be familiar and friendly. Usually in the work context it is more difficult for fear of running into discrimination and prejudice. What makes everything more difficult is the lack of a law that protects people from homophobia and transphobia» continues the expert.
Sexuality and work
According to the “Investigation into employment discrimination against LGBT+ people” carried out in 2022 on a sample of 1200 people by Istat And UNAR National Anti-Racial Discrimination Office, 41.4% of the people interviewed declared that being homosexual or bisexual was a disadvantage in their working life. About eight out of ten homosexual or bisexual people interviewed they experimented at least one form of micro-aggression in the workplace related to sexual orientation, such as denigrating messages or subtle insults. Again in the work context, 31.2% report episodes of disclosure of their homosexuality by other people, or outing.
The need to assert oneself
«Whoever comes out wants it assert yourself and othersor to someone he chose, who he really is. It’s a form of self-realization. He wants to stop hiding and start using the appropriate pronoun. However, it is a step that must be taken gradually. Unfortunately it still runs today risk of being marginalized, discriminated against, and even of suffering physical as well as psychological attacks. It is therefore not surprising that among the LGBT+ population there is a greater abandonment schoolmore difficulties both in finding and maintaining work. Fortunately, there are companies that are very inclusive and attentive to minorities, but they are still fantastic exceptions”, underlines Professor Antonelli.
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