Sexual Orientation Issues (Gay/Lesbian)

At Choices, sex-positivity is a core value. Being part of a stigmatized community can cause unique stressors for Gay and Lesbian people, and people who may identify as pan-, demi-, asexual and the many other orientations out there. Many find it exhausting to live under constant pressure of keeping themselves safe against oppression, and many others struggle to maintain a sense of self-worth when their identities are constantly invalidated. Therapy provides a safe environment for clients to work through the impact these issues have on them and their loved ones.

Facts about Sexual Orientation Issues (Gay/Lesbian)

From the DoSomething.org:

• 42% of people who are LGBT report living in an unwelcoming environment.
• 80% of gay and lesbian youth report severe social isolation.
• 6 in 10 LGBT students report feeling unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation. You can encourage your classmates to accept LGBT students by promoting your views on social media. Sign up for Love It Forward.
• 90% of teens who are LGBT come out to their close friends.
• In 2013, 92% of adults who are LGBT said they believe society had become more accepting of them than in the past 10 years.
• Young people who are LGBT and who are “out” to their immediate families report feeling happier than those who aren’t.
• While non-LGBT students struggle most with school classes, exams, and work, their LGBT peers say the biggest problem they face is unaccepting families.
• As of July 2014, same-sex marriage is legal in 19 states plus the District of Columbia.
• The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which restricted lesbians, gays, and bisexuals in the military from openly serving, was lifted in 2011. People who are transgender are not permitted to serve openly yet.
• In July 2009, the Senate approved the Matthew Shepard Act, which outlaws hate crimes based on both sexual orientation and gender identity.
• The Employment Nondiscrimination Act passed Congress in 2007 is the act that prohibits discrimination of sexual orientation in the workplace, specifically during hiring.

Psychiatrists & Therapists specializing in Sexual Orientation Issues (Gay/Lesbian):

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