ABSTRACT
The goal of this activity is to help the therapist assist gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) youth in finding their own community of gay or gay-friendly peers. The therapist is advised to follow a three-step process in this endeavor, such that the first step entails an exploration of the client’s feelings; the second step includes an action, bringing the client closer to his or her community; and the third step requires a follow-up procedure, during which emotions are processed. Rationale for Use
Research has shown that, more and more, youth in this country are coming out as gay, lesbian, or bisexual during their teen years, rather than deferring this process until adulthood (Hershberger and D’Augelli, 2000). Certainly, adolescence itself can be quite a disruptive and difficult period for even the most well-adjusted teens, and adding the element of sexual orientation to this mix may be more troubling to GLB youth. It is widely understood that the comingout process is a difficult one, particularly if the individual coming out is left without support (Savin-Williams, 1990). GLB youth often find themselves feeling isolated from, and even harassed by, their school-age peers (Gibson, 1989). Therefore, it may be helpful for a client to engage herself or himself in the GLB youth community in a safe and strategic manner. This client may be able to cultivate a supportive and accepting network that can substitute for the peer group lost due to her or his sexual orientation, and also learn from these new peers that she or he is not alone or abnormal in her or his experience.
