ABSTRACT
For couple therapists, the intersectional lens adds depth and richness to the list of well-established concerns for queer couples–both partners have perhaps experienced homophobia and coming out, but each did so with the different influence of their many intersecting identities. Like feminist and multicultural therapies, an intersectional approach to couple work is often more of a lens than a particular model for intervention. Natalie and David's case shows ample evidence of the three factors identified by Green and Mitchell: LGB minority stress, relational ambiguity, and obstacles to forming cohesive support systems. Even apparently simple invocations of race, such as identifying a racial microaggression, or acknowledging racial inequality, may result in "the outward display of emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and behaviors such as argumentation, silence, and leaving the stress-inducing situation". Both David and Natalie experience weight stigma in their lives, as internalized self-loathing, negativity from others, and ironically, from one another as well.
