Download Identity Confusion - Open Doors Youth Service

Open Doors Youth Service
Support Strategies for LGBT Young People
Related to Stages of LGBT Identity Development
Stage 1 - Identity Confusion - “Who am I?”
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Create safe and supportive environments that are accepting of difference
Affirm difference and individuality
Encourage inclusion of all people
Provide positive images of LGBT people and challenge widespread stereotypes
Provide access to accurate information
Being open to and inviting to discussions about same-sex attraction and gender identity
Provide sex education and safe sex information that is inclusive of all sexualities
Challenge homophobic/transphobic attitudes, beliefs, bullying and exclusion of LGBT people
Normalise being LGBT
Stage 2 - Identity Comparison - “If I am gay/transgender, what does that mean for me”
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Create safe and supportive environments that are accepting of difference and individuality
Affirm difference and individuality
Encourage the inclusion of all people
Provide positive images of LGBT people and challenge widespread stereotypes
Provide information on positive gay, lesbian and transgender role models, both well-known
celebrated personalities and local community members
Provide access in accurate information
Being open to and inviting to discussions about same-sex attraction and gender identity
Provide sex education and safe sex information that is inclusive of all sexualities
Challenge homophobic/transphobic attitudes, beliefs, bullying and exclusion of LGBT people
Normalise being LGBT
Stage 3 - Identity Tolerance – “I probably am gay/transgender, what are other people like? Is this
me?”
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Encourage young people to make links with LGBT social and support groups, including safe
online communities, or other LGBT young people
Provide information on positive gay and lesbian role models, both well-known celebrated
personalities and local community members
Refer to LGBT mentors or LGBT support people/counselors if needed
Normalise being LGBT
Providing positive images of LGBT people and challenging widespread stereotypes
Provide sex education and safe sex information that is inclusive of all sexualities
Challenge homophobic beliefs that may be internalized beliefs about themselves
Promote diversity and celebrate difference
Stage 4 - Identity Acceptance – “I am gay/transgender, where do I belong?”
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Provide information on positive gay, lesbian and transgender role models, both well-known
celebrated personalities and local community members
Link them with LGBT social groups, including safe online communities, or with other LGBT
young people
Refer to LGBT mentors or LGBT support people/counselors if needed
Facilitate open discussions about the impact of homophobia/transphobia, internalized
homophobia, heterosexism and gender stereotypes
Discuss strategies for coming out in a safe way
Provide sex education and safe sex information that is inclusive of all sexualities, with
information that is specific to same-sex interactions
Have discussions about healthy and safe relationships
Stage 5 - Identity Pride - “These are my people”
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Discuss strategies for coming out in a safe way and that respect the needs of others
Provide information on positive gay, lesbian and transgender role models, both well-known
celebrated personalities and local community members
Encourage participation in constructive activities that focus on social change and affirmative
action, including safe online communities.
Introduce them to non-LGBT but LGBT friendly people and groups
Encourage acceptance of diversity and individuality, including difference within the LGBT
community
Confront attitudes of elitism (us verses them) and focus on values of inclusiveness
Provide sex education and safe sex information that is inclusive of all sexualities, with
information that is specific to same-sex interactions
Refer to LGBT mentors or LGBT support people/counselors if needed
Have discussions about healthy and safe relationships, and allow young people to discuss their
relationships and experiences
Provide support to young people when relationships end
Support young people to make contact with a GP who are LGBT friendly and knowledgeable of
LGBT health issues
Support young people to maintain healthy relationships with their parents, family and peers
Stage 6 - Identity Synthesis – “Being gay is a part of who I am”
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Continue to identify and address the impact of homophobia/transphobia, heterosexism and
gender stereotypes on an individuals wellbeing and their relationships
Encourage and support participation in constructive activities that focus on social change and
affirmative action.
Encourage young person to be a positive role model or mentor to younger LGBT young people
Be supportive of and facilitate conversations about relationships,
facilitate discussions about healthy and safe relationships
Provide support to young people when relationships end
Encourage young people to maintain their physical and sexual health through regular check ups
with a LGBT friendly GP.
Open Doors Youth Service
Support Strategies for LGBT Young People
Apply the same best practice principles in support work as with all young people.
Do not assume the sexuality or gender of a young person. Not all young people are heterosexual, nor
are the gender in which they appear to be.
Recognise that LGBT young people have specific experiences that relate to their sexuality and gender,
and the impact that this has on all aspects of their lives from. Sexuality and gender is a integral part
any young person’s identity and needs to be recognized for its significant impact on their lives
Educate yourself about the experiences and needs of LGBT young people. Don’t expect LGBT young
people to educate you.
Ask young people which label (if any), name or gender that they wish to use, and always use it when
talking to them or referring them, regardless of how they present.
Ensure boundaries are in place regarding discrimination and that they are well known to participants.
For example “We do no tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia or any form of discrimination”.
Show LGBT people in positive social roles other than common negative stereotypes
Facilitate open, informative discussion about sexuality and gender identity
Challenge myths with regard to gender and sexuality
Discuss homophobia/transphobia, heterosexism and gender, and its impacts on all people
Allow young people to explore their sexuality and gender identity at their own pace.
In talking with young people use language that demonstrates that you are open to young people
questioning their sexuality or gender identity, or who are LGBT. Eg. do you have a partner/are you
seeing someone, instead of assuming opposite sex attraction
Display visual materials that reflect your agencies commitment to supporting LGBT young people.
Such as rainbow stickers, anti-homophobia posters, LGBT service posters.
Mention LGBT young people in any material that names other minority population groups. Such as We
offer support to all young people including those who are Indigenous, who have disabilities, and LGBT
Include notices of LGBT community activities on your notice board
Find out what LGBT support or social groups exist in your community and make a positive connection
with these supports.
Keep a list of LGBT specific support services, and doctors, services and counselors etc who are LGBT
friendly on your referral database
Find out which services in your local area are actually LGBT friendly (not just those who say they are)
Challenge homophobic/transphobic comments, jokes or suggestions from either colleagues or young
people
Change the language for your interactions and organisation policy, procedures and client related forms
so that they use inclusive language and don’t assume heterosexuality or gender.
Ensure LGBT issues are covered in staff orientation and ongoing training
Stock sexuality and gender identity resources
When suicide, alcohol or drug abuse, or sexual risk behaviours are addressed in services provided or
policy, the potential connection to sexual orientation or gender identity is included.
Beware of the generalisations you make. Any statement starting with “All gay people….” will not be
correct
A young person’s attraction, behavior and identity are not usually the same. Do not assume a young
person’s behaviour based on their identified sexuality or gender.
Provide safe sex information that is relevant to all sexual encounters from opposite-sex to same-sex
Talk to other people supporting LGBT young people, and ask for advice when you are stuck.
Remember that the majority of LGBT people are invisible to the majority of the community. Those
that you do see, do not represent what all LGBT people are like or what they need
Have a privacy policy and ensure confidentiality procedures are practiced. There are a significant risks
if someone’s sexuality or gender identity is disclosed without their consent.
Visit www.opendoors-youthservice.org to download research papers, resources, links and find local
connections