From: Asking the Right Questions 2: Talking about sexual orientation and gender identity in mental health, counselling, and addiction settings (© 2004 CAMH)
Part A is to be administered with all clients at the assessment interview.
Relevance/intent
The items are meant to invite clients to disclose information about their sexual orientation and gender identity. This helps you avoid making assumptions that may be inaccurate, and will help you identify LGBTTTIQ clients for whom Part B will be relevant.
Your comfort level with these questions will affect the comfort level of the client. Ask the questions in a matter-of-fact, straightforward manner, as you would any other question.
It is important to convey acceptance and openness to the client’s responses.
At CAMH, Part A is offered to the clients to self-administer, with an introduction given by the therapist/counsellor about why it is used. For example, “We would like you to complete this form so we can better understand your situation,” “We recognize that there is a variety of sexual orientations and gender identities, so we would like to ask the following questions,” and “We ask all clients to fill this out at assessment.”
Therapists/counsellors should instruct the client to check off as many boxes as they want and that apply.
Client perceptions
“The therapist should ask, ‘Are you currently in a relationship?’ If the client says ‘yes,’ then ask: ‘Is it heterosexual or homosexual?’ It needs to be forthright. It should not seem like it is an issue. Don’t ask what type of relationship it is. Then I would feel like I was being judged. Normalize it. Make it a matter-of-fact thing. They should also ask about identity, not just about relationships, since I could be in a relationship with a woman, but I am gay, which could be the reason for drinking. Someone asking me the question if I am gay would be the best thing that ever happened.”
Therapist/counsellor perceptions
“I ask. I am fairly direct. It is important to use language that is inclusive, i.e., ‘partner, whether that be male or female.’ No dancing around.”
In Asking the Right Questions 2: