ISBN:

1094-5725

Accession Number:

16494693

Abstract:

This article informs that the challenge of advocacy, while perhaps new to the formal charges of AASECT members, has been a longstanding tradition within the field of human sexuality. Indeed counseling, therapy and education are often chosen as fields of professional practice not only because of the desire to help individuals, but also as a result of a deep desire to correct the injustices that have been perpetrated against individuals and to create, person by person, social change. Several studies report that three to six percent of students in secondary schools claim same-sex attraction or identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. The need for a strengths-based advocacy perspective for sexual minority youth in schools is considerable. Often the forces of oppression take center stage in policy formation and educational practices, leaving students and organizations reacting to discrimination and bigotry. Developmental theorists identify the importance of peer groups for adolescent group identity. Indeed, peer pressure often serves as a mechanism for membership in these groups.

Notes:

Vol. 39 Issue 3, special section pi-viii 8p

• Tagged
• XML
• BibTex