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  • Essay / sexual orientation - 776

    The issues faced by people struggling with sexual orientation and gender identity have become more public in today's society, in part due to changing societal opinions and an increased level of acceptance of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual. or transgender (LGBT). However, despite the increase in visibility and acceptance in society, these people still experience a lot of negativity, including discrimination, oppression, violence and victimization due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. gender. Adolescence and early adulthood can be a tumultuous time of change and development. in a person's life, as they attempt to discover their own individuality and place in society. Brewster and Moradi (2010, p. 406) noted that this was a time of exploration and experimentation with aspects of their developing lives, including dating, relationships, and intimacy. Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman (2013, p. 339) cite Dotinga and Mundell (2010) stating that “adolescence makes young people particularly vulnerable to bullying, and difficulties related to sexuality can further complicate the situation.” So, for a young person trying to discover their own sexual orientation, it can be increasingly difficult, in part because of persistent negative societal views about gender identification that differs from one's sex at birth. Shilo and Savaya (2011, p. 318) noted that research over the past 20 years shows serious mental health disparities when comparing LGB and heterosexual youth (as initially noted by D 'Augelli, 2006; Ryan, Huebner, Diaz and Sanchez). , 2009), including higher rates of mental distress, suicidal ideation, victimization and substance abuse. They further noted that therefore... middle of document...... uh, J. (2011). Different patterns of sexual identity development over time: Implications for the psychological adjustment of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. Journal of Sexual Research, 48(1), 3-15. Retrieved from Walden Library databases. Shilo, G. and Savaya, R. (2011). Effects of family and friend support on mental health and sexual orientation milestones of LGB youth. Family Relations, 60(3), 318-330. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3729.2011.00648.x. Retrieved from Walden Library databases. Van Den Bergh, N. and Crisp, C. (2004). Defining culturally competent practice with sexual minorities: Implications for social work education and practice. Journal of Social Work Education, 40(2), 221-238. Retrieved from Walden Library databases. Zastrow, C. and Kirst-Ashman, K. (2013). Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.