Generating stories of resilience: Helping gay and lesbian youth and their families

Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth have often been forgotten in the provision of care to families. Not only are 10%-12% of ail youth lesbian gay, or bise xual, they all have families of origin and many also have "families of choi ce" that are dramatically increasing the numbers of persons who are directl y affected These youth can suffer disqualification ranging from internalize d poor esteem and suicidality to physical danger often at the hands of thos e very persons who are expected to care for them-families, educators, and h ealth care providers. This article examines both how homophobia and heteros exism are both manifest and recovered from using case examples and offering therapeutic suggestions to clinicians.