Lgbt Group Reflection

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The immersion into the LGBT group gave me insight into the issues concerning this population. My observations show members of this group experience distress from discrimination and stigma. To illustrate, Johnny, my cultural guide, disclosed he suffers from anxiety and depression because of homophobia, work place discrimination, and lack of protection under the law. In addition, at my first gathering, other LGBT group members admitted feeling depressed and stressed out over the Orlando shooting, politics, laws and religion. For this reason, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have higher rates of mental health disorders than straight individuals (Cochran & Mays, 2009; Cochran, Sullivan, & Mays, 2003; King et al., 2008; Feinstein, Wadsworth, Davila, & Goldfried, 2014). Despite the social bias, prejudicial laws, and religious rejection, the LGBT community remains steadfast and strong.
Historically, members of the LGBT group have similar incidences of bigotry, inequality, and violence (Meyer, 2016). For example, in America, LGBT individuals face lawful bigotry, due to their sexual orientation, in housing, education, and
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Similarly, practitioners can ease minority stress and depression by fostering family acceptance (Feinstein, Wadsworth, Davila, & Goldfried, 2014). As I mentioned earlier, The Gay Affirmative Practice model is ideal for working with LGBT clients (Van Den Bergh & Crisp, 2004). Also, a combination pf psychotherapy, medication, and self-help (support groups and books) is recommended for LGBT individuals suffering from substance abuse, depression, and/or anxiety (Sweet, n.d.). As a matter of fact, my cultural guide and his LGBT associates meet monthly. They discuss and help each other cope with current events that negatively impact the LGBT

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