Melissa L. Bosch, LS W
Alvis House
133 East Kelso Rd
Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 262-7217
It is very easy for those of us who are truly open to the state of the world around us to give in to despair. But l know, I must continue to fight and that the battle is worthwhile. It did not begin with me nor will it end with me, but what I do is essential. -Audre Lorde, writer.
As treatment providers, we are responsible for gaining knowledge about the clients we serve. We seem to have grasped the
importance of our client's cultural heritage and the impact culture has on a person's development. What we have failed to
do, is understand that there is another culture that is not defined by the color of your skin or where you are born, but by who
you love. It is estimated that 10% of the population is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgeuder. It is not enough to simply
acknowledge this fact. It is our responsibility, as treatment providers, to be aware of issues specific to this diverse population.
Heterosexism and homophobia are rampant in our world leading to the oppression and invisibility of L/G/B/T persons.
These serve as barriers for this population, often leading to internalized hatred. Having knowledge of such issues and how
they are manifested in an individual client demonstrates a willingness to be available as care givers to L/G/B/T clients. The
L/G/B/T culture is just that, a culture. When working with an L/G/B/T person it is imperative to have an understanding of
key terms and definitions related to this culture; not to judge or label, but to discern.
Most L/G/B/T persons go through the "Coming Out Process," which has six stages ranging from Identity Confusion to
Identity Synthesis. (McNally, 2001) These stages appear to be fluid; which can in itself create confusion. It is important to
note that just because an individual has "come out" it does not mean that they accept their own orientation. These six stages
describe this process in detail and can serve as a starting point when working with one who identifies as L/G/B/T.
By exploring these topics as well as substance abuse trends in the L/G/B/T culture and family of origin versus family of choice; we can begin to challenge ourselves and open the way for more inclusive treatment for L/G/B/T clients.
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