LGBTGEQIAP+ Care
Carving out safe spaces for self exploration while de-stigmatizing shame and guilt can be isolating. However, staying in connection and activating spaces towards mutual vulnerability can help…
Coss Counseling strives to mindfully amplify the needs and voices of the LGBTGEQIAP+ community.
Beyond the hello … working towards personalized mental health for LGBTGEQIAP+ adults, young adults and adolescents.
Gender Affirming Care
The National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) explains that the term gender-affirming care is often used specifically to describe trauma-informed and patient-centered health care sought by trans and non-binary individuals. The Association of Medical American Colleges (2022) suggest that gender affirmative care, “decreases depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts.”
To me, it means providing mental health care to trans and gender expansive individuals in my counseling practice. This aforementioned concept is put into theory by acknowledging, validating and advocating for the community and their gender identity that is stated or their gender expressed identity. Meeting the trans and gender expansive individuals wherever they are at.
Queer Affirming Counseling: Supporting Youth and Families
It is okay to not know everything about how to be an ally, supporter, advocate or accomplice (someone who uses their privilege to challenge existing conditions at the risk of their own comfort and well-being). So how can we learn and show up for our loved ones who identify as gender diverse/expansive, intersex and transgender…by stand in solidarity for the gender diverse community. Below are some resources to help guide us:
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people from all over the world continue to face stigma, exclusion and discrimination, including in education, employment and health care – as well as within homes and communities. Many trans and intersex people are targeted and experience physical attack and extreme violence; Many are stripped from their human rights at birth, are beaten, sexually assaulted, and lamentably some are killed. Let us join forces and connect to protect Trans and intersex rights. Learn more by exploring InterACT (advocates for intersex youth, provide support, advocacy and resources for intersex people)
The National Center for Transgender Equality This means that different members of the transgender community have different needs and priorities. Similarly, there is no one right way to handle every situation, or interact with every trans person. Be respectful, do your best, and keep trying. You don’t need to understand someone’s identity to respect it; continue to support gender diverse youth and individuals in general. Be the best ally you can be; educate yourself with best practices and creating safe spaces.
Structural Vulnerabilities
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) a non-profit national organization strives to advocate for every member of schools are valued and respected. They have resources and guides on local and national comprehensive policies, creating inclusive curriculum, and research on national school climate surveys and support for student Gay and Straight Alliances (GSAs).
The Intersex Society of North America (ISNA) is devoted to systemic change that can end shame, secrecy and unwanted genital surgeries for people born with an anatomy that does not “fit” in the sex boxes assigned at birth.
The United Nation of Human Rights (UNHR) monitor, advocate and activate public spaces to talk about informational campaigns. They strive towards ending violence and discrimination against lesbians, gay, trans and intersex community.
The Human Rights campaign (HRC) works towards breaking down barriers that divide us and create movement to help fight for change at every level.
Become part of the movement and stay updated with news and rapid responses of The gay and straight alliance against defamation (GLAAD) who work and actively representing the queer, intersex and gender expansive community within social and congressional issue and justice.
Affectional and Sexual Identity Development
Know your rights: The Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive (SAIGE), a division of the American Counseling Association posits competencies which include standards of care in assessments and research.
Gender Identity Development
A Gender Identity Model (GIA) has evolved to a more affirmative approach when interacting with gender expansive and trans individuals. The American Psychological Association and Trans Health provides a comprehensive understanding and development of Gender Identity.
The Trevor Project explains how Gender Identity is a vital role in becoming your most authentic self. They present multiple guides on explaining how gender identity is not a set and stone journey.
Exploring gender Identity terms and how to provide affirmative support: A guide from National Public Radio.