An Introduction to Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation 

LGBTQ+ individuals are a hidden minority in mental health and substance use disorder treatment settings. This training will increase participants' knowledge of the issues of sexual minorities and skills for recognizing and working with this population.

Course Objectives

1. Discuss the differences between sex, gender, gender identify, and sexual orientation.
2. Describe coping mechanisms routinely employed by LGBTQ+ prior to coming out or dealing with shame-based reactions to heterosexism.
3. List manifestations of minority stress for LGBTQ+ individuals.
4. List ways of becoming a more trans positive treatment provider.
5. Describe the criteria for programs to be considered "LGBT Tolerant," "LGBT Accepting," and "LGBT Affirming."

The underlying theme of this training is cultural humility, or understanding how our life experiences are different, which allows us to: (A) appreciate and understand our own life experiences, (B) gain increased understanding of the life experiences of others, and (C) improve our ability to work with and facilitate growth in the people we serve.

Onsite LGBTQ+ Community Resources

• BrightView Health
• Cincy Pride Counseling
• GLAST (Gays & Lesbians Achieving Sobriety Together)
• GLSEN, Greater Cincinnati Chapter
• SUN Behavioral Health: Aurora

Continuing Education (CE) Information

• Kentucky Licensure
  • The Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors accepts courses from NADAAC approved sponsors. This educational program is approved by NAADAC #361.
• Ohio Licensure
  • Mental Health America of NKY & SWOH is approved #RCST111001 by the State Of Ohio Counseling, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Board as a sponsor for continuing education for counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapy.
  • The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board accepts courses from NADAAC approved sponsors. This educational program is approved by NAADAC #361.
• Indiana Licensure
  • The Indiana Counselors Association on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ICAADA) accepts courses from NADAAC approved sponsors. This educational program is approved by NAADAC #361.