Handouts and Information
What is an Ally? | Developing a Common Language | Gay and Lesbian Identity Development | Heterosexual Questionaire
Heterosexual Privilege | Trans Definitions | Overview of the Transgender World
The Intersexed Condition | What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality | Choosing a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual-Affirming Therapist
Choosing a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual-Affirming Therapist
Adapted from Bernice Goodman, "Out of the Therapist Closet,"
in Hilda Hidalgo & Travis Peterson (Eds).
NASW Resource Manual on Gay and Lesbian Issues
- What extent of knowledge does the therapist have about lesbian, gay, bisexual culture?
- How long has the therapist been working with LGB clients? How many LGB clients has the therapist worked with?
- What type of training does the therapist have in working with LGB clients?
- How much understanding and knowledge does the therapist have about racism, sexism, and homophobia/biphobia in society?
- What is the therapist's knowledge of and commitment to issues of diversity among LGB persons and culture?
- Can the therapist constructively challenge self-oppressive attitudes and internal biases with clients and also help to create and support new, healthy ways of being?
- Is the therapist a visible part of the LGB community?
- What feelings do you have of this person? Is there a feeling of trust and safety? Would you feel comfortable in participating in therapy with this person?
- Does this therapist understand the effects of institutional homophobia, biphobia, and heterosexism upon LGB people?
- Can this therapist recognize the differences between appropriate behavioral responses related to societal oppression and the unique psychological difficulties that a LGB person may be experiencing?
- How well does the therapist acknowledge the impact of socially defined gender roles on an LGB individual's sense of self?