Exploring the Role of Counselor Support: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Questioning Adolescents Struggling With Acceptance and Disclosure

ABSTRACT

Using a qualitative grounded theory approach, support from the high school counselor for GLBQ adolescents was explored. Ten 18- to 21-year-old GLB college students participated in the study. Homophobia and heterosexism were significantly profound barriers to support. Participants feared disclosure forcing their emerging identity as a secret. Internet Chat rooms provided a way to access peer support. The need for counselors to be better educated about GLBTQ issues and use of advocacy skills for the inclusion of GLBTQ adolescents emerged. Being nonjudgmental, ensuring confidentiality, and using ally stickers and GLBTQ-friendly posters emerged as important implications for practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Gay
• lesbian
• GLB youth
• adolescence
• identity development
• social competency