This paper reviews the statistical evidence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) violence in the United States and in the world. Statistics are from Amnesty International and the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project. Reasons why this violence exists and international human rights responses are reviewed. In addition,…

Scientists should reconsider traditional empirical and theoretical paradigms that narrowly define sexual-minority adolescents in terms of those who adopt a culturally defined sexual identity label such as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. This will lead to a different understanding of sexual-minority youths than is apparent in most published studies.…

The demand for clinical services for both Latin Americans and the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) population is increasing rapidly. Consequently, LGB Latin Americans are more likely to seek clinical services. Article highlights critical characteristics of Latin American and LGB culture, and provides identity development, counseling, and ethical…

Reviews the evolution of research over the past 25 years on sexual orientation and its effects on human development, concluding that gay and lesbian interests and behavior appear to result from a complex interplay of genetic, prenatal, and environmental influences. Notes that gender identity develops early, especially for males, and is difficult…

The cultural world of the Two Spirit, the traditional role of Native individuals believed to possess both male and female spirit, is explored in both "old ways" and current-day experiences. Cultural beliefs and meanings around sexual identity are discussed from a Native perspective with recommendations for counseling Two Spirit clients.…

A counselor training seminar on sexual orientation is presented in this article. The seminar incorporated popular songs, readings, and class discussion to increase awareness of sexual identity development, stereotypes, and counseling interventions for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) clients. Results of evaluations suggest that the seminar had a…

Focuses upon sexual orientation as a counseling resource: a means by which to expand upon skills and understand the experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients. Considers the process of development from the perspective of the clients and explores the process of identity formation and the role of those professionals who provide support during…

Explores the risks faced by lesbian, gay, or bisexual youth who have the stigma of homosexuality and suggests approaches and strategies for working with these at-risk youth. Although society is becoming more tolerant of homosexuality and bisexuality, there has not been a corresponding decrease in cultural homophobia. (SLD)

Proposes visibility management as a key construct in gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) identity development. Visibility management refers to the dynamic, ongoing process by which GLB youth make careful, planned decisions about whether they will disclose their sexual orientation, to whom and how they disclose, and how they continue to monitor the…

Reviews empirical research documenting percentage of youths who disclose their homosexual identity to their families, when during the "coming-out" process they disclose, and the manner in which disclosure occurs. Explores differences in mother/father disclosure and data on disclosure to siblings and extended family. Summarizes…

This paper addresses the issues and desirable professional school counselor responses when working with sexual minority youth in the schools, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and questioning youth. The issues that are addressed include: developing a context in which to discuss these issues; coming out or the…

In the past decade, assisting gay and lesbian clients with the coming out process, helping clients to manage stigmatized identities, and assisting counselors in removing their homophobic attitudes were the first priorities in dealing with homosexuality. This book outlines some of the issues that gays, lesbians, and bisexuals must deal with beyond…

The prevalence of suicidality among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth is considerably higher than the reported rates for heterosexual youth. The strongest predictors for suicidality among all youth are substance abuse; victimization; social isolation; and exposure to suicide attempts or completion among family members. Homosexual and bisexual youth…

Outlines the ethical considerations for sexual orientation conversion therapy for lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. There are numerous reasons not to acquiesce to a client's desire to change his or her sexual orientation. Presents guidelines for responding to a client seeking reorientation and evaluating one's biases regarding lesbian, gay,…

Reviews research that examines the role of sexual orientation on human development, and introduces the articles in this special issue. Argues that research on sexual orientation and human development has the potential to make important contributions to both the theory and practice of developmental psychology. (MDM)