ABSTRACT
Throughout history, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons have experienced prejudice, harassment, discrimination, and violence, all of which resulted in adverse psychological, health, and job-related outcomes. Many same-sex orientation people never 'came-out' or let their sexual orientation be known. Living a life of secrecy had adverse effects, but being honest with another person about one's sexual orientation could result in violence and even death. Fortunately, some people have evolved to more positive attitudes and views, but certainly not all people. Counsellors are in a unique position to demonstrate understanding and acceptance; plus, counsellors, regardless of sexual orientation, have an ethical responsibility to the counselling profession. Most counselling professionals agree that people have more than one culture, and lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals have a 'same-sex sexual orientation' culture, just as heterosexual people share a culture of heterosexualism.
