Sometimes, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer/questioning, and intersexed (LGBTQI) community may feel alienated because of the heterosexism that permeates society. IntraSpectrum Counseling, a Chicago-based group practice that proudly serves this community, encourages people to join queer-friendly organizations to help overcome these feelings of isolation. One recently formed group we recommend is Gay For Good: Chicago.
Gay For Good: Chicago was formed as a means to create social bonds among LGBTQI individuals. Its other purpose was to build bridges with other volunteer organizations, thereby promoting acceptance and understanding of LGBTQI people on a wider scale. Their mission statement reads, “ ‘GAY FOR GOOD’ aims to energize and mobilize the LGBT community to interact with the greater Chicago community by volunteering our time to various social welfare and environmental service projects.”
This mission is consistent with some of the therapeutic goals of IntraSpectrum counselors. By participating in altruistic endeavors, individuals often discover that these activities benefit themselves too by increasing self-esteem and sense of purpose. Additionally, by joining a volunteer organization, members enlarge their social networks and sometimes deep, meaningful relationships form. While joining a new group offers many advantages, some people struggle with social anxiety and joining a new club may not be easy.
If you are a member of the LGBTQI community and you find it difficult to expand your social circle, you may want to meet with a therapist at IntraSpectrum Counseling to discuss the challenges you face. We offer a wide range of services, including but not limited to individual gay and lesbian counseling, gender identity counseling, same-sex couples counseling, and group counseling specifically tailored to the unique needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and intersexed clients. Areas of specialization also include depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma and self-sabotage, addiction, eating disorders and body image, and functioning in relationships.
