LGBTQ Youth: What CASA Need to Know

Suzanne Dooley, MSW Candidate

University of Illinois

April 18, 2009

Why Address This Now?

• Increasing evidence shows sexual orientation is biologically based– Physiological factors– Environmental factors

• Prejudice is rampant– Modern history– It’s a choice

Risk Factors for CASA Children

• Social circumstances• Emotional issues• Psychological concerns• Behavioral trends• Developmental supports

Results of Cumulative Effects

• Self-blame• PTSD• Risky behaviors• Suicide Risk

• Don’t assume abuse made them that way – they might already be there

• It is not a result of abuse

What Can CASA Do?

• Be or Provide a Mentor/Ally– Perspective– Support– Advocacy

• Be non-judgmental– Know your limits

• Find a Youth Group

Cultural Components

• Sex-role Expectations– Age– Gender– Level of

• Acculturation• Assimilation• Enculturation

• Family of origin vs current placement

Is It a Disorder?

• Sex-role vs. Sexual Identity• DSM category!• Be aware of tolerances

• Vignette:– Paul, 10 year old by from a Carribean

culture– Transgender orientation– “Acted out”

What is Normal?

• Biological sexual development– Increasingly sexual up to age 5– Drops for both genders – Drops even more at age 9– Begins to increase for 11 year old girls

• Sexual identity development

Now Let’s Add the Risk of Being in the LGBT Population…

• 66% females were called tomboys• 58% males were called sissies• Females “more accepted”• Male youth are victimized more

• ¾ felt “different” when growing up• ½+ told them they were different• 87% disclosed at age 15

• Study of 528 LGB Youth

Formative Years are spent…

• Worrying about displeasing parents• Consolidating intensification of

developmental milestone with identity

• Trying to integrate unsuccessfully in peer groups

• Trying to hide to avoid being ostracized

Coming to Grips w/Self

• Realize attractions during early adolescence

• Personal awareness predates puberty/crystallized at puberty

• Conflict may be intense• Multiple overlapping process

in coming out

Aspects of Identity Development

• Stage 1: Confusion• Stage 2: Comparison• Stage 3: Identity Tolerance• Stage 4: Self-Acceptance• Stage 5: Pride• Stage 6: Synthesis

J.H. Fontaine & N.L. Hammond (1996). Counseling issues with gay and lesbian adolescents. Adolescence, 31, 817-830

Major stressors

• Mental Health

• Urban areas

• HIV Issues

• High Risk Behaviors

• Suicidality– Multiple attempters

As a CASA:

• Help youths explore and accept themselves

• Help youths deal with family issues• Intervene for abused youths• Be aware of developing mental and

physical health problems