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Open Doors Youth Service Support Strategies for LGBT Young People Related to Stages of LGBT Identity Development Stage 1 - Identity Confusion - “Who am I?” 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” 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?” 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?” 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” 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” 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