Frame It With Gratitude

Such a simple thing to do, but such profound effects. give it a try.

Hi Fabulous Marc

From the personal stories of seven diverse men who have struggled, or continue to struggle, with eating disorders and body image issues, Do I Look Fat? uncovers reoccurring and interconnecting themes that support this “self-esteem disorder.” Themes such as childhood wounding, internalized homophobia, the effects of HIV/AIDS on the body and the prevalence of substance abuse histories are among a few that underscore the film. Perhaps most importantly, the film doesn’t shy away from asking why these common histories have, until now, been left in the proverbial closet at a community level.

This is a great resource page. And it is encouraging to see that this issue is being addressed. Go to the page and take a look at the supporting pages

Something about our society puts individuals with minority sexual orientations at high risk for victimization. This is a major public health problem that needs to be addressed.

Gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and heterosexuals who have ever had a same-gender sex partner are one and one half to two times more likely to have experienced violent events during childhood.

CONCLUSION

Implications for our practice

What can we, as helping professionals, do? To begin with, we must focus on the gay population in general. We must counter homophobia and be sensitive to the effects it has had on gay men and lesbians. For example, gays may have internalized the same homophobia, and thus, may be self-punitive because of it. Any practician with a homophobic attitude will behave in a way that is counter-productive and counter-therapeutic. These practicians will not be effective in working with their gay/lesbian clientele.

Next we should consider that the quality of care we give can be enhanced by having open communication with our lesbian or gay client. Without this, clients are naturally going to be hesitant to relate all information, perhaps hindering their access to appropriate help.

Advocacy is another service we can give to our gay/lesbian clients. An example of this would be supporting clients

I have been told recently, that there is a relation between homosexuality and pedophilia. That is true,” he told a news conference. “That is the problem.

While I am trained as a practitioner/scientist, I do not clam to have access to all academic research, but a 0.50 min. search on Google produces the following article

now you can keep your beautiful brain as happy and healthy as your beautiful body.  May you enjoy them both.

In our craze to stay physical young we often do forget our brain.