ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to describe key components of an affirmative, intercultural approach to therapy with LGBTQ+ people which supports their resilience and empowerment in the face of interlocking oppressions. These key components include (a) specific ways that multiple and interlocking oppressions LGBTQ+ couples and families experience can create barriers and unique developmental and relational challenges; (b) the impact of oppression on intimacy within couples, families, and also within the relationship between client and therapist; (c) expecting and assessing for the resilience of LGBTQ+ people as they navigate multiple streams of oppression; and (d) the capacity of therapists to be multiculturally competent and effective at mitigating the deleterious effects of oppression on mental health. This chapter also troubles the traditional definitions of couple and family that are used to frame LGBTQ+ people as well as clinical practice with LGBTQ+ people.
