Sanford Brown College Sexual Minorities Discussion and Responses
First Peer Kalli In what ways might typical and expected patterns of human development be impacted for LGBTQI+ individuals.For many LGBT+ children, they likely experience Erikson’s early stages of development the same way their hetero peers would. I think one main difference comes to the stage in adolescents of identity vs identity confusion. While most parents would encourage their children to explore their identity and empower them to become the person they want to be, parents of LGBT+ kids might not allow their children the same freedom of exploration if their religious or political beliefs see LGBT+ people negatively. I believe this has the potential to cause harm to their child’s identity development and slow them down from reaching a stage of intimacy while pushing them toward isolation instead in their young adult years. In your view, what developmental processes and periods seem most crucial for the development of an integrated affectional orientation identity?When looking at Brofenbrenner’s ecological model of development, I believe the most crucial roles fall within a person’s microsystem. While society, or the macrosystem, may have issues with a child who is LGBT+, if the people who a child is close with (in their microsystem) loves and accepts them, they are statistically less likely to consider and attempt suicide (The Trevor Project, 2022). As a counselor, how might knowledge of LGBTQI+ identity development and related models be useful in your work with clients and the conceptualization of client cases?I think Cass’ model of identity development could be helpful when working with LGBT+ indiviudals. When exploring identity, people of all genders and affectional orientations struggle with identity confusion. As a counselor, we can help people move from confusion and comparison to tolerance, acceptance, pride, and even synthesis of their selves. I like the process and the “what” but this model does leave some questions as to the “how” of developmentSecond peer Koral Members of the LGBT+ community may experience a difference in development during adolescents. This could be in the form of not having a safe environment to explore their identities, or it could be how they go through puberty. For transgender individuals puberty can be a very scary time. It brings on questions of what will my family think, is transitioning even possible- medically, socially, financially- how will I be received socially- will my friends support me, will I be bullied, will people use my correct pronouns. It is hard enough to meet developmental milestones- adolescents- without everyone trying to be involved. LGBT+ can experience extra scrutiny during this time.I believe the most crucial period for developmental processes for affectional orientation identity is childhood and adolescents. It is during this time that children are watching their friends and family and seeing how they perceive and treat members of the LGBT+ community. It teaches the children whether it is safe to be themselves or if they have to hide who they are. This directly impacts how children navigate adolescents. Are they hiding who they are in a relationship with, are they hiding how they would like to present themselves in society, are they harming themselves because they are not allowed to be who they are? This time can allow them to bloom or it can cause them to wither.I think the Counselor having a clear understanding of LGBT+ development can allow them to provide guidance to their client. I think it can help the Counselor meet the client where they are at and give the Counselor an idea of what areas the client needs more support in. I believe the Counselor can build trust and rapport with the client easier as well.