1. Sara Train Coordinator for Project SPIN 323-993-7661

2. Who is a part of Project SPIN?

3. Let’s define the LGBTQ Lesbian and Gay- Refers to an individual whose primary physical, romantic, emotional and/or spiritual attraction to some on of the same sex.

4. Let’s define the LGBTQ Bisexual- Refers to an individual who is physically, romantically, emotionally and/or spiritually attracted to men and women.

5. Let’s define the LGBTQ TRANSGENDER Is someone whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from that of their birth sex. Gender Identity: An internal feeling of identity on the masculine/feminine continuum. Gender Expression The manner in which one expresses their gender along a masculine/feminine continuum.

6. Let’s define the LGBTQ Questioning/Queer Questioning: – Someone who is unsure or less certain of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Queer: – a generic term meaning not-straight, can also refer to someone’s gender identity as fluid in the masculine/feminine continuum.

7. What obstacles do youth face when questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity?

8. Statistics The most common forms of biased language in elementary schools, heard regularly (i.e., sometimes, often or all the time) by both students and teachers, are the use of the word "gay" in a negative way, such as "that's so gay," (students: 45%, teachers: 49%) Many also report regularly hearing students make homophobic remarks, such as "fag" or "lesbo" (students: 26%, teachers: 26%) and negative comments about race/ethnicity (students: 26%, teachers: 21%). GLSEN Prejudice: Elementary School Climate in the United States, 2012.

9. Statistics Non-gay youth who are targets of anti-gay bias demonstrate even greater levels of emotional distress and depression than do gay-identified youth.

10. Unexpected consequences Teenage lesbians are twice as likely to become pregnant and are four times as likely to have multiple pregnancies.

11. Statistics LGBT youth who come from highly rejecting families, when they become young adults are: – 8 times as likely to have attempted suicide – 6 times as likely to report high levels of depression – 3 times as likely to use illegal drugs – More than 3 times as likely to be at high risk for HIV/sexually transmitted diseases Caitlin Ryan, Family Acceptance Project, 2009

12. Statistics Suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death among 12 to 18 year olds 1 1 in 11 High School students made a suicide attempt in the past 12 months. LGB youth are up to 4x more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers because of the ways they are treated in their homes, schools, and various communities Sources: CDC 2010; American Association of Suicidiology; Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2009

13. What obstacles do youth face when coming out?

14. The Stages of coming out Questioning Self Recognition as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Disclosure to others Socialization with other LGBT identified people Positive Self-Identification Integration and Acceptance

15. Identity development model Giving Hope It’s all good Unaware Confusion Why am I different? I think I might be gay.. Oh no! I’m here, I’m queer! Exploration & Celebration and btw.. I’m gay Integration Denial I’m not gay, I just…

16. Non-gay youth who are targets of anti-gay bias demonstrate even greater levels of emotional distress and depression than do gay-identified youth. Unexpected consequences

17. Video Clip Tres Gotas de Agua Three Drops of Water By Somos Familia

18. Family acceptance Behaviors that increase the risk for negative mental health outcomes Physically hurting a child because they are LGBTQ Verbal/emotional harassment because they are LGBTQ Excluding LGBT youth from family events Blocking access to LGBT friends, events, and resources Blaming your child when they are discriminated against because of LGBT identity Pressuring your child to be more (or less) masculine or feminine Telling your child that God will punish them because they’re LGBT Telling your child that you’re ashamed of them or that the way they act will shame the family Making your child keep their LGBT identity a secret in the family and not letting them talk about it © Caitlin Ryan, Family Acceptance Project, 2009

19. Family acceptance Behaviors that decrease the risk for negative mental health outcomes Talk with your child about their LGBT identity or questioning that identity Express affection when you learn that your child is LGBT Support your child’s LGBT identity even though you may be uncomfortable Advocate for your child when he or she is mistreated because they identify as LGBT © Caitlin Ryan, Family Acceptance Project, 2009

20. Family acceptance Behaviors that decrease the risk for negative mental health outcomes Require that other family members respect your LGBT child Bring your child to LGBT organizations or events Connect your child with an LGBT role model to show them options for the future Welcome your child’s LGBT partners and friends into your home Support your child’s gender expression Believe your child can have a happy future as an LGBT adult © Caitlin Ryan, Family Acceptance Project, 2009

21. Law & Policy Protected Classes Sex Color Race Ethnicity National Origin Mental/Physical Disability Religion Actual or Perceived Sexual Orientation Actual or Perceived Gender Identity/Expression

22. What can we do? LISTEN Use inclusive language that does not assume everyone is heterosexual Remember: it is NOT our place to tell a young person when, whether, where, or how to come out

23. What can we do? Speak up and challenge youth who make homophobic or anti-gay remarks in your presence (or if you overhear comments) Work with student councils and governments to have programs on respect, school safety, and anti-bullying; be an advocate for school policies that challenge bias and promote respect and safety Become a visibly open and allied resource for young people.

24. What can we do? Understand that all behavior is purposeful Increase awareness & understanding

25. Resources LAUSD Office of Human Relations, Diversity and Equity humanrelations.lausd.net

26. Resources LA Gay & Lesbian Center (323)993-7661 PFLAG-Los Angeles 1.888.PFLAG 88 (1.888.735.2488) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Trevor Project 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386) LifeWorks (323) 860-7373 GSA Network 213-482-4021 GLIDE 310.358.5165 TransYouth Family Allies 1-888-462-8932

27. Is there a difference between providing psychotherapy to the LGBT population and heterosexual clients?

28. What to consider when providing psychotherapy to the LGBT population LGBT youth and adults that are out in varying degrees about their sexual orientation and gender identity or not at all. They live in a context of institutionalized anti- LGBT bias or homophobia.

29. What to consider when providing psychotherapy to the LGBT population In the 19 th century, doctors in the U.S. followed the lead of many in Europe who had developed theories about the deviancy of homosexuality and from that time on, homosexuality was considered a disease by many in the medical community. In 1973 the American Psychiatric Association dropped homosexuality from the DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS (DSM).

30. Suggested overarching themes that clinicians should be aware of when treating LGBT individuals: 1. In developing a sexual identity, lesbians and gay men notice how their experiences differ from the general culture. 2. Coming out is a lengthy process and individuals vary in their rates of disclosure. 3.As individuals develop a gay or lesbian identity, a variety of feelings experienced in the process emerge. Stein and Cabaj (1996)

31. Suggested overarching themes that clinicians should be aware of when treating LGBT individuals: Continued: 4. Issues such as intimacy, dependency, and aggression are all complicated by the interaction with internalized homophobia. 5.Sexuality issues of lesbians and gay men may be difficult to discuss and explore for both therapists and clients. Stein and Cabaj (1996)

32. Questions

33. Project SPIN Sara Train www.projectspin.org 323-993-7661 Thank you!