Effectively Working With Effectively Working With
Gay, Lesbian, Bi
Gay, Lesbian, Bi - - sexual sexual and Transgender Youth and Transgender Youth
Heidi Stern
Heidi Stern - - Ellis, LCSW Ellis, LCSW
((hsternhstern--ellis@rchsd.org)_ellis@rchsd.org)_
Al Killen
Al Killen - - Harvey, LCSW Harvey, LCSW
Factors To Consider When Factors To Consider When Working With L/G/B/T/Q Youth Working With L/G/B/T/Q Youth
Stage of identity development Stage of identity development
Presenting Issue Presenting Issue
Cultural Factors Cultural Factors
Family Support System Family Support System
Organizational Culture Organizational Culture
Personal Beliefs/Experiences Personal Beliefs/Experiences
Community Resources Community Resources
Definition of Terms Definition of Terms
Sexual Identity Sexual Identity - - A A term that describes an term that describes an individual’s sense of their own sexuality, individual’s sense of their own sexuality,
including the complex relationship of sex and including the complex relationship of sex and
gender as components of identity. Includes a gender as components of identity. Includes a
biopsychosocial
biopsychosocial integration of biological sex, integration of biological sex, gender identity, gender roles expression and gender identity, gender roles expression and
sexual orientation.
sexual orientation.
Gender Identity Gender Identity - - A person’s self concept of their A person’s self concept of their gender (regardless of their biological sex).
gender (regardless of their biological sex).
DEFINITION OF TERMS DEFINITION OF TERMS
GAY GAY - - A male who forms his primary A male who forms his primary loving, loving,
sexual, and/or intimate relationships with other sexual, and/or intimate relationships with other men. Gay men have an affectional, emotional, men. Gay men have an affectional, emotional, romantic and/or erotic preference for other men.
romantic and/or erotic preference for other men.
LESBIAN LESBIAN - - A woman who forms her A woman who forms her primary primary
loving, sexual and/or intimate relationships with loving, sexual and/or intimate relationships with
other women. Lesbians have an affectional, other women. Lesbians have an affectional,
emotional, romantic and/or erotic preference for emotional, romantic and/or erotic preference for
other women.
other women.
DEFINITION OF TERMS DEFINITION OF TERMS
BISEXUAL BISEXUAL - - A man or woman who is A man or woman who is emotionally, sexually and/or intimately emotionally, sexually and/or intimately
attracted to members of either sex
attracted to members of either sex - - not not necessarily at the same time.
necessarily at the same time.
TRANSGENDER TRANSGENDER - - Literally means to cross Literally means to cross gender lines. This term may include
gender lines. This term may include transsexual, transvestite and/or cross transsexual, transvestite and/or cross - -
dresser.
dresser.
Definition of Terms Definition of Terms
Intersex Intersex - - A person who has physical sex A person who has physical sex characteristics, often including ambiguous characteristics, often including ambiguous
genitalia, of both male and female genitalia, of both male and female
(previously referred to as hermaphrodites).
(previously referred to as hermaphrodites).
Historically a gender determination has Historically a gender determination has
been made at birth often accompanied by been made at birth often accompanied by
a surgical procedure. Much controversy a surgical procedure. Much controversy
about this today.
about this today.
Stage of identity development Stage of identity development
Pre Pre - - encounter encounter
Encounter Encounter
Immersion Immersion
Internalization Internalization
Synthesis/Commitment Synthesis/Commitment
Stages of Identity Stages of Identity
Development Development
PRE PRE - - ENCOUNTER ENCOUNTER
The individual sees themselves as The individual sees themselves as
belonging in the mainstream. Often has belonging in the mainstream. Often has no information/exposure to other identity no information/exposure to other identity
groups. Defenses can be quite high groups. Defenses can be quite high
during this stage.
during this stage.
Stages of Identity Stages of Identity
Developement Developement
ENCOUNTER ENCOUNTER
Initial exposure to gay, lesbian, bisexual and/or Initial exposure to gay, lesbian, bisexual and/or
transgendered concept. The encounters may be transgendered concept. The encounters may be
thoughts, feelings and/or behaviors with thoughts, feelings and/or behaviors with
someone of the same sex or may be intellectual, someone of the same sex or may be intellectual,
academic or social exposure to information.
academic or social exposure to information.
Vulnerability and confusion can be quite high Vulnerability and confusion can be quite high
during this stage. Internalized homophobia may during this stage. Internalized homophobia may
play out significantly during this time.
play out significantly during this time.
Stages of Identity Stages of Identity
Development Development
IMMERSION IMMERSION - - The “sponge” stage. The The “sponge” stage. The
individual begins to explore aspects related to individual begins to explore aspects related to
their sexuality. This may include intellectual, their sexuality. This may include intellectual,
social, physical and/or sexual experiences.
social, physical and/or sexual experiences.
“Rehearsal play” may occur where the individual
“Rehearsal play” may occur where the individual
“practices” various aspects of this newfound
“practices” various aspects of this newfound identity
identity - - often causing confusion and/or often causing confusion and/or
alienation to those around them. This stage is alienation to those around them. This stage is
necessary for a healthy sense of self
necessary for a healthy sense of self - - can occur can occur at any age.
at any age.
