Over the Rainbow Series: Part 1
LGBTQ+ Community and the Mental Health Field
Written by Morgan Draper
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash
The first of June marks a time when we begin to see an influx of rainbows on our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter as companies switch from their usual minimalist logos to one that shows their expressed allyship for the LGBTQ+ community. That is what they would like us to believe, however, despite what these companies may think or do, simply showing a rainbow is not equivalent to being an ally especially when it is for only one month of the year. Pride Month is not simply about rainbows and parades but also brings about an influx of people expressing their support for those individuals who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. This is often a time of immense difficulty for these individuals, as there is still very little equality or understanding in our present society. Instead of creating a space full of rainbows, we can instill a place of hope and acceptance.
So how can we express our allyship as both mental health professionals and as people?
First, it is important to understand a bit about the background of the LGBTQ+ community and the relationship it has had with the mental health field. For many years, the mental health field has not been particularly welcoming to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Clinicians previously focused on categorizing many of the individuals as being diagnosed with a mental disorder, as was described in previous editions of the DSM. This has fortunately changed as society’s views have shifted considerably over the last few years, but there are still instances of stigmatization present as disorders such as gender dysphoria still exist and are seen as a negative perception of transgendered and transitioning individuals. There have also been instances of discrimination within the field which have led to changes in the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics stating that counselors must respect the diversity of their clients despite the values, morals, and beliefs they may hold for themselves.
The main question to consider is: Is it possible to heal our relationship as mental health professionals with the LGBTQ+ community? The simple answer is yes. In advocating for this community and speaking out for change we can work to become an ally for our clients.
“It is absolutely imperative that every human being’s freedom and human rights are respected, all over the world.”– Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir
