How do psychologists working across a variety of settings engage in advocacy and activism? A discussion session at APA’s upcoming 2020 annual convention, Ethical Radicals: Advocates and Activists in LGBTQ+ Policy, will explore this question. The session will also address challenges and opportunities arising from ethical and professional dilemmas that emerge from LGBTQ+-focused policy and activism.
Psychologist panel members represent a range of perspectives and apply LGBTQ+ focused advocacy and activism in a variety of environments including professional organizations, communities, academic institutions, and clinical settings.
What are some challenges and opportunities for advancing LGBTQ+ policy through professional associations? Professional organizations can be powerful voices in policy advocacy because they represent many individuals and standards of the field and cultivate authority through a record of credible expertise. Yet, such organizations may not be structured for advocacy purposes. One panelist will share case examples illustrating obstacles encountered and lessons learned, as well as strategies for sustaining oneself when engaging in this work.
How are psychologists doing activism as academics? Psychologists working in academia are challenged to balance their professional roles within the institution and advocacy within and outside of it. One panelist will discuss her work in direct-action organizing with the LGBTQ+ community in a rural county, her own development of an “activist identity” and how she effectively integrates this into her work as an academic.
How do clinical psychologists make the internal shifts needed to make social change? While many practicing clinicians care deeply about advocacy and social justice, most clinical training programs do not expose students to this type of work. A panelist will share how she combined her work as a clinician with being a “psychologist-activist” by seeking opportunities to bring psychological knowledge derived from research literature and clinical experience to issues such as “conversion therapy.” Ethical dilemmas encountered and self-care strategies will be highlighted.
How do we use psychology’s tools to create LGBTQ+ equitable and health-promoting communities? One panelist will discuss stigma and health disparities faced by bisexual individuals, focusing on ways that psychologists can promote bi-affirming policy and practice. This panelist, experienced with research, community-building and advocacy, will offer a multi-pronged approach that includes research, evidence-based practice, community development, and policy with the aim of creating psychological and environmental conditions that promote health equity for bisexual individuals and communities.
We hope to see you at this discussion session at APA’s 2020 annual convention to learn and share about the important advocacy and activism work that psychologists do.
Panelists: Kim Skerven, PhD; Tania Israel, PhD; Michele Schlehofer, PhD; and Melissa Grey, PhD.
Discussant: Mark Eckstein