The Black Community and Its LGBT Members: The Role of the Behavioral Scientist

Abstract

This article is on the role of the behavioral scientist, the black community and its lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) members. Initially, we provide some relevant descriptions of events and situations that currently exist within the black community that significantly impact its LGBT members, thus placing in context some of the roles and challenges the behavioral scientist, working with black LGBT (BLGBT) persons and the larger black community, might experience. For the purpose of this discussion, the term “behavioral scientist” will include psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers.

KEYWORDS:

• black community
• lesbian
• gay
• bisexual
• transgender
• behavioral scientist
• psychiatrist
• psychologist
• clinical social worker