HETEROSEXUALITY

Heterosexuality

Heterosexuality

“Heterosexism” is a term that was conceived as an alternative to the more widespread term, “homophobia,” in alignment to highlight the likenesses between the oppression of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals and the oppression of women and people of color. While homophobia refers to “an irrational fear of homosexuality and intolerance for any sexual difference from the established norm”, heterosexism refers to a systemic process that simultaneously grants privileges to heterosexuals and oppresses LGB persons. In the identical way that it is significant to understand the ways racism and sexism leverage the lives of clients and therapists alike, it is equally significant for therapists to realise the oppressive leverage that heterosexism may have on the inhabits and functioning of LGB purchasers and the ways in which it may contrary leverage the treatment process.

It is important to note that this item is focused on providing treatment that is informed by an perception of the oppression skilled by purchasers due to their sexy orientation. Because of this focus on sexy orientation, this article will expressly address working with purchasers who are marginalized due to their sexy orientation. In doing so, it is not our intent to further marginalize transgender individuals.

It is significant for affirmative therapists to have an understanding of the influences of heterosexism on the mental health of LGB individuals. While research documents that there are many positive outcomes and qualities of LGB individuals and relationships, the literature also clearly documents the negative influences of heterosexism on the relationship experiences and mental health of LGB persons. Examples of these negative leverages encompass advanced rates of depression and. These trends have been directly linked to the stress associated with belonging to a marginalized or minority group, which researchers refer to as “gay-related stress.” Gay-related stress is defined as the added stressors experienced ...