Best Practices in Cross-Cultural Counseling: The Intersection of Spiritual/Religious Identity and Affectional/Sexual Identity

Abstract

In 2003, Frame reported that over 60% of LGBTQ+ individuals value their spiritual/religious backgrounds. While some religious organizations and states’ conscience clause legislation discriminates against LGBTQ+ individuals, the ACA Code of Ethics and Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling, and Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling, competencies do not allow for discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, nor the practice of sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE). In this paper, we present perspectives from a taskforce representing members of ASERVIC and ALGBTIC, including historical context, review of extant literature and recommended best practices.

Keywords:

• Advocacy
• counseling best practices
• empowerment
• LGBTQ+
• spirituality/religiosity