ABSTRACT
As LGBTQQ identities intersect with various cultural identities, what results are “interlocking systems of power and oppression” (Tisdell, 2003, as cited in D’Amico, 2006, p. 1) that the individual must navigate and that may impact the individual’s experience within the context of his or her relationships. erefore, a major component of ethical and competent practice in this regard is ensuring an intercultural approach to counseling. An intercultural approach refers to an acknowledgment of the various ways that LGBTQQ couples and families communicate based on their cultural backgrounds; this approach includes a healthy respect for diverse cultural backgrounds and dierences among people rather than an attempt to erase or ignore these important aspects of diverse values, worldviews, and communication styles. e purpose of this chapter is to describe some of intercultural issues about which psychotherapists should have awareness, using their knowledge and skills related to intercultural concerns in order to most eectively counsel the wide range of multicultural identities and resulting social justice issues that LGBTQQ couples and families face. In this chapter, we will describe the importance of practitioners’ seeking multicultural and social justice competence in their work with diverse LGBTQQ couples and families, provide an overview of LGBTQQ diverse cultural groups, explore common presenting issues when working with this group, and present case scenarios so that counseling with diverse LGBTQQ couples and families “comes to life.” In doing so, this chapter will also trouble the traditional denitions of couple and family that are used to frame practice with LGBTQQ people.
