Faith, Race, and LGB Affirmation: Experiences of African American Counselors‐in‐Training

Abstract

In this phenomenological study, the authors investigated the experiences of African American counselors-in-training, with roots in the Black church, as they navigated their faith and professional responsibilities to provide affirming services to lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients. Findings suggest attitudes toward lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients are intertwined with faith, race, and community allegiance.

Teaching anti‐racist counseling theories: Black liberation narrative therapy

“…Researchers could also explore the role of the Black Church and Black theology on Black counselor trainees and supervisors in counselor training graduate programs. Furthermore, examinations regarding problematic and oppressive beliefs, regarding sexism in leadership, shaming of unmarried mothers, and exclusionary behaviors towards the LGBTQ+ community, can challenge current practices built on colonizing and patriarchal values (Avent Harris et al., 2017; Robertson & Avent, 2016; Stewart, 2021). In addition, research regarding counselor educators’ ability to teach and supervise trainees who are implementing integrative approaches to BLNT is needed.…”

Community‐Based Participatory Research With Black Churches

“…Black men are often afraid to lose their power within the church and, as a result, restrict the authority and leadership of women and LGBT individuals (Douglas & Hopson, 2001;Heard Harvey & Ricard, 2018). Although 51% of Black Church members believe that LGBT individuals should be accepted, these sentiments are not always reflected in Black Church culture (Avent Harris et al, 2017;Heard Harvey & Ricard, 2018;Pew Research Center, 2014;Robertson & Avent, 2016). So although many Black Church members are accepting of gay members, 52% still oppose gay marriage (Pew Research Center, 2014).…”

Counselor Education and Supervision: 2017 Inaugural Review

“…Specifically, these focused on protective and risk factors for students of color (Hipolito‐Delgado, Estrada, & Garcia, 2017), experiences of microaggressions within preparation programs (Smith, Chang, & Orr, 2017), experiences of international students in clinical courses (Park, Lee, & Wood, 2019), and needs and acculturative stress in international students (Behl, Laux, Roseman, Tiamiyu, & Spann, 2017). Researchers also explored experiences of African American students related to faith and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) affirmation (J. R. A. Harris, Roberston, Jones, & Prado, 2017); attitudes toward transgender persons (Kanamori & Cornelius‐White, 2017); and perceptions of ethical referrals (Lloyd‐Hazlett, Hobbs, & Honderich, 2017).…”