What Is Queer Imposter Syndrome?
Queer imposter syndrome is a term used for the feeling or a state of mind that tells you that you are not queer enough, despite your queer identity. This state of mind is experienced by people of the LGBTQIA community when they worry about being rejected by other members of their community. People experiencing queer imposter syndrome might sense a lack of belonging, a depleted self-image, uncertainty about their identity, and also gender dysphoria.
Signs of Someone Experiencing Queer Imposter Syndrome
Queer imposter syndrome is a syndrome where a queer individual worries about how other queer individuals will perceive them. It is when they self-doubt and worry whether they will be viewed as “queer enough” to be part of the LGBTQIA community. This creates fear and anxiety of being rejected. Someone with queer imposter syndrome can still be concerned about being accepted or falling out of touch.
Some signs of queer imposter syndrome include:
- Low self-esteem and having a negative self-image.
- Despite being identified, they have a sense of not belonging to the LGBTQIA community.
- Gender dysphoria.
- Feelings of shame about their appearance, sexual preferences, and habits.
- Constantly comparing self with other members of the LGBTQIA community.
Ways to Cope With It
Coping with queer imposter syndrome can be tough. Considering that just 7% of the population in the United States identifies as LGBTQIA, feeling excluded by both, the LGBTQIA community and society can make it difficult for people with queer imposter syndrome to find support. (1)
Practicing some self-affirmation tips and taking other essential steps can help you cope with the queer imposter syndrome.
Self Affirming Tips
LGBTQIA individuals are more than 2.5 times more likely to have depression, anxiety, or substance abuse issues (2), which means with proper mental health care, these feelings of queer imposter syndrome can be reduced.
Let us look at some of the most essential, self-affirming tips to practice.
Remain Open to Self-exploration
If you feel like you are not queer enough, or stressed out thinking about how other queer individuals might view you, you should explore your feelings with a specialized LGBTQIA-aligned therapist, especially one who identifies as queer.
Use Self-affirming Mantras During Difficult Times
Identify safe and secure phrases that you can use as self-affirming mantras during difficult times. Some examples of self-affirming mantras are:
- I am loved.
- I am queer enough.
- I am worthy.
- I am the only me
- Only I know my true inner world.
- I deserve joy and peace.
Connect With Other LGBTQIA Community Members
Sometimes with the symptoms of queer imposter syndrome, you might distance yourself from others to avoid getting rejected. However, starting small and joining a social media group, or visiting an LGBTQIA venue, or bar could help you slowly ignore that anxiety and hesitancy. So, connect with other LGBTQIA community members and take a step ahead in being a free being.
Acknowledge Your Unique Journey and Appreciate the Achievements
In 2020, more than one in three LGBTQIA individuals reported experiencing certain forms of discrimination, and the numbers were higher in the case of transgender individuals. (3)
However, in social settings, business, and more, the LGBTQIA community is being accepted and supported from others. Your journey is unique, so acknowledge it and appreciate your achievements.
Focus on Queer Joy
Focus more on queer joy and not suffering or pain. There is enough queer joy in the world and you should find it and share it with your loved ones.
Final Words
Being queer is not something that you practice. It is something that you already are and that you have always been. Appreciate your unique journey, accept your truth, and unique qualities, and enhance the LGBTQIA community.
