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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns

The mission of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns Office (LGBTCO) is to advance psychology as a means of improving the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, as a means of increasing understanding of gender identity and sexual orientation as aspects of human diversity, and as a means of reducing stigma, prejudice, discrimination, and violence toward LGBT people. The office provides support and guidance to all aspects of APA governance on issues related to its mission and products and services to the APA membership and others seeking psychological resources to promote beneficial change in society for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

Programs and Services

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APA News

Pentagon and Congress Should Act Quickly to End Gay Military Ban, APA Says
APA urged both the Pentagon and Congress to move swiftly to end the restrictions on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military, noting that there are decades of scientific research demonstrating no threat to military readiness.  Press Release (February 2010)

 

APA Proposes Deletion of Sexual Orientation Diagnoses in ICD-10 
APA recommended to the World Health Organization that the category of classifications on psychological and behavioral disorders associated with sexual development and orientation (F66) be deleted from ICD-10. 

 

APA Testimony to IOM Committee on NIH and LGBT Health Research
 APA provided testimony to the Institute of Medicine Committee on LGBT Health Issues and Research Gaps and Opportunities, which will be conducting a consensus study to develop recommendations to the NIH. APA's testimony was prepared by staff of the Science and Public Interest Directorates with input from APA members and delivered by Clinton W. Anderson, Ph.D.

Announcements

Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) Opposes Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill
PsySSA issues statement and press release calling for Uganda to abandon "Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009"; Invites mental health professionals around the world to endorse. 

 

USAJOBS Bars Agencies from Gender Identity Bias
For the first time, federal agencies are not permitted to discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of gender identity.

 

Hormone Therapy and Sex Reassignment Surgery Ruled "Medically Necessary"
On February 2, U.S. Tax Court ruled in O'Donnabhain v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue that a transgender woman's medical expenses for hormone therapy and sex reassignment surgery were medically necessary, consistent with the American Psychological Association's position adopted in 2008.

Publications

Former CLGBTC Chair Susan Cochran's article in BMC Psychiatric 2009
Influence of gender, sexual orientation, and need on treatment utilization for substance use and mental disorders: Findings from the California Quality of Life Survey (PDF, 704KB)

 

Hidden Injustice: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Youth in Juvenile Courts
The Hidden Injustice Report (PDF, 400KB) represents the first effort to examine the experiences of LGBT youth in juvenile courts across the country. This report is based on information collected from:

  • 414 surveys and 65 interviews with juvenile justice professionals;

  • focus groups and interviews of 55 youth who possess relevant firsthand experience; and

  • an extensive review of relevant social science and legal research findings.