The LGBTQ+ community
The LGBTQ+ community is a diverse group encompassing people of all genders, races, ages, religions, socioeconomic classes, abilities, and backgrounds. Often there are misunderstandings and preconceived notions about this population that can impede the counseling relationship. Counselors must understand their client’s cultural and social identities to enhance the efficacy of counseling treatment with these individuals.
Please select one of the following videos from the University Library:
Counseling gay and lesbian people of color: Multiple identities: Part 1
The concept of intersectionality is a key factor when considering how different identity markers may intersect and interact with each other in ways that are not always obvious or easily understood. As such it is important for counselors to recognize and understand these intersections in order to provide more complete care for their clients. This may involve exploring topics such as racism within the LGBTQ+ community or examining how certain aspects of an individual’s identity may make them vulnerable to discrimination or prejudice from others. Additionally counseling interventions should be tailored around providing support specifically suited towards those who identify as having multiple social identities.
By recognizing the unique needs that come with having multiple identities counselors can better empower LGTBQ+ individuals who are facing oppression or marginalization due to any combination thereof . By engaging in conversations about intersectionality , individualscanbeencouragedtoexpressallpartsofthemselvesandfeelacceptedregardlessoftheirbackgrounds .Thismayhelpbreakdownbarriersthatfostertaboosorjudgmentwhichmayexistwithinclient’sculturalcontextsandpromotegreaterunderstandingofdiversityincludingsocialsexualidentitymatters .Ultimately counsellorsmustbepreparedlistentotheirclientswhilesimultaneouslyacknowledgingtheoppressionfeltbytheminthefaceandsystemicdiscriminationortransphobia–bothovertcovertmanifestations–asthiswillallowforatrusted relationship between client counselor which ultimately facilitative effective healing process both parties concerned