Lesbians of Color (Social and Human Services) - 9781560230724

Broaden your understanding of lesbians of color, their perspectives, and their needs from a human services point of view. Lesbians of Color: Social and Human Services helps you understand the ways in which lesbians of color perceive important issues related to their oppression and discrimination by the dominant social service community. The authors’personalized accounts graphically depict the deep-seated impacts of society’s racism, sexism, and homophobia. This insightful book suggests effective ways of changing detrimental practices and agency policies that perpetuate oppression and discrimination, and it enhances your interactions with lesbians of color.

Chapters build on “feminist standpoint theory,” a theory of inquiry enlightened by authors’firsthand knowledge that helps you move from an intellectual to an empathic grasp of the points made by each author. The use of standpoint theory gives you a different way of gaining insight and understanding of the experiences of lesbians of color. It acts as a springboard for valuing and celebrating the experiences and perspectives of lesbians of color so you can, in turn, provide more sensitive and effective services to members of this population.

Among the topics explored in Lesbians of Color are:

• specific ways white practitioners should behave to demonstrate their sensitivity and respect for lesbians of color
• insight as to how “need perceptions” and “problem diagnosis” varies when the practitioner listens to and understands lesbians of color
• specific identity issues that affect the emotional well-being of adopted lesbians
• visibility and activism as contributors to the mental health of lesbians of color
• how visibility and activism are essential in creating positive changes in policies and practices for lesbians of color
  
  This volume is useful for professionals involved in direct service practice with lesbian clients and for administrators of social service agencies. The book is also a helpful guide for educators in professional preparation programs who must introduce students to issues related to lesbians of color.