Experiences with sexual orientation microaggression in mental health services in Israel

Abstract

Introduction Little is known about the experiences of LGBTQ+ identifying professionals working in mental health services. Method This study analyzed 14 in-depth interviews conducted with LGB identifying professionals working in mental health services in Israel. Results Analysis of the interviews identified six unique forms of sexual orientation microaggressions: (1) Pathologizing LGBTQ+ identities; (2) Messages of concealment; (3) Lack of recognition; (4) Organizational positioning as experts of “gayness”; (5) Heteronormative compliments; and (6) Invasiveness. Conclusion We argue that actions should be taken by mental health services to reduce the unique sexual orientation microaggressions identified in this study.