Abstract
In this chapter, we provide historical context framing how lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people have been viewed by society and the medical world and what it means to utilize LGBTQ-affirming care for historically marginalized people. We discuss some of the typical presenting concerns sexual and gender minorities bring to therapy, as well as practical ways to incorporate LGBTQ-focused affirming treatment for such concerns based upon extant research and clinical experience. Throughout the chapter, we aim to center the experiences of people with multiple marginalized identities within the LGBTQ community, such as racial/ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities, while using an intersectional lens. We bring focus to identities that are often overlooked (or “erased”) within the broader community, and discuss factors like class, age, and ability that have a significant impact on the development of clients and the process of psychotherapy. We conclude the chapter with a brief case example highlighting some of the primary themes of intersectionally-informed, culturally humble, LGBTQ-affirmative psychotherapy.
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Freeman-Coppadge, D.J., Langroudi, K.F. (2021). Beyond LGBTQ-Affirmative Therapy: Fostering Growth and Healing Through Intersectionality. In: Nadal, K.L., Scharrón-del Río, M.R. (eds) Queer Psychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-74146-4_9
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