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9 - Family and Relationship Dynamics and LGBTQ+ Mental Health

from Part II - LGBTQ+ Lifespan Development and Family Dynamics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 October 2024

By
David Ford ,
Marcus Smith ,
Karli Bigler ,
Harley Locklear ,
DeManuel Edmondson ,
Amber L. Pope ,
Narketta Sparkman-Key  and
Jeffry Moe
Edited by
Jeffry Moe ,
Amber L. Pope ,
Dilani M. Perera  and
Narketta Sparkman-Key
Jeffry Moe
Affiliation:
Old Dominion University, Virginia
Amber L. Pope
Affiliation:
William & Mary
Dilani M. Perera
Affiliation:
Fairfield University, Connecticut
Narketta Sparkman-Key
Affiliation:
James Madison University, Virginia
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Summary

Family and relationship dynamics are essential for conceptualizing LGBTQ+ mental health and wellness. The family of origin can be a vital source of social support for LGBTQ+ youth, and it serves as the foundation for successful lifelong development. Harmful family-of-origin experiences can create vulnerabilities for LGBTQ+ people as they negotiate their needs across multiple systems. In this chapter, we present a critique of the heteronormative and cisnormative assumptions that older family systems models are based on. In addition, alternative models for conceptualizing LGBTQ+ family and relationship systems are discussed. Key domains such as spiritual trauma, LGBTQ+ parenting, homelessness and LGBTQ+ youth, and the importance of chosen families for LGBTQ+ people are also presented to inform best practice with and on behalf of LGBTQ+ people.

Keywords

Family systemscoming outspiritual traumachosen familyLGBTQ+ parenting
Type
Chapter
Information
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Counseling
A Student and Practitioner Handbook
 , pp. 152 - 174
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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