Discussion: Sexual identity
Megan is a 15-year-old girl who approaches her mother about her sexual identity. Megan tells her mom that she likes girls and identifies as being gay. Megan’s mom comes from a conservative background and a generation where being gay was not well accepted. Megan’s mom questions her assertion and suggests that this is just a phase and that she will most likely “grow out it.” Her mother suggests that perhaps Megan should go on a date with one of the local neighborhood boys.
Address the following in your discussion:
In your opinion, is Megan’s mother correct regarding her daughter negotiating a developmental phase?
How would you respond if you were Megan’s mother?
Finally, given the mother’s reluctance to explore this issue further, should these issues be addressed in counseling? Be specific. Give examples.
