ABSTRACT
In this chapter we provide a comprehensive overview of the history and trends in couple and family therapy with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. We rst describe the history and impact of homophobia, heterosexism, and heteronormativity on sexual and gender minority couples and families, with a focus on the eects of minority stress, relational ambiguity, internalized homonegativity, and lack of social supports. We then discuss some of the special challenges faced by LGBTQ couples, LGBTQ parents raising children, bisexuals in couple and family relationships, and transgender people in couples and families. Turning to treatment, we review the relative usefulness of current couple and family therapy models. We conclude by making suggestions for improving the cultural competence of practicing clinicians and those in training.
