It takes a community

ABSTRACT Most lesbian and gay people are traumatized by being raised in a society that denigrates and devalues their sexual orientation. Experiences of trauma during identity development are non-mirroring and can be psychic assaults. The ever-presence of the trauma renders it hidden and difficult for the patient and therapist to address. This paper will examine the psychic impact of this trauma and treatment concerns, particularly problems of shame, hiding, and empathy. Special attention will be paid to finding external communities that support and give recognition to lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities and internalizing this influence into psychic "internal communities".