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Scholars have called for strengths-based approaches, particularly with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and nonbinary (LGBT/NB) clients to buffer against minority stress. Scholars have recommended that intake forms include questions about strengths. This study examined reported strengths from intake forms at a community clinic. A Consensual Qualitative Research-Modified (CQR-M) approach was used to analyze the strengths as reported by LGBT/NB clients. A total of 173 strengths from 64 individual participants were coded, yielding six domains: Connection, Interpersonal Skills, Abilities and Achievements, Role-Oriented, Self-Efficacy, and Resilience. We discuss clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with multiple minoritized identities, such as those that identify as a minoritized sexual orientation and/or gender identity and as a Person of Color (POC), report higher levels of distress that may result from complex systems and various sources of discrimination. Resilience is an adaptive response to oppression that enables marginalized communities to resist the impact of discrimination and rejection. The current study surveyed levels of resilience, distress, and elements of resiliency and how they differed among emerging adults who identify as non-LGBTQ+ POC; LGBTQ+ POC; LGBTQ+ White people; and non-LGBTQ+ White people. Data were collected from 1,194 participants at three large universities in the United States. A multivariate analysis of variance was conducted that yielded significant differences by groups. Post-hoc analysis revealed significant differences among the measured variables of interest. Of note, individuals who identified as LGBTQ+ POC reported lower distress and higher resilience, hope, and significantly higher spiritual support when compared to LGBTQ+ White participants. These results highlight how individuals who possess multiple minoritized identities may experience buffers to rather than additive minority stress, and spirituality may play a key role in this resilience. Implications for psychologists and helping professionals are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around the globe, trans and gender diverse people have a wide range of access to health care, psychological as well as physical, that is unique to their home country's context. Some of the contributing factors are nations' health care systems, laws and policies surrounding discrimination, adequate resources, and under-trained health care professionals. Unfortunately, inability or difficulty in accessing transition related health care and support leads to negative impacts on mental health. In this article, the authors describe the unique contexts related to transgender health care in Canada, Japan, South Africa, and the United States. We focus specifically on the financial cost of transition for trans and gender diverse people, including gender affirming surgeries as well as mental and health care more broadly. We discuss the role of mental health professionals as advocates for gender affirming care and the fundamental human right to health care. We include discussions of therapy, assessment, medical care such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries, and additional invisible costs. We highlight the importance for all mental health professionals to be aware of the impacts to trans and gender diverse people's mental health when their fundamental health care needs are not met. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for how mental health professionals can advocate for their clients' access to transition related care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand psychological experiences of drag queens, the authors conducted interviews with 12 cisgender, gay male drag queens from a midsouth state. Participants were age 22 to 54 years (M = 34) and reported participating in drag for 2 to 33 years (M = 13). The authors used consensual qualitative analysis to identify five main themes: motivation, effects, protective factors, stressors, and involvement. Results indicate that participants in drag may benefit from social support, a creative outlet, and empowerment. Participants also reported experiences of discrimination, performance anxiety, and loss of friendships. We discuss implications for counseling lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people who may perform in drag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]