A Touchy Subject

From the Okonji article, what can we make of the idea that “only black men prefer black counselors” if only 2% of psychologists are African American?

“Young black men prefer black counselors.”  Is there even enough evidence to prove this statement if only 2% of psychologists are African American?  While it is reported that African Americans underuse mental health services; is it the result of some sort of opposition to therapy in general, or is it simply that there are just not enough African American therapists available to serve the community?   The article discusses both sides of this question.  It speaks to the fact that there are cultural beliefs such as keeping one’s business in the family structure and not sharing it with a stranger. Additionally, seeking counseling might be viewed as a sign of weakness which is not in line with the idea of strength within the African American culture.  The research conducted in this article also reflects that when given the option, Black men chose an African American counselor and reality therapy as opposed to a White counselor and person-centered therapy.  A shared ethnicity and the emphasis on present behavior in reality therapy are preferred by Black men.

What are the major areas of concerns for Black men?

Some of the major areas of concern for Black men are:

-Anger from racism and oppression

-Feelings of invisibility

-Issues associated with masculine role strain

-Adolescents’ issues

-Educational issues

-Employment issues

-Group counseling issues

-Family therapy issues

From the DeFrancisco article, what were the two components of self-esteem for Black women?     

Social Support:  As social support is a key component of self-esteem for Black women, it takes place in the form of “family.”  The definition of “family” goes beyond the immediate family and includes extended family, friends, and church family.  This “family” offered protection and shelter from the oppression outside their communities.

Self-Reliance:  As a result of the social support provided to Black women, they are gaining a sense of self-reliance.  Their families, communities and churches are teaching them to be independent.  The research participants felt that self-reliance was especially encouraged because of their dual identities as African Americans and as women.

What do Black heterosexual and Black same-sex couples have in common?

Black heterosexual and Black same-sex couples have several things in common.  Here are some of the examples:

-Black female same-sex couples are raising their non-biological children at the same rate as Black married heterosexual couples (14%).

-Black women in same-sex households are raising children at approximately the same rate as Black married heterosexual couples.

-Black same-sex couples are almost as like as Black married couples to report living in the same residence as they did five years prior.

Is being gay a choice? 

My answer to the question, “Is being gay a choice?” is definitely no.  I have a very good friend who is gay.  He was married for 20 years, he and his ex-wife raised two beautiful daughters, and when his youngest was in high school, came out and became open about his sexuality – he is gay.  In the eight years since that time, I have watched him grow so much as a person.  It’s as if he had just been waiting all these years to really be himself.  In the 20 years he was married, he was a very devoted and loving husband and father.  I truly believe that if he had a “choice” he would not have chosen to disrupt his life in the manner in which he did.  Just as the Pitts shared with the mother he is writing to in his article, this was probably the “first time he’s ever been honest with himself and those around him about who and what he is.” 

What’s your opinion about how to address homophobia in Black community?  On college campuses?

In my opinion, in the Black community more education around homophobia is imperative, including reforms in our educational curricula to promote the humanity around the LGBT community.  From the standpoint of the community, it would be getting back to where these negative perceptions of homosexuality originate.  The idea that to be homosexual is not “truly” Black.  Additionally, there is idea of a literal translation of the Bible and how homosexuality is viewed by this translation in the Black Christian community.  This is a big topic!  In my opinion, a shift in such an embedded ideology is a big hill to climb.  It can be done, but must be done with great respect for the current ideology and the patience to move people along the spectrum to a more open way of thinking.  They must be able to see how it marries with their faith and be able to reconcile this idea at a personal level.

From the Froyum abstract, what does this mean for African American gay and lesbian teens?   How difficult would a coming out process be for Black gay and lesbian teens, particularly in Quadrant 4 of the African-centered behavior model?

The work done in this study would make it extremely difficult for an African American gay or lesbian teen to come out.  In fact, it would seem to make it virtually impossible.  Everything is geared around “protecting” their heterosexual identities.  What if they are not heterosexual?  Then what do they do?  What a source of internal struggle this would be.  It seems to me that the effects of this would be extremely damaging.

Below is a link to an interesting article and video published on a website serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in North and South Carolina.

http://goqnotes.com/8938/panel-on-faith-in-black-community-addresses-homophobia/