Het lag is a humorous term for the exhaustion and disorientation queer people experience after prolonged exposure to exclusively straight environments. While the term is lighthearted, it speaks to the very real psychological toll of minority stress—the mental and emotional burden of navigating predominantly heterosexual spaces, code-switching, and enduring heterosexism.In this episode, we’re diving into the concept of minority stress, exploring its impact on our well-being, and discussing how building community can help alleviate its physical and emotional effects.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 08. Finding Your CommunityListen to Episode 11. Overcoming Internalized HomophobiaListen to Episode 26. Gay & AnxiousListen to Episode 53. Stop Comparing Yourself to Other GaysListen to Episode 86. Turn Off Your Code-SwitchingListen to Episode 118. Heterosexism: Take Off the Straight JacketListen to Episode 135. Don't Be A Mean GayAdditional Resources:Finding Your Community: Navigating LGBTQ+ Friendships Beyond the Party SceneUnpacking Internalized Homophobia: A Deeper Look at Self-Directed NegativityAnxiety in Gay Men: Understanding Unique Challenges and Effective Coping StrategiesHet-Lag (Reddit)Het Lag (Twitter)Minority StressTrauma, Minority Stress, and Disproportionate Health Burden Among LGBTQ+ PeopleMinority Stress Theory: Application, Critique, and Continued RelevanceMinority Stress and LGBTQ+ Patients’ Mental HealthLGBTQ+ Mental Health and the Role of Minority StressSocial Isolation and Connectedness as Determinants of Well-Being: Global Evidence Mapping Focused on LGBTQ YouthThe Epidemic of Gay LonelinessSupport the showGet Your Merch

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