Definitions
Definitions Educating yourself as much as possible about the LBGTQIA environment can help a peer supporter provide the necessary support.
This begins with understanding that LBGTQIA means.
L = Lesbian – A lesbian is a female homosexual; female who experiences romantic love or sexual attraction to other females.
G = Gay – Gay is a term that primarily refers to a homosexual person or the trait of being homosexual.
B = Bisexual – Bisexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior toward both males and females.
T = Transgender – Transgender is the state of one’s gender identity or gender expression not matching one’s assigned sex. Transgender is independent of sexual orientation; transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual.
Q = Questioning – The questioning of one’s gender, sexual identity, sexual orientation, or all three is a process of exploration by people who may be unsure, still exploring, and concerned about applying a social label to themselves for various reasons.
I = Intersex – People who naturally (that is, without any medical intervention) develop primary or secondary sex characteristics that do not fit neatly into society’s definitions of male or female.
A = Asexual – A sexual orientation generally characterized by not feeling sexual attraction or a desire for partnered sexuality.
Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Guidelines in Helping
What Can I Do?
Facts
Facts
Although our country has changed its views regarding LGBTQIA individuals, there are still people who choose not to understand them. Victimization continues throughout the public safety environment. The following are some facts regarding the subject:
• Anti-gay victimization has been experienced by approximately 1 in 9 lesbian and bisexual individuals, and 4 in 10 gay men in the U.S.
• Anti-gay victimization and discrimination have been associated with mental health problems and psychological distress.
• LGBTQIA individuals have some level of internalized negative attitudes towards non-heterosexuality.
The greater the internalized hetero-sexism, the more difficulty with:
• Self-esteem
• Depression and anxiety
• Psycho-social and psychological distress
• Physical health
• Intimacy
• Social support
• Relationship quality
• Career development
Warning: All can lead to increased substance abuse and addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions What is the prevalence of LGBT individuals in our society? According to PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) it is reported that anywhere between 4% and 10% of the population in the United States is LGBT. However, it is also believed that due to existing stigmas, those numbers are underestimated. My teenager has told me that he or she is LGBTQIA and I am not comfortable with it. What do I do? As parents, friends, and family members, it is important to be as supportive of our loved ones as possible. However, not being comfortable with certain issues is part of being human. It is important, however, to remember that sometimes our expectations – or the things we want for others – are in fact not their expectations for their own lives. Once we are able to redefine our expectations based on what the individuals want for their own lives we are able to begin to support and love those around us. Challenge your expectations and soon you may see that your level of comfort will change.
My teenager just came out as LGBTQIA. Is this just attention-seeking behavior? It is important for us to remember that the decision to disclose that an individual is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender is a very difficult and long process. Chances are that your loved one has struggled with the idea for quite some time, and is only now disclosing this after intense thought. You are encouraged to see the disclosure more as a chance for emotional intimacy with your teen than attention-seeking behavior.
My religious beliefs do not condone this type of relationship. How do I deal with it? Many religions have changed their stance on LGBTQIA issues. You are encouraged to meet with a member of your religious community
regarding spiritual issues. Many individuals may be surprised by the support they will receive from members of their religious community.
Do people that suffer sexual abuse by the same sex “turn” homosexual as a result? No. According to the American Psychiatric Association (May 2000), there is no specific psychosocial or family-related dynamic (including
sexual abuse) that can be identified as a cause for homosexuality. Furthermore, sexual abuse does not appear to be more prevalent in children who grow up to identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, than in children who identify as heterosexual.
Does being bisexual mean that you have relationships with a man and a woman at the same time? Generally, when someone who is bisexual they are at that time in a monogamous relationship with one gender or the other. What is the difference between being gay and bisexual? People who are gay are attracted to the same sex, while bisexual individuals are attracted to both.
Useful Guidelines in Helping The following are useful guidelines in providing peer support to people from the LGBTQ community:
• Understand the effects of the stigma
• LGBTQ orientations are not mental illnesses
• Consider the influences of religion and spirituality
• Be cognizant of cohort and age differences among this community
• Unique problems and risks exist
• Know there are unique workplace issues – Prejudice – Discrimination – Lowered earning potential: 11-25% less (Badgett, 1995) – LGBTQ families are more likely to be poor
• Consider the negative effects of societal prejudice and discrimination on LGBTQ relationships
• Not having the same rights or privileges as others through federal and state law
• Understand the specific LGBTQ issues related to youth
– Parental acceptance – Harassment in schools – Don’t be afraid to ask questions – If you have negative opinions of the LGBTQ community, refer them to someone else who can better help them
Parenting As a peer supporter, it is important to help LGBTQ individuals understand that they may experience difficulties with:
• Raising children from dissolved heterosexual marriages
• Raising children from same-sex unions
Diversity in Public Safety – LGBTQ
– Discrimination – Lowered earning potential: 11-25% less (Badgett, 1995) – LGBTQ families are more likely to be poor
• Consider the negative effects of societal prejudice and discrimination on LGBTQ relationships
• Not having the same rights or privileges as others through federal and state law
• Understand the specific LGBTQ issues related to youth – Parental acceptance – Harassment in schools – Don’t be afraid to ask questions – If you have negative opinions of the LGBTQ community, refer them to someone else who can better help them Parenting As a peer supporter, it is important to help LGBTQ individuals understand that they may experience difficulties with:
• Raising children from dissolved heterosexual marriages
• Raising children from same-sex unions
• Children of same-sex couples may find they are embarrassed as they become teens Coping with the Stigma
• Below are productive recommendations for helping individuals cope with the stigmas associated with LGBTQ orientations: –
What Can I Do? As previously stated, it is important for peer supporters to understand LGBTQ community. The following are important to a peer supporter’s success:
• Educate yourself as much as possible
• Ganior (2000) provides a comprehensive introduction to LGBTQ issues.
• Explore your own biases (implicit and explicit) about homosexuality and bisexuality.
• Be aware of how your own background and personal factors may influence your interactions.
• Try to avoid making assumptions, even in the face of apparent markers (e.g., marriage).
• Create a sense of safety for the individual.
• Demonstrate understanding through validation and awareness.
• Help individuals increase their sense of safety and show them ways of reducing stress.
• Urge them to develop personal and social recourse.
• Consider referrals when necessary – Local support groups – Community organizations – Mental health professionals – Chaplain – Online resources (for those who may be more private)
• Assess possible history of victimization – Harassment – Discrimination – Violence