Sexual Minorities
I am open and affirming to all sexual minorities.
In his book, Health Care Without Shame, Charles Moser, Ph.D., MD, defined a sexual minority as “anyone who is not traditionally heterosexual.” This would include any group of people with a sexual orientation, preference, behavior, and/or feelings that place them in the minority of the general population, i.e., gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, queer and those with an intersex condition. Also included are people who participate in alternative lifestyles such as swinging, polyamory and the sub-culture of “BDSM” (Bondage & Discipline, Dominance & Submission, Sadism & Masochism).
The concept of what it actually means to be a sexual minority is open to debate. “Scholars have usually argued one of two positions: One, sexual minorities are similar to heterosexuals in all respects except for certain aspects of their sexuality or, two, sexual minorities are patently unique from heterosexuals because of that very same sexuality” (Savin-Williams, 2001). Whichever position you subscribe to, sexual minorities have sublte and not so subtle nuances that require understanding in order to provide non-judgemental emotional care and therapeutic support.
Sexual minorities are discriminated against similarly to the manner in which other minority populations have been discriminated against through time. The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) is contacted thousands of times each year by individuals and groups in the SM-leather-fetish, swing and polyamory communities for assistance with legal matters related to protecting the civil rights of sexual minorities.
If for no other reason than their sexual minority status, sexual minorities can and do lose parental custody of their children. (I have seen this first hand as an expert witness). Sexual minorities can and do lose their jobs. Sexual minorities are frequently under the threat of physical harm, including death. Hate crimes are alive and all too well! Culturally, “If the rights of society’s most vulnerable members are denied, everybody’s rights are imperiled” (American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), 2006). “The bias towards sexual minorities within the legal system, in its most serious form, can ultimately affect the outcome of criminal prosecutions and may even encourage the imposition of death sentences for those found guilty of capital crimes” Shortnacy, (2005).
I am open and affirming to all sexual minorities and take great pride in the work I do with underserved populations.
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