The Existing Theory Of Sexual Identity

Existing theory on sexual identity is constant with identifying sexuality as a socially experienced identity, which changes in meaning and importance overtime. It is argue that the language used by these groups to express their social world is impact by cultural context. MacKinnon and Heise (2010). ). The language/terminology of clinicians working with some SMY populations may be different from that used by the clients. (Davis, 2009). The use of dated, incorrect, or irrelevant language may indicate to clients a lack of understanding or respect (Kaufman, 2008). Literature now distinguishes that SMY is progressively multi-faceted identities, and the classifications tied to them, may be challenging for counselors (Frankowski, 2004; Garofalo &
Bush, 2008). Increased knowledge of the language used by SMY populations benefits clinicians in their awareness and comfort with these populations (Crisp & McCave, 2007; Davis, 2009), as well as in providing culturally appropriate care.. Understanding these factors will help ease into a positive clinical environment. It will also help with productive therapeutic relationships between clinician and SMY. (Garofalo & Bush, 2008),

Keywords: SMY (sexual minority youth) ; LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning); adolescence; clinical; practice; language; terminology

3. The methods used:
The studies were done in Miami Dade County in a low-income community.
(Search by zip code). Subjects This population experiences marginalization as a result of their sexual, gender, and racial identities and individual circumstances, but also as a result of their socio-cultural environment. attended large urban schools struggling from financial burden. Data collection started June 2008 to September 2010. Two methods were use at this time (1) intake forms, which comprise primarily of demographic. ( Demographic characteristics included age (median 17.0; range 13–22); gender identity (male, 30.8%; female, 67.2%; trans and other, 2.0%); sexual orientation (traditional terminology, 94.2%; non-traditional terminology, 5.8%); and race and ethnicity (Black, Hispanic, 5.2%; Black, non-Hispanic, 31.4%; White, Hispanic, 37.6%; Hispanic, No/Other Race, 22.6%; Other, 3.2%) and (2) psychosocial assessments, which included social demographic settings. In additional questions such as violence, substance use, discrimination, suicidality etc., were address. However, several variables altered for gender identity. Transgender and other was combine due to absence of use, while queer and intersex were remove because they were not being check off. Sexual orientations, queer and pansexual were blend due to lack of use, while the other category was divide into questioning and other to examine sexual identity as closely as possible. This study found that more than 94% of the applicants continued to use traditional identity labels compared to less than 6% used non-traditional terminology. Recent research found that SMY are increasingly using less traditional identity labels, while MSMY are use fluid or flexible terms, or identify as straight (Boykin, 2005; Cohler & Hammack, 2007; Potter et
al.,

4. Major findings Approximately 92% of participants identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, 1.0% of which identify as straight with a Trans identity, and 1.4% identifying as questioning. In contrast, 2.8% identified as queer or pansexual, with 3.0% identifying as other (or using other terms). Consequently, only 5.8% were using nontraditional terms.
5. Clinicians should be familiar about the language used by SMY. Correct use of language and terminology related to sexual identity and gender expression is a vital part of building a positive setting and productive working relationship.(Garofalo & Bush, 2008; Greenfield, 2008). However, as this research demonstrates, clinicians should also be aware of the role that demographics and environment play in access to discourses of sexuality and use of language and terminology.