De-colonizing International Counseling for LGBTQ Youth

Abstract

Counselors working with LGBTQ youth in international contexts risk re-creating oppressive social dynamics that marginalize indigenous ways of knowing and helping. In this critical literature review, recommendations for international collaboration in support of LGBTQ youth are presented based on multicultural-social justice principles, post-colonial theory, and scholarship on the needs of LGBTQ youth both within the United States and other countries. Critique of Eurocentric biases potentially influencing counselors’ work with international LGBTQ youth is provided. Culturally-alert helping models and practices are also discussed to inform counselors’ international advocacy with and behalf of LGBTQ youth and their communities.

Keywords:

• International counseling
• LGBTQ youth
• multicultural competence
• post-colonial theory