Will Mahan, MS, LPC
TEL 404-229-6177
|
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgendered (GLBT) Issues However, many GLBT individuals in Each sub-group within the sexual minority population also
experiences unique stressors, apart from the overall discrimination that faced
by those who fall outside of society’s “norms” with regard to sexual and gender identity: Gay males are often stereotyped as promiscuous, drug-abusing, and
responsible for the initial spread of HIV/AIDS. Although stereotypes are fading with an increasing
number of individuals' coming out, and an increasing presence of gay figures portrayed in
the media, gay men are still subjected to the vast majority of hate crimes
against sexual minorities, according to FBI statistics. Lesbian women often confront dual discrimination, in the form of
sexism as women and heterosexism as lesbians.
Lesbian women can also face special issues around child care and family
building, including creating a “family of choice” or “gay family” which may take
the place of family or origin. Unique legal issues are also present if a
lesbian couple chooses to have a child. Bisexual
individuals often experience
discrimination from within both the straight and gay communities. Although recent literature has begun to point
to the positive aspects of embracing a bisexual identity (freedom to define
oneself, ability to develop intimate relationships with either gender),
communities for bisexuals can often be difficult to find, with few heterosexual
or gay and lesbian communities offering full belonging and acceptance. Transgendered
individuals are often the victims of
confusion and prejudice on the part of even the most well-intentioned of counselors. The term “transgendered” has evolved to
include cross-dressers, transsexuals and transgenderists, male-to-female
transsexuals (MTF’s), female-to-male transsexuals (FTM’s), and two-spirit and
intersex people – though not that all members of these groups would use the
term to describe themselves. Transexuals
are best described as individuals who believe their physical body does not
represent their true sex. Not all
transsexuals choose to have surgical modification, however. Requirements that a
mental health professional “sign off” on sex reassignment surgery are also
being called in question by clinicians and activists. Although any individual
would benefit from counseling before serious surgery, research suggests that it
is rare for those who have been approved for treatment to have regrets about
the decision afterward. Finally, there are those individuals who are “questioning” and are still coming to
terms with their sexual identity.
Although the process of accepting one’s sexual identity has been found
to proceed through similar stages regardless of the individual, progress with
coming to terms with one’s sexual minority status is not guaranteed. Some individuals are unable to accept themselves due to
real and perceived expectations and discrimination from family members, religious
figures, co-workers or classmates, and society in general. Fortunately, the fields of counseling and psychology have
been, for the most part, ahead of the curve in dealing with sexual minorities
not as individuals with “mental disorders,” but as individuals with problems
just like any individual, which may or may not be exacerbated by their sexual
minority status. Counseling theories
have begun to acknowledge that – just as with women and other minorities – previous discrimination
can also have a dramatic impact on the current mental well-being of
individuals. If you are dealing with issues related to your sexual
identity, or are just seeking a counseling environment that is welcoming and
safe for all sexual minorities, feel free to call Will Mahan, LPC at 404-229-6177 or e-mail atlantacounselor@gmail.com to
schedule an appointment. Additional Resources in The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce The
Rainbow Center National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Sexual Minority Youth GLSEN - Gay, Lesbian,
Student, Educational Network Struggling with issues of sexual identity, or with living life as a gay man, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered individual? Counseling can help. Call 404-229-6177 or e-mail atlantacounselor@gmail.com for an appointment or free phone consultation. |
