Identity & Attachment: Understanding LGBTQ+ Impact on Development

Description

(February 2022) Identity & Attachment: Understanding LGBTQ+ Impact on Development

Within the LGBTQ+ acronym comes a variety of different experiences, struggles, self-reflection, and pride. Unfortunately, many LGBTQ+ have been targeted and misunderstood starting when they were young. According to recent data, there is a 52% decrease in recent suicidal thoughts for LGBTQ+ youth under the age of 20 with family and social acceptance. This statistic is extremely important when considering 50% of trans youth under the age of 20 have attempted suicide at least once in their short lifetime. Through her own experience as a gay woman opening herself up to learning directly from experts who have gone through different exploration journeys, Brianna was able to recognize the need to bring more attention, education, and understanding to the issues so many LGBTQ+ youth face. Her priority is to empower and lift these voices while continuously reflecting on her own biases as a cis-gendered female. She challenges cis-normativity by inviting curiosity over gender norms and exploring the impact these have on so many of our youth who don’t fit into the boxes society has constructed. Delving into the intricacies of the alphabet soup will not only allows us to be more open and understanding, but to see the beauty and vibrant color this community brings to our world. As practitioners, caregivers, and allies it is our job to challenge the systems that perpetuate transphobia, homophobia, cis-normativity, and heteronormativity, looking inward at our own beliefs and contribution to these systems. This workshop will briefly develop a common understanding of terminology and language as well as expand on our understanding of the impact holding an LGBTQ+ identity can have on a child and adolescent’s identity development and attachment. Exploring the unique impact this identity can have on mental health can help us to implement strategies that allow us to best support our LGBTQ+ youth in whatever setting we are in by creating a safe, trauma informed space.

Brianna Sigg received her MSW from the University of Minnesota in 2018 and is currently a Licensed Graduate Social Worker. Throughout her career and personal life, she has expanded on her knowledge and lived experience to provide a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ clients. Building awareness around the unique impact of the multi-faceted and complex variety of identity and gender can have on attachment, development, and trauma helps people to understand the complexities that come with living their truth. She is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults who hold marginalized identities, particularly those who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community and those within the foster care system.

Watch time: 119 minutes

Eligible Certificate of Completion time: 120 minutes