The article reviews the literature and discusses emotions, attitudes, and general reactions toward homosexuality in deaf individuals. The "coming out" process is discussed, with related social, familial, and personal implications, as well as the role of professional counseling and intervention. (Author/DB)

Religion and spirituality can have serious negative or positive effects on the identity development of gay persons. A look at "Robert," a case study, illustrates how certain religious beliefs may harm gay persons' development, and how a compassion-oriented spirituality, reflecting contemporary theological and scriptural scholarship, can…

Presents a counter position to Warren Throckmorton's article "Efforts to Modify Sexual Orientation: A Review of Outcome Literature and Ethical Issues." The position of this paper, simply put, is: there is no illness, there is no cure. (Author)

The authors discuss parenting as a normative developmental issue for gay and lesbian individuals. Issues and choices that affect decisions concerning parenting, implications for counselors, and suggestions for research are discussed. (Contains 53 references.) (Author)

Analyzes the issues and standards facing mental health counselors when working with lesbians and gay men who have substance abuse problems. Explores some of the major factors that contribute to substance abuse problems in the gay community are explored. Guidelines regarding legal protections for this population are provided. (Contains 64…

Surveys family members of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals regarding the role of religion in acceptance of their family member and how they reconciled any conflicts between religious beliefs and family member's sexual orientation. The most commonly identified theme was believing that the unconditional love associated with God extended…

Examined research on lesbian and gay male issues in counseling psychology journals. Reviewed 6,661 studies from 6 major counseling psychology journals over 12-year period; 43 studies focused on variables related to lesbian or gay male sexual orientation. Content of articles demonstrated perspective of gay male and lesbian acceptance or…

Discusses the dynamics of domestic violence between partners of the same sex. The social and cultural issues in the gay and lesbian communities play a large part in perpetuating the myths of domestic violence, which keeps the abuse hidden. This article is based on an extensive review of the literature and a clinical consensus among experts in the…

Because young people are coming out of the closet at a younger age, parents often deal with a gay or lesbian child in their home. Parents need the support and intervention of therapists in order to guide their children through this often difficult and confusing time and to face their own issues. Parents wrestle with many concerns such as social…

Outlines the ethical considerations for sexual orientation conversion therapy for lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. There are numerous reasons not to acquiesce to a client's desire to change his or her sexual orientation. Presents guidelines for responding to a client seeking reorientation and evaluating one's biases regarding lesbian, gay,…

Gay and lesbian students in high schools and colleges face special problems and may be the very people who receive the least help. It is estimated that one-third of all suicides among teenagers are committed by gay and lesbian students, and it is further estimated that gay people seek counseling at a rate two to four times greater than the non-gay…

Explores the problems and benefits that may occur in families in which a parent is homosexual. Research is reviewed and critiqued in discussing the legal and developmental questions that are often raised concerning the impact a parent's homosexuality has on his or her children. In addition, the qualitative relationship between the parent and child…

Reviews successful efforts to modify patterns of sexual arousal from psychoanalytical, behavioral, cognitive, group, and religious perspectives. Presents an ethical analysis of the American Counseling Association's resolution expressing concerns about conversion therapy. Concludes that efforts to assist homosexuals who wish to modify their…

Describes Gays and Lesbians Older and Wiser (GLOW), a support group sponsored by a geriatric medical clinic in the midwestern United States. Scheduling, professional involvement, and special attention to social support seem critical for the group's success. Concludes that carefully designed support groups can meet some support needs for this older…

Discusses risks of school failure, suicide, and serious life problems among gay and lesbian youth and the need for counselors who will understand and work with them. Reviews court cases that demonstrate the liability of schools to protect gay and lesbian students from harassment. Recommends practical counseling strategies for gay and lesbian…