Authors: Gamache, P., Lazear, K.J.

Publication Year: 2009

Last Updated: 2016-01-08 15:29:46

Journal: University of South Florida

Keywords: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, two-spirit, LGBTQI2-S, transitioning

Abstract:

Families with a parent, child, or youth who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, two-spirit (LGBTQI2-S) or transitioning navigate varying levels of acceptance and support when accessing and utilizing needed services within the mental health system. A new monograph offers a public health approach for communities to meet the needs of these families.

Asset-Based Approaches for LGBTQI2-S Youth and Families in Systems of Care presents a description of the research literature related to youth and families who are LGBTQI2-S. It also discusses a conceptual model of cultural competence to develop programs to serve the LGBTQI2-S population, and provides recommendations for next steps in a research agenda to develop an inclusive and asset-based system of care to meet the needs of youth and families who are LGBTQI2-S.

"All of the assets-based approaches presented in this monograph can be
structured within a public health approach that is concerned with the health of all people, including their relationship to the physical, psychological, cultural, and social environments in which people live, work and go to school," said Peter Gamache, Research Faculty & Ph.D. student at the College of Behavioral & Community Sciences.

Sections in the monograph examine the predominant focal points in the research literature concerning LGBTQI2-S inquiry: HIV/AIDS, homelessness, alcohol & substance abuse, and suicide.

"It is our hope that additional research can be planned to look at the impact of positive development programs; stigma reduction strategies; positive role models and adult connections; and supportive family settings," added Gamache. "We especially need to better understand how peer-to-peer support organizations reduce stigma, social withdrawal and isolation."

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Source: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=fmhi_pub