Gays and Lesbians

One of my top areas of expertise is working with gays and lesbians.  Gays and lesbians face most of the same life and love challenges heterosexuals do, however, they face some unique challenges and stresses.

Most of a gay or lesbian person or couples stress stems from prejudices and discrimination.  Despite the fact America is a country that says it values equal rights and diversity, we are still getting there.  For example, even if one American’s religious beliefs say ‘gayness’ is bad or sinful, that shouldn’t matter.  There is a separation of church and state, when it comes to basic rights like jobs, housing, marriage, etc.

As a result, gays and lesbians do tend to have higher rates of substance abuse, depression, suicide, etc.  All credible professional organizations say this comes from the stress of trying to be who one truly believes oneself to be in a sometimes hostile or uncaring environment not from someone’s sexual orientation.  All credible, respected professional organizations agree that sexual orientation is a part of one’s being, not merely a chosen behavior.

Gay and lesbian parents face additional levels of stress and scrutiny due to misinformation, rumors and general negativity.  This is true despite the fact that, again, research conducted by credible sources finds gays and lesbians parent just as well as straight parents and, what matters is the quality of the parenting, not whether you have one or two parents, or whether you have two parents of the opposite sex.

When it comes to dating and love relationships, gays and lesbians do have some unique issues because the dynamics are man-man or woman-woman.  However, otherwise, their relationships face most of the same issues heterosexual couples face and they are just as likely to be healthy and happy as straight couples are.

My goal is helping gay and lesbian people continue to increase their self esteem and pursue their highest goals and dreams for living and loving, just like everyone else.

As evidence of my commitment to lesbian women’s needs, in 2001, I founded an organization called Coach Sappho, which specifically supports lesbian women in creating the lives and love they desire.  Coach Sappho continues to grow and prosper and is a ‘life line’ for many women in the community.

If you’d like to know more about how I can help you and/or a family member, feel free to give me a call at 352-347-3577/toll free 866-396-2272.  Or, contact me by email.

Please note that I do not provide emergency or crisis counseling.  If you have an urgent or emergent matter, you need to call your family doctor or 911.