The short assessment tool provided in Figure 7-2 can be used to examine where providers and
clients alike might rank on a continuum of homophobic reactions. This tool is also useful in
group supervision sessions or discussions with both gay/lesbian and heterosexual colleagues.
It is important that counselors have a working knowledge of some of the terminology and
definitions pertaining to homophobia. Following is a brief list of terms and definitions.
Overt homophobia includes violence, verbal abuse, and name-calling.
Institutional homophobia describes the way in which governments, businesses, schools,
churches, and other institutions and organizations treat people differently and less
favorably based on their sexual orientation.
Cultural homophobia includes social standards and norms requiring heterosexuality.
Internalized homophobia is acceptance and integration by lesbians and gays of the
negative attitudes expressed by society toward them.
Heterosexism is the system of advantages bestowed on heterosexuals. It is the
institutional form of homophobia that assumes all people are or should be heterosexual
and therefore excludes the needs, concerns, and life experiences of lesbians, gays, and
bisexuals.
Coming out may possibly be the most important part of gay and lesbian development.
This is the process, often lifelong, in which a person acknowledges, accepts, and in many
cases appreciates his or her own lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender identity. This often
involves sharing this information with others. Family members of gay and lesbian
individuals go through a similar process.
Oppression is the systematic subjugation of a particular social group by another group
with access to social and political power, by withholding access to that power.
Lesbian/gay baiting involves actions or words that imply or state that the presence of a
gay man or lesbian hurts or discredits a social system. The purpose is to hurt, demean,
intimidate, or control, and to stop social change or acceptance of lesbians and gays within
the social system.
These definitions can help the counselor become aware of the added layer of discrimination felt
by gay men and lesbians in treatment for HIV/AIDS and a substance abuse disorder. Following
is a list of some "Do's" to keep in mind when working with homosexual clients (adapted from
Identify the lesbian/gay client's strengths and accept them as you find them.
Listen empathically and refrain from making judgments about the client's lifestyle.
Remain aware of the client's sexual orientation and the possible effects of this orientation
on the client's experience and world-view.
Explore the client's sexual practices with an eye toward internalized homophobia.
Be aware of your own preference and mindful of possible homophobia or confusion in
your own sexual identity.
Be knowledgeable about compulsive sexual behavior and sexual practices in the
lesbian/gay community.
Ask your lesbian/gay clients what terms they prefer when discussing their sexual
orientation and those of others.
