Ethnic-Minority Lesbians and Gay Men: Mental Health and Treatment Issues

Clinical psychological research has been a part of a significant growth of scholarly literature in mental health that appropriately explores relevant cultural variables and their effects on both the mental health and treatment of ethnic minority group members. A similar expansion of material seeking to develop affirmative perspectives in the treatment of gay men and lesbians has also found its way into the psychological literature. Scarcely any research seeks to explore the particular psychological strengths and vulnerabilities of men and women who are members of both groups. This article reviews literature pertinent to the cultural proscriptions of several ethnic minority groups and their relevance to mental health issues and treatment of gay and lesbian members, as well as a review of potential countertransference dilemmas for therapists.