Inside Out: Facilitating a Discussion Group for LGBTQ Students

Charlene J. Vetter, Ph.D.Senior Counselor

SUNY Buffalo StateCCNY Annual Conference 2013

Terminology/Basic Vocabulary

Sexual Orientation emotional, romantic, sexual attraction to another person

Gender Identity one’s personal sense of their gender

Transgender umbrella term that includes transsexuals, cross-dressers, gender

non-conforming

Transsexual gender and sex do not line up-often (not always!) seek medical tx to

bring body/gender into alignment-avoid term unless an individual self-identifies as transsexual

School Climate for LGBTQ StudentsResearch suggests educational outcomes are

negatively impacted by student perceptions/experiences

2010 Campus Pride State of Higher Education For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender People Rankin, Weber, Blumenfeld, Frazer

GLSEN National School Climate Survey (2011)

School Climate for LGBTQ StudentsCampus Pride Survey (2010) 23% of GLBQ

students reported experiencing harassment compared to 12% of heterosexual-identified students(n=5,149)

GLBQ students were 7x more likely to report that harassment was based on sexual identity

Approximately 70% of transsexual students reported experiencing harassment

School Climate for LGBTQ StudentsGLSEN National School Climate Survey

(2011)

82% of LGBT students were verbally harassed at school because of their sexual orientation;64% were harassed because of gender expression

The average GPA for LGBT students who experienced frequent harassment was lower than LGBT students experiencing less frequent harassment

The Story of Inside OutIdea for group inspired by clients who expressed need

to connect with other LGBTQ students (e.g., questioning, out to self but not others)

Campus pride alliance 2-3 large events per year-not a facilitated discussion group

Inside Out was implemented to create a safe place for students to discuss sexual orientation/gender identity

The main goal is to assist in identifying external/internal roadblocks to self-discovery and open self-expression

The Story of Inside OutStarted in Spring 2009 semester

Weekly meetings

38 Students

Open group

Currently one facilitator (two in the past)

Important Considerations in Facilitating LGBTQ Group

Examine personal beliefs/biases stereotypes PRIOR to committing to be facilitator

Understand that negative messages about LGBTQ are ubiquitous in our culture (family, media, religious institutions) and these often become internalized

Heterosexism-the notion that being heterosexual is expected/preferred (institutional/cultural)

Counselor CompetenciesAssociation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Issues in

Counseling

“know that the normative developmental tasks of LGBT adolescents frequently may be complicated or compromised by identity confusion; anxiety and depression; suicidal ideation and behavior; academic failure; substance abuse; physical, sexual, and verbal abuse; homelessness; prostitution; and STD/HIV infection.”

Counselor CompetenciesAssociation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Issues in

Counseling

“consider that, due to the coming out process, LGBT individuals often may experience a lag between their chronological ages and the developmental stages delineated by current theories.”

“recognize that identity formation and stigma management are ongoing developmental tasks that span the lives of LGBT persons.”

Screening of Group MembersStudents at any stage of coming out, questioning

and exploring their sexual orientation, and/or gender identity.

Not appropriate for students who are seeking help to change emerging identity

Not for straight allies

Typically referred to group by primary counselor

Themes that have Emerged….How will others react if I discover that being

LGBT is part of my identity?

What will my life look like (The “American Dream”)

I know if I am ever to be in a same-sex relationship, certain family members/friends would disapprove/reject me

Themes that have emerged….Is there a “right” way to be gay?

Students have described negative reactions if they dress/act outside their chosen label (e.g, butch, femme)

Students reported hearing negative reactions/stereotypes related to bisexuality (e.g.. confused, can’t make up their minds, more likely to cheat)

Themes that have emergedComing out as a lifelong process

Weigh the risks/benefits of disclosure with each new person (“will I see the person again or not?”)

Different levels of “outness” between partners can be a source of stress in the relationship

Tips for facilitating an LGBTQ GroupMarketing! Discussion group vs. therapy

group…be explicit about purpose/goals of group and that it is NOT therapy

Facilitators are encouraged to be open about their own sexual orientation/gender identity

If LGBTQ is not part of facilitator's identity, share experiences that influenced becoming an ally

Tips for facilitating an LGBTQ GroupWhen discussing group rules at the outside

emphasize importance of respecting how group members choose to describe/express themselves with regard to sexual orientation or gender identity

All members must agree not to criticize or challenge any label (e.g. bisexual) or the choice not to identity with a given label

Basic understanding of terminology is important but always ask what a given label means to the individual (don’t assume that you know!)

Tips for facilitating an LGBTQ GroupIf facilitator does not feel comfortable with

their level of knowledge/experience with any given topic, consult a colleague or outside contact (e.g. community LGBT center)

Examine/consider personal beliefs/biases/stereotypes PRIOR to committing to facilitate

Semi-structured approach to group-allow group members opportunity to set agenda/choose topics

Suggested Topics in Initial PhaseWhere do negative messages/stereotypes come from?

What messages did students get during childhood/early adolescence about LGBT?

What are the pros/cons of living/expressing openly vs. staying closeted

What do you need to feel safe/comfortable working with a professional (e.g., physician, counselor)

Kinsey’s research and scale-continuum of human sexuality

ChallengesGetting the word out/getting referrals

Open vs. closed group

Scheduling/Attendance-getting students to commit to coming weekly

Confidentiality concerns-especially if group member is simultaneously involved in campus pride alliance

Open to center clients vs. open to all students

Resources Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Issues in

Counseling-http://algbtic.org/resources/competencies

Campus Pride-www.campuspride.org

Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network-www.glsen.org

Human Rights Campaign-www.hrc.org

Stonewall Center University of Massachusetts-http://www.umass.edu/stonewall/

National Center for Transgender Equality-http://transequality.org