This paper discusses the importance and dangers of causal theories of sexual orientation, noting that, in recent years, the illness model of homosexuality has been thoroughly discredited and replaced with a variety of gay and lesbian affirmative constructs which explore the effects of a disparaging and hostile society on the development and…

Psychometric properties of the Workplace Sexual Identity Management Measure were tested with 172 professionals. Results suggest it successfully assesses a continuum of lesbian and gay identity management strategies (passing, covering, implicitly out, explicitly out). (Contains 27 references.) (SK)

Scientists should reconsider traditional empirical and theoretical paradigms that narrowly define sexual-minority adolescents in terms of those who adopt a culturally defined sexual identity label such as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. This will lead to a different understanding of sexual-minority youths than is apparent in most published studies.…

Seven essays by youths ages 14-18 describe their experiences of pain, alienation, and secrecy as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons. (SK)

Explored preference for counselor's sexual orientation among homosexual male (N=47) and lesbian subjects (N=36). Results indicated that subjects tended to prefer homosexual counselors, although a sizable number believed that counselors' sexual orientations did not make a difference. Found internalized homophobia predicted discomfort in discussing…

Surveys 162 self-identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals with regard to suicidal behaviors, suicide risk factors, and reasons for living. Approximately 41% of the respondents indicated a serious consideration of suicide including the identification of a specific suicide plan or a past suicide attempt with significant intent to die.…

A counselor training seminar on sexual orientation is presented in this article. The seminar incorporated popular songs, readings, and class discussion to increase awareness of sexual identity development, stereotypes, and counseling interventions for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) clients. Results of evaluations suggest that the seminar had a…

Applies the concept of the Ethnocultural Assessment to the areas of sexual orientation. Offers a model for assessing how gay and lesbian clients have integrated their sexual orientation into their lives, a means for counselors to assess their own status with respect to working with this population, and a useful tool for training graduate students.…

Investigated effects of sexual orientation similarity of counselor and client and counselor experience level on perceptions of counselors by 40 gay men and 40 lesbians. Results indicated that lesbians rated experienced therapists, both lesbian and heterosexual, as more expert; there were no other significant main or interaction effects. (Author/NB)

Describes homosexual male counselor's experiences as marriage, family, and child counselor. Claims, because of counselor's comfort and openness to alternative roles, parenting situations, and identities, client couples are freed to dialogue about making role changes. Concludes homophobia often obscures valuable contributions homosexual men and…

Studies indicate that substance abuse is a growing problem among gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. Prevention and intervention efforts can be successful in working with sexual minority adolescents in jeopardy of developing substance abuse problems. School psychologists are uniquely poised to address this problem through…

Presents three case examples to illustrate specific actions that career counseling must take to integrate sexual orientation into career counseling. Suggested actions involve signaling lesbian and gay affirmation in career counseling practice; enhancing development of positive gay or lesbian identity in context of career development work; and…

Explores the ethical and practical considerations of conversion therapy when counseling families and individuals within families with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual concerns. Emphasis is placed on the need for counselors to assess personal biases in the area of working with sexual minorities. Presents a reflective exercise and case study…

Notes that, despite declassification of homosexuality as mental illness, efforts to sexually reorient lesbians and gay men continue. Examines construct of sexual orientation. Reviews literature in psychotherapeutic and religious conversion therapies, finding no evidence that such treatments are effective in their intended purpose. Establishes need…

Reviews major methods, and their theoretical underpinnings, for the definition and measurement of sexual orientations, highlighting their limitations and pitfalls, both practical and conceptual. Cautions against increasing politicization of this area. Makes recommendations toward measurement concerns with adolescent populations. Details a specific…