ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on an analysis of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people within the context of their family system. It explores the following areas: demographic issues; psychosocial risks and psychosocial needs of LGBT people; the clinical assessment issues of working with an individual where sexual or gender orientation is the presenting issue; and recommendations for intervening with this population. Coming out, a distinctively LGBT phenomenon, is defined as a developmental process through which LGBT people recognize their sexual or gender orientation and integrate this knowledge into their personal and social lives. Addressing issues of sexual orientation or gender expression disclosure requires professionals to first explore their own personal, cultural, and religious biases about people who are LGBT-oriented. Modeling the behaviors ourselves, to show clients how to do them, is a very useful strategy for working with families who are dealing with issues of sexual orientation and/or gender identity expression.
