Today, the author of The Gaslight Effect, Dr. Robin Stern, discusses gaslighting, what it is, how it works, why it's used as an emotional manipulation tactic, and what its effects are on the target. She illuminates what happens when your sense of reality and sanity are undermined. When an LGBT partner is grappling with their sexuality or gender identity, they may gaslight their straight or non-trans spouses (consciously or unconsciously), if they have not yet come to terms with that sexuality or gender identity. This can have deleterious effects on the straight or non-trans spouse's emotional and mental health.