sexual orientation

Issues faced by those struggling with sexual orientation and gender identity have become more public in today's society, thanks partially to changing societal views and an increased level of acceptance of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). However, despite the increase in visibility and acceptance in society, these individuals still experience much negativity, including discrimination, oppression, and violence and victimization because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Adolescence and young adulthood can be a tumultuous time of change and development in the life of a person, as they attempt to discover their own individuality and place in society. Brewster and Moradi (2010, p. 406) noted this to be a time of exploration and experimentation with in aspects of their developing lives, including dating, relationships and intimacy. Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman (2013, p. 339) quoted Dotinga and Mundell (2010) as stating “adolescence renders young people especially vulnerable to harassment, and the difficulties of grappling with sexuality can complicate that further”. Thus for a young person who is attempting to discover their own gender identity sexual orientation, it can be increasingly difficult, in part due to continued negative societal views of gender identification that differs from one’s gender at birth. Shilo and Savaya (2011, p. 318) noted that research conducted in the last 20 years shows serious mental health disparities when comparing LGB youth and heterosexual youth (as originally noted by D'Augelli, 2006; Ryan, Huebner, Diaz, & Sanchez, 2009), including higher rates of mental distress, suicidal ideation, victimization and substance abuse. They further noted that so...

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...er, J. (2011). Different patterns of sexual identity development over time: Implications for the psychological adjustment of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths. Journal of Sex Research, 48(1), 3–15. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Shilo, G., & Savaya, R. (2011). Effects of Family and Friend Support on LGB Youths' Mental Health and Sexual Orientation Milestones. Family Relations, 60(3), 318-330. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3729.2011.00648.x. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Van Den Bergh, N., & Crisp, C. (2004). Defining Culturally Competent Practice with Sexual Minorities: Implications for Social Work Education and Practice. Journal of Social Work Education, 40(2), 221-238. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Zastrow, C., & Kirst-Ashman, K. (2013). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.