Stages of Identity Stages of Identity
Development Development
INTERNALIZATION INTERNALIZATION
The acceptance stage of identity The acceptance stage of identity
development. I understand this to be who development. I understand this to be who I am. This often results in a sense of grief I am. This often results in a sense of grief
and loss in addition to clarity and and loss in addition to clarity and
acceptance.
acceptance.
Stages of Identity Stages of Identity
Development Development
SYNTHESIS & COMMITMENT SYNTHESIS & COMMITMENT
Now the individual begins the process of Now the individual begins the process of
addressing the other life issues that all people addressing the other life issues that all people face (relationship forming, career goals, family face (relationship forming, career goals, family
formation, etc.). Includes a profound formation, etc.). Includes a profound
understanding that not everyone will accept this understanding that not everyone will accept this
part of who I am but that does not change my part of who I am but that does not change my
sense of self.
sense of self.
Presenting Issues within the Presenting Issues within the
Child Welfare Arena Child Welfare Arena
Sexual Abuse Sexual Abuse
Physical Abuse Physical Abuse
Foster Placement/Group Home Foster Placement/Group Home
Adoption Adoption
Presenting Issues within the Child Presenting Issues within the Child
Welfare Arena Welfare Arena
Depression/Suicide Depression/Suicide
Chemical Dependency/Abuse (meth) Chemical Dependency/Abuse (meth)
Homelessness (Survival Sex) Homelessness (Survival Sex)
School Drop Out School Drop Out
Health Risks (STI’s, Pregnancy, etc.) Health Risks (STI’s, Pregnancy, etc.)
Sexual Abuse Sexual Abuse
Lack of safe arenas to discuss sexual Lack of safe arenas to discuss sexual
orientation places l/g/b/t/q youth at higher orientation places l/g/b/t/q youth at higher
risk levels for sexual exploitation/abuse risk levels for sexual exploitation/abuse
Youth often fear that disclosing sexual Youth often fear that disclosing sexual
abuse (particularly same gender abuse)
abuse (particularly same gender abuse)
will also disclose their sexual orientation
will also disclose their sexual orientation
Physical Abuse Physical Abuse
A number of population A number of population - - based studies based studies
have documented a higher rate of physical have documented a higher rate of physical
abuse by family members among LGB abuse by family members among LGB people compared to their heterosexual people compared to their heterosexual
peers peers
(Horliss, Cochran & Mays,
(Horliss, Cochran & Mays, Child Abuse and Neglect, 26, 2002; Child Abuse and Neglect, 26, 2002; Waldo, Waldo, Hesson
Hesson--McInnis & D’Augelli, McInnis & D’Augelli, American Journal of Community Psychology, American Journal of Community Psychology, 26, 1998)
26, 1998)
Foster Placement Foster Placement
Assembly Bill (AB)458 Assembly Bill (AB)458
It is the policy of the State of California that It is the policy of the State of California that ALL children in foster care shall have the ALL children in foster care shall have the following rights (1
following rights (1 - - 22): 22):
(22)To have fair and equal access to all available (22)To have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or
and to not be subjected to discrimination or
harassment on the basis of actual or perceived harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification ..sex, sexual race, ethnic group identification ..sex, sexual
Adoption Adoption
Explore the “parallel process” of l/g identity Explore the “parallel process” of l/g identity formation and “adopted child” identity
formation and “adopted child” identity formation with the prospective adopting formation with the prospective adopting
parent(s parent(s ) )
(Murphy & Dillon,
(Murphy & Dillon, Interviewing in Action, 2003)Interviewing in Action, 2003)
Cultural Factors Cultural Factors
Ethnicity Ethnicity
Race Race
Religion Religion
Economics Economics
Cognitive Abilities Cognitive Abilities
Community Factors (urban/rural,etc.) Community Factors (urban/rural,etc.)
Family Support System Family Support System
Does the family know that sexual identity Does the family know that sexual identity is an issue for the client?
is an issue for the client?
How has the family responded to other How has the family responded to other diversity issues amongst family members diversity issues amongst family members
Family Acceptance Project Findings Family Acceptance Project Findings (SFSU)
(SFSU)
Safety issues Safety issues
Legal/ethical issues Legal/ethical issues
Organizational Culture Organizational Culture
Policies of your organization Policies of your organization
Formal Formal
Informal Informal
Practices of your organization Practices of your organization
Forms Forms
Intake Procedure Intake Procedure
Language Language
Personal Beliefs/Experiences Personal Beliefs/Experiences
How do I “really” feel about gay, lesbian, How do I “really” feel about gay, lesbian, bi bi - - sexual and transgender people? sexual and transgender people?
“Just because you are doesn’t mean you “Just because you are doesn’t mean you can and just because you aren’t doesn’t can and just because you aren’t doesn’t
mean you can’t.”
mean you can’t.”
