COURSE DESCRIPTION

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) clients are at markedly higher risk for addiction and mental health challenges than the general public. Evidence has shown that identity-targeted interventions can be effective in supporting wellness within these communities.  This webinar will describe these mental health disparities, explore what makes LGBTQ populations particularly vulnerable, and consider Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM)-targeted prevention frameworks and strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Examine the impact of social determinants of health, including prejudice and discrimination, family rejection, trauma, and stress-related illness, on the substance use behaviors of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) populations.
• Explore LGBTQ sub-cultural norms, attitudes, myths, and messages around substance use and misuse.
• Highlight three programmatic frameworks essential to effective work in LGBTQ communities: trauma-sensitive, sex positive, harm reduction approaches.
• Consider community-targeted intervention strategies to support SGM individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

PRESENTER

Kate Bishop, MSSA, the Education Coordinator at the LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton, is a seasoned professional development trainer with expertise in working with LGBTQ populations, sexual and reproductive health care, adolescent development, intimate partner violence, and sexual trauma. She is certified as a trainer through GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) as well as SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). Before joining the Chase Brexton team, she developed the capacity building program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s STAR TRACK Adolescent HIV program, providing cultural responsiveness trainings for agencies that serve sexual minority youth of color. Ms. Bishop holds a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from Hiram College and a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.