LGBT

It’s an extremely exciting time to be a member of the LGBT community as it seems that US culture is finally “getting it”.  Two-thirds of the American public embraces marital choice, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is gone, and gay haters and bashers are quickly becoming an official “lunatic fringe”.  Finally, therefore, the 4% of the population that is openly LGBT, and the additional 4% not fully open, can begin to only need their closets for their wardrobes.

LGBT psychology is, of course, mostly consistent with straight psychology, with the additional stress of never knowing who will have a bias against you.  There are many nuanced differences that are important to note, however.  Gay men are often prolific lovers and seem more suspicious of monogamy and commitment than lesbians.  The black, Latino, and Muslim communities are behind in acceptance.  Lesbian and Gay couples consistently present as more effective parents than straight couples.  Finally, even though we elected a black president to a second term and ten states currently recognize same-sex marriage, we need to remember that racism and bias against LGBT citizens remains institutionalized and very strong.

LGBT issues in therapy, therefore, are often about family and situational context – where are the haters?  Haters can lead to layered, repressed material for the LGBT client for whom intellectual emancipation precedes emotional emancipation.

Transgender issues are more complex and difficult for many families to come to terms with.

Once again, thirty years employment in a public mental health setting has provided me with a wealth of experience.