Biculturality and homosexuality

In an effort to sensitize service providers to bicultural socialization, a small but growing literature has surfaced in which theories are proposed explaining the socialization process, cultural identification, and evolution of self-concept for those functioning in two cultures. In this article, the authors examine the extent to which previously developed explanatory theories of cultural and ethnic identity and bicultural socialization apply to the experience of sexual minorities, and offer a conceptual framework for adequately assessing the experience of homosexual clientele. The multifaceted nature of the practitioner's role is discussed, and gender-sensitive practice methods are given that may assist sexual minorities in developing optimum functioning.