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The Pride Parade, for many, represents an opportunity for self-expression and a celebration of identity. However, we must consider how the experience of the parade might vary depending on one's individual journey towards self-acceptance and the stage they are in the Cass Model for Coming Out.
Let's review the psychology of coming out.
According to the Cass Model, individuals go through a series of six stages of coming out. The first is identity confusion, where individuals begin to question their sexual identity, and it can lead to a state of turmoil and distress. The second stage is identity comparison, where individuals begin to compare themselves to others and seek information to help understand their sexuality. In the third stage, identity tolerance, individuals may begin to experience decreased distress and more positive feelings about their sexuality. The fourth stage, identity acceptance, is when individuals begin to embrace their sexuality and seek out social networks that support them. In the fifth stage, identity pride, individuals have a strong sense of pride in their sexuality and may become activists for LGBTQ+ rights. The final stage, identity synthesis, is when individuals integrate their sexual identity into their overall identity.
For individuals who haven't fully come out, the Pride Parade can be seen as a way to compensate for the lack of self-acceptance, creating a façade of confidence they may not truly possess. In some circumstances, people who have not yet progressed through the stages of practical integration or acceptance may find themselves stuck in the "identity confusion" or "identity comparison" stage, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and fear about their homosexuality.
As a result, the Pride Parade may actually become a trauma parade. Until people have fully integrated their sexuality with other aspects of their identity - such as their emotion, intellect, or spirituality - they can feel incomplete and disconnected. They may use the Pride Parade as an outlet to express a false sense of pride, leading potentially to feelings of guilt or shame if they are not able to embody this "pride" throughout the year.
Shame and self-stigma are commonly experienced by individuals who are not fully accepting of their sexuality, and it can lead to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Shame can also prevent individuals from seeking support or reaching out. At its core, shame is an emotion that arises from an individual's belief that they are deficient or unworthy, resulting from societal conditioning around their sexual identity and orientation.
It is essential for individuals to address their issues surrounding shame and trauma related to their sexual orientation if they are to move towards healt
