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Gay and Lesbian Well-Being

Covering issues vital to the psychological health and happiness of gays, lesbians, and their families.

Transgender
LGBT and Heading Home for the Holidays?

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on November 26, 2014

Are you lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and heading home for the holidays? Despite the Norman Rockwell images that inundate us this time of year, this can be a stressful time for LGBT people and those who love them. Follow my ABC's for LGBT family gatherings to try to help you get through the emotional minefields of the holiday season.

Are you lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and heading home for the holidays? Despite the Norman Rockwell images that inundate us this time of year, this can be a stressful time for LGBT people and those who love them. Follow my ABC's for LGBT family gatherings to try to help you get through the emotional minefields of the holiday season.

Marriage
Gay and Can't Find a Partner?

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on September 7, 2014

How gay men can identify and overcome the self-defeating and often hidden hurdles that sabotage their efforts to find a long-term partner.

How gay men can identify and overcome the self-defeating and often hidden hurdles that sabotage their efforts to find a long-term partner.

Sex
Condomless Sex and Gay Men

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on June 3, 2014

It is somewhat difficult to get a read on how widespread or successful the prophylactic use of HIV treatment medications is, but the movement of HIV prevention in this direction as well as the hostile reaction by some, is revealing in what is says about gay men and our general attitudes about sexuality.

It is somewhat difficult to get a read on how widespread or successful the prophylactic use of HIV treatment medications is, but the movement of HIV prevention in this direction as well as the hostile reaction by some, is revealing in what is says about gay men and our general attitudes about sexuality.

Sexual Orientation
Michael Sam Coming Out

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on February 13, 2014

When Michael Sam, the promising NFL draft hopeful, came out, there was a heartwarming chorus of cheering that followed. However, among these jubilant voices were some that openly wondered: “Why did he have to do that? Who cares what his sexual orientation is?” Well, his coming out is important—very important, and here’s why.

When Michael Sam, the promising NFL draft hopeful, came out, there was a heartwarming chorus of cheering that followed. However, among these jubilant voices were some that openly wondered: “Why did he have to do that? Who cares what his sexual orientation is?” Well, his coming out is important—very important, and here’s why.

Sexual Orientation
Are Homophobes Really Gay?

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on July 29, 2013

Is a homophobic individual like Putin along with his supporters, possibly harboring same-sex attractions? Is expressed hatred or revulsion toward gay people a situation about which Shakespeare would say: “Methinks he doth protest too much”?

Is a homophobic individual like Putin along with his supporters, possibly harboring same-sex attractions? Is expressed hatred or revulsion toward gay people a situation about which Shakespeare would say: “Methinks he doth protest too much”?

Sex
Sex, Romance, and Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on May 25, 2013

Last week a story emerged in various media outlets about an 18 year-old woman, Kaitlyn Hunt, who was being prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a basketball teammate who was only 14. This case raises concerns about the way we as a society think about sex and sexual expression for gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths.

Last week a story emerged in various media outlets about an 18 year-old woman, Kaitlyn Hunt, who was being prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a basketball teammate who was only 14. This case raises concerns about the way we as a society think about sex and sexual expression for gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths.

Sexual Orientation
Republicans Dead Wrong On Reparative and Conversion Therapy

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on April 19, 2013

Practitioners of conversion therapies claim that a gay sexual orientation is unhealthy and unnatural and therefore amenable to cure. Others argue that, whether or not homosexuality is an illness, banning such therapy interferes with self-determination—that people have the right to try to change their sexual orientation. However, there are several flaws in these arguments.

Practitioners of conversion therapies claim that a gay sexual orientation is unhealthy and unnatural and therefore amenable to cure. Others argue that, whether or not homosexuality is an illness, banning such therapy interferes with self-determination—that people have the right to try to change their sexual orientation. However, there are several flaws in these arguments.

Sexual Orientation
The Mike Rice Situation and the Damage of Homophobia

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on April 5, 2013

Rutgers University is not a particularly homophobic place. However, like many institutions, Rutgers is a product of the surrounding society in which it is nested. Despite the recent gains in public acceptance and civil rights made by gay and lesbian people, homophobia remains alive and well.

Rutgers University is not a particularly homophobic place. However, like many institutions, Rutgers is a product of the surrounding society in which it is nested. Despite the recent gains in public acceptance and civil rights made by gay and lesbian people, homophobia remains alive and well.

Marriage
Rob Portman, Will Portman, and Same-Sex Marriage

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on March 26, 2013

Some see Senator Portman's recent change of heart as the calculated act of a Republican politician who after the presidential election has discovered he is out of touch with most of the nation. However, having a personal relationship with a minority member can go far in alleviating prejudice.

Some see Senator Portman's recent change of heart as the calculated act of a Republican politician who after the presidential election has discovered he is out of touch with most of the nation. However, having a personal relationship with a minority member can go far in alleviating prejudice.

Bullying
Anti-Gay Bullying: Are the Ravi Verdicts Too Harsh?

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on March 25, 2012

Last week, Dharun Ravi was convicted on 15 criminal charge including bias intimidation; a hate crime. Though some think he is being unfairly punished, minimizing or excusing his behavior will certainly not address the problem of anti-LGBT bullying.

Last week, Dharun Ravi was convicted on 15 criminal charge including bias intimidation; a hate crime. Though some think he is being unfairly punished, minimizing or excusing his behavior will certainly not address the problem of anti-LGBT bullying.

Religion
Religion and Acceptance of Gays

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on November 21, 2011

Considering that the Catholic Church, conservative Jews and many fundamentalist Christians have been the most outspoken opponents of gay rights, it is perhaps not surprising that LGB people and their families identify religion as a major obstacle in accepting homosexuality, in either themselves or a family member

Considering that the Catholic Church, conservative Jews and many fundamentalist Christians have been the most outspoken opponents of gay rights, it is perhaps not surprising that LGB people and their families identify religion as a major obstacle in accepting homosexuality, in either themselves or a family member

Sex
Gay Couples Therapy: A Way to Avoid Same-Sex Divorce

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on July 30, 2011

Some of you might be wondering, “My partner is selfish, mean, stubborn, nagging, needy, distant narcissistic, smelly, snores, sucks her teeth (check all that apply) and my relationship is in trouble. Am I on the road to becoming a gay divorceé?”

Some of you might be wondering, “My partner is selfish, mean, stubborn, nagging, needy, distant narcissistic, smelly, snores, sucks her teeth (check all that apply) and my relationship is in trouble. Am I on the road to becoming a gay divorceé?”

Sexual Orientation
Is It Possible to Pray the Gay Away?

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on July 16, 2011

There are licensed mental health professionals who practice "reparative" or "conversion" therapies designed to make gay people heterosexual, despite the evidence that it's not only ineffective but damaging.

There are licensed mental health professionals who practice "reparative" or "conversion" therapies designed to make gay people heterosexual, despite the evidence that it's not only ineffective but damaging.

Marriage
Same-Sex Marriage: A Queer Critique

Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW on June 30, 2011

The argument for gay marriage is indeed appealing because legally recognized same-sex marriage would provide gays and lesbians a shortcut to its legal and social benefits. However, there is simply not enough critical questioning of why such privileges are bestowed on marriage.

The argument for gay marriage is indeed appealing because legally recognized same-sex marriage would provide gays and lesbians a shortcut to its legal and social benefits. However, there is simply not enough critical questioning of why such privileges are bestowed on marriage.