LGBT clients Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

LGBT clients - Essay Example This is important considering language has a history of being used to oppress and discriminate the LGBT community. Moreover, every person has a right to live an entirely functioning and emotionally healthy life regardless his or her gender identity and expression. The importance of understanding the terminologies to use when addressing a LGBT client, does not only show respect but also contribute to LGBT client’s self acceptant and Council’s competence in handling LGBT clients. There are several advantages in understanding the language and terminologies as a LGBT councilor. The first advantage is that such knowledge help in creating a welcoming environment for the LGBT persons and people close to them by establishing a counseling space that affirms LGBT person’s identity (Burnes et al, 2009). For example, a councilor may intentionally have LGBT-positive magazine in his or her counseling office and waiting rooms. The second advantage could be acceptable language help achieve an open, informative and fruitful discussion with a client on their experience. By doing so the councilor is able to assist the client overcome any potential inbuilt negative attitudes of themselves and their loved ones. Third advantage is that constan t use of acceptable language ensures that the counselors’ own perception or knowledge about LGBT does not interfere with his or her work. Lastly, understanding the LGBT’s languages makes it possible to acknowledge the diversity among LGBT people. For example, LGBT persons from different race, age or religion will use different terminology to refer to the same thing. There are a number of terms that the LGBT persons generally prefer being referred to and those they term abusive. The firs term one should avoid when referring to LGBTs is homosexuals, instead, use words such as, gay people, lesbians, or gay man. This is because homosexual is a clinical term that tend to