Community Resources Community Resources
Know what’s available in your community Know what’s available in your community
Be sure to ask “specifically” how often a Be sure to ask “specifically” how often a referral source has worked “directly” with referral source has worked “directly” with
l/g/b/t clients l/g/b/t clients
Utilize the internet Utilize the internet
Utilize “informed” colleagues/peers Utilize “informed” colleagues/peers
Resources Resources
The Trevor Project: A national 24-The Trevor Project: A national 24-hour, toll free hour, toll free
confidential suicide hotline for gay and questioning youth confidential suicide hotline for gay and questioning youth
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
866866--44--UU--TrevorTrevor (866(866--488488--7386) 7386)
Child Welfare League of America: Children's advocacy Child Welfare League of America: Children's advocacy organization active in lobbying and humanitarian
organization active in lobbying and humanitarian projects in the US.
projects in the US.
www.cwla.org www.cwla.org
National Center of Lesbian Rights: A legal National Center of Lesbian Rights: A legal centercenter with a with a primary commitment to advancing the
primary commitment to advancing the rightsrights and safety and safety of lesbians and their families
of lesbians and their families www.nclrights.org
Resources Resources
The National Association of Lesbian, Gay, The National Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community
Bisexual, and Transgender Community Centers (NALGBTCC).
Centers (NALGBTCC).
www.lgbtcenters.org www.lgbtcenters.org
HRC :The Human Rights Campaign is HRC :The Human Rights Campaign is
America’s largest civil rights organization America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgender equality
and transgender equality
Resources Resources
Family Acceptance Project : (FAP) is a community Family Acceptance Project : (FAP) is a community
research, intervention and training initiative to study the research, intervention and training initiative to study the impact of family acceptance and rejection on the health, impact of family acceptance and rejection on the health,
mental health and well
mental health and well--being of lesbian, gay and being of lesbian, gay and bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth
familyprojectfamilyproject.sfsu.edu .sfsu.edu
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays : National Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays : organization for education, advocacy and support for families and friends of LGBT persons. Chapters are
available in all states – check website for local chapters and educational materials for families
www.pflag.org
Resources Resources
Children of Gays Everywhere: (COLAGE) National Children of Gays Everywhere: (COLAGE) National organization for children of LGBT parents
organization for children of LGBT parents
www.colage.orgwww.colage.org
Family Pride Coalition: National organization to provide Family Pride Coalition: National organization to provide advocacy and support for LGBT parents and their
advocacy and support for LGBT parents and their families
families
www.familypride.orgwww.familypride.org
Resources Resources
Gender Pac: Organization to provide education and Gender Pac: Organization to provide education and promote advocacy to end discrimination and violence promote advocacy to end discrimination and violence
caused by gender stereotypes. National conference, caused by gender stereotypes. National conference,
training, gender law information, resources for training, gender law information, resources for
transgender youth transgender youth
www.gpac.orgwww.gpac.org
LLEGÓ LLEGÓ –– National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Organization
Transgender Organization
www.llego.org www.llego.org
RESOURCES RESOURCES
GLSEN : Gay, Lesbian, Straight Educators NetworkGLSEN : Gay, Lesbian, Straight Educators Network
National organization for advocacy and information to National organization for advocacy and information to promote safer schools.
promote safer schools.
www.glsen.orgwww.glsen.org
GSA Network: Gay, Straight Alliance Network: YouthGSA Network: Gay, Straight Alliance Network: Youth--led led organization to provide networking and support for GSAs organization to provide networking and support for GSAs
www.gsanetwork.orgwww.gsanetwork.org
On Line Resources for Youth On Line Resources for Youth
Youth Resource: Online peerYouth Resource: Online peer--based sexual health based sexual health education by and for LGBTQ youth ages 13
education by and for LGBTQ youth ages 13--24. Includes 24. Includes peer health educators, info for LGBT youth of color,
peer health educators, info for LGBT youth of color, young women, deaf, and rural youth
young women, deaf, and rural youth
www.youthresource.comwww.youthresource.com www.ambientejoven.org
www.ambientejoven.org en Español en Español
Youth Guardian Services: OnYouth Guardian Services: On--line peerline peer--supervised supervised support groups for LGBT youth (ages 13
support groups for LGBT youth (ages 13--17, 1717, 17--21, and 21, and 2121--25), and youth with an LGBT family member. 25), and youth with an LGBT family member.
www.youthwww.youth--guard.org/youth/guard.org/youth/
Books Books
Child WelfareChild Welfare : Special Issue: : Special Issue: LGBTQ Youth in Child LGBTQ Youth in Child Welfare
Welfare (VO. LXXXV #2, March/April 2006)(VO. LXXXV #2, March/April 2006)
Lesbian and Gay Youth: Lesbian and Gay Youth: Ryan, Caitlin & Futterman, Ryan, Caitlin & Futterman, Donna
Donna
Let’s Get This Straight: A Gay and Lesbian Affirming Let’s Get This Straight: A Gay and Lesbian Affirming Approach to Child Welfare:
Approach to Child Welfare: Mallon, GaryMallon, Gary
Lesbian and Gay Foster and Adoptive Parents: An Lesbian and Gay Foster and Adoptive Parents: An Untapped Resource for Children and Families :
Untapped Resource for Children and Families : Mallon, Mallon, GaryGary
