Sexual Gender Minority Final

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Post University *

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203

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Sociology

Date

Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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In thinking about gender and sexuality, we learn from a very early age about the socially defined categories of male versus female. In today's society, our beliefs, behaviors, and definitions associated with gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation are evolving. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) identity development is an important topic that has significant implications for adolescent development. I understand that what I am going to say might not be taken very well by some. In all honesty, I have never in my life been prejudiced against anyone when it comes to people of color, people from other—faiths and beliefs, people who have other sexual orientations besides just being straight, etc. I will admit that much of what I have been reading makes me sick to my stomach. I support the LGBTQ community 100%. I have friends who are a part of that community, and I support every one of them. What I do not support is the overwhelming push to take these issues and bring them into elementary schools and or shove the issues down someone's throat. Is it possible that a child in that age range might sense that they feel different in some ways; it could be possible? Children in that age group are not physically and or intellectually able to truly understand what these issues are or how they might affect them. In my thirty-five years of work in family therapy and addictionology, I have worked with student assistance counselors in the school systems and have dealt with many cases of kids who were in middle school and high school and wanted to transition to a different sexual orientation. To make a long story short, and realized that I have been out of active participation in my professional role for over 4 years of some 47 kids in a school system with approximately 19,000 students, 42 were acting out in that manner because they thought it would be either “Fun” or “Cool.” Five of them were referred to specialized levels of therapy where they were believed to have realistic issues pertaining to being gay or lesbian. Do I believe that those situations are the norm nationwide? No, but I do not believe that what is being represented in society by groups representing the LGBTQ community is accurate in its entirety. I respect that everyone has the right to their own opinion; however, nobody has the right to force any other belief on anyone else. No matter what the subject matter is. I accept and respect everyone and wish it could be that way for everybody. When you end up going to the funeral of a 13-year-old girl who thought it was going to be cool

to say she was a lesbian, you will understand a bit more what I am trying to say. Unfortunately, she had been wearing that mask for over 3 months, and sadly, the damage had been done. All the other kids turned on her, made fun of her, called her names, and left her out of the group activities of the other kids who used to be her friends. Trying to reverse the situation by telling everyone she was just playing did not work either. Five months after she first posted on her Facebook page that she was a lesbian unbeknown to her parents, she came home from school one day and found her mother's Xanax bottle. Her mother found her in her bedroom after she got home from work. They estimated that she had taken about 12 to 15 pills and had been dead for three and a half hours before being found. These issues are very serious in every situation. Step 1: Summarize the findings of the authors, in your own words, and discuss why you agree or disagree with their recommendations regarding SGM (i.e., LGBTQ+) youth. The authors of the "Sexual and Gender Minority Identity Development: Recommendations for School Counselors" article discusses the importance of understanding and supporting the identity development of sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth. They provide recommendations for school counselors to create a safe and inclusive environment for these youth. The findings emphasize the need for counselors to be knowledgeable about SGM issues, to provide support and resources, and to advocate for inclusive policies and practices within the educational system. I agree with the authors' recommendations because they highlight the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for SGM youth. By being knowledgeable about SGM issues, counselors can better understand the unique challenges and experiences that these youth face. Providing support and resources can help SGM youth navigate their identity development and cope with any discrimination or stigma they may encounter. Advocating for inclusive policies and practices within the educational system can help create a safe space where SGM youth feel accepted and valued.

Step 2: Explain what has changed in our cultural context over the past 30 years to allow people to explore who they are as SGM youth. I cannot realistically consider this issue and the height of what it is nowadays compared to the last thirty years however, in the past ten years, the LGBTQ community and supporters of the community have grown significantly. That growth has turned into a financial avalanche. Here is a sentence taken from a website “World LGBTQ annual spending power currently stands at $3.9 trillion and continues to grow”, according to research from LGBT Capital (What Is Pink Money? LGBTQ Spending, Explained, n.d.). In 2021, “US LGBTQ Spending Surpasses 1.4 trillion dollars” (Yahoo Is Part of the Yahoo Family of Brands, n.d.). Regardless of how this has been accomplished, it has increased the visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ individuals in society. There has been a growing recognition of the rights and experiences of LGBTQ individuals, leading to greater support and understanding. This has been true for the many states that have passed laws that allow for the marriage of people with different sexual identities. The greatest reason for the growth and advancements has been the responsibility of technology, and social media. Having been able to provide platforms for SGM youth to connect with others who share similar experiences and identities has created a sense of community and support that may not have been as accessible in the past. Furthermore, there has been a shift in societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality. Step 3: How would you explain your understanding of SGM identity (i.e., LGBTQ+) from a biological and societal point of view?

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From a biological perspective, Research suggests that biological factors, such as genetics and hormonal influences, may contribute to the development of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. While research is ongoing, scientific evidence suggests that sexual orientation and gender identity have biological underpinnings. From a societal point of view , SGM identities are shaped by cultural and social factors, attitudes, and expectations. Society's norms, beliefs, and expectations regarding gender and sexuality influence how individuals understand and express their SGM identities. Societal attitudes and acceptance towards SGM individuals can have a significant impact on their well-being and identity development. It is important to note that SGM identities are complex and multifaceted, and there is no single explanation that can fully capture the diversity and richness of these identities. Understanding SGM identity requires considering both biological and societal factors, as well as recognizing the individual experiences and self-identifications of SGM individuals (Reczek, C., 2020). Step 4: Describe the various ways in which the educational system can create a safe place for SGM youth. The educational system can create a safe place for sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth by implementing the following strategies: Step 1 Inclusive Policies: Schools can adopt inclusive policies that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. These policies should be communicated to students, staff, and parents to ensure a supportive environment. Step 2 Staff Training: Providing training to school staff on SGM issues can increase their awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by SGM youth. This can help create a more inclusive and supportive school climate.

Step 3 Supportive Counseling: School counselors can play a crucial role in supporting SGM youth by providing individual counseling, group support, and resources. They should be knowledgeable about SGM issues and be able to address the unique needs of these students. Step 4 Safe Spaces: Creating designated safe spaces, such as LGBTQ+ clubs or support groups, can provide SGM youth with a sense of belonging and support. These spaces should be inclusive and welcoming to all students. Step 5 Inclusive Curriculum: Incorporating LGBTQ+ history, literature, and contributions into the curriculum can help create a more inclusive educational environment. This can promote understanding and acceptance among all students. Step 6 Anti-Bullying Programs: Implementing comprehensive anti-bullying programs that address homophobic and transphobic bullying can help create a safer school environment for SGM youth. By implementing these strategies, the educational system can create a safe and inclusive environment where SGM youth feel supported, valued, and empowered to explore their identities. Step 7 Create gender-neutral restrooms and safe spaces where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. Step 8 Incorporate LGBTQ+ representation in curricula and school materials to promote diversity and inclusion only in age-appropriate grade levels (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | Youth.gov, n.d.-b).

Conclusion: By implementing these approaches, schools can contribute to a more inclusive and accepting environment, promoting the well-being and academic success of all youth. LINK: In no way do I agree or disagree with the attitudes and behaviors of the school and or the Churches involved in this situation. For the purpose of this assignment, I am taking a position of neutrality. I am posting this article as an example of how many kids end up being the victims. https://abcnews.go.com/US/christian-school-embraced-lgbtq-community-forced-close- doors/story?id=97037899 Information Link: The link below is an information-based Resource Guide for Families in order to support their LGBTQ children. This is an excellent guide and has been credited by several professional organizations. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep14-lgbtkids.pdf Question for my fellow classmates: To answer this question, you would need to make yourself knowledgeable about the link and subject that I have posted above. Since the school has taken the position that it has concerning the acceptance of the LGBTQ community and it has lost funding because of taking that position, do you believe that the LGBTQ community should supplement the school's funding in order that it may be able to stay open?

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References: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | Youth.gov . (n.d.-b). https://youth.gov/youth-topics/lgbt Reczek, C. (2020). Sexual‐ and Gender‐Minority Families: A 2010 to 2020 Decade in Review. Journal of Marriage and the Family , 82 (1), 300. https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12607 What is pink money? LGBTQ spending, explained . (n.d.). https://nickwolny.com/what-is-pink- money Yahoo is part of the Yahoo family of brands . (n.d.). https://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-lgbtq- spending-surpasses-1-205100102.html

Sexual Gender Minority Final

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