--> This website seeks to provide relevant, practical, biblical content on human sexuality that upholds the biblical teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In this space we will address questions that arise on various aspects of human sexuality.

Many individuals have been negatively influenced by the worldview expressed by religious groups, especially those who identify as part of the LGBTQI+ or other non-traditional expressions of sexuality.

Specifically for those clients who have been raised in a religious household that upholds the values mentioned on the website, they might need to gently challenge internalized shame or guilt.

At a systemic level, counselors should advocate for their clients by pushing comprehensive sex education for everyone, LGBTQI+ protections, women's protections, and access to mental health services.

• An understanding of the root of Biblical teachings, views, standards of practice in acting as a "disciple of Jesus/the church/God"

  • Bible teachings

  • Scriptures

  • Biblical lingo and/or terms associated

• A multicultural/diverse background and understanding- The church is widely a diverse symbol/organization/collective that many different groups meet under. Not one experience encompasses the entire religion or organization

  • There are many branches of christianity (Catholic, Protestant, East. Orthodox, etc.)

  • Adventist is just one of those branches

• An understanding of the branch of Adventist Christianity

  • Sabbath Observance

  • Diet, Exercise, Health importance (drug and alcohol avoided & diet they believe to be in alignment with teachings)

  • Living in accordance with the belief Christ will return to Earth (be holy and obedient)--many may struggle with choices included in this

• Understanding make up of family, roles, socialization processes

  • traditional roles

  • family centered around father

  • Mother is nurturer

  • Knowing roles and structure specific to client can assist in guiding them without having to break the structure of their family

• Knowing what service, community, and social justice may mean to this group

  • high commitment to service work

  • sense of urgency to live due to christ's second coming---service is method seen to tap into religious teachings

  • Heavy involvement in their community (can be strength)

Social Stigma's:

-Heteronormative Framework: This website emphasizes a traditional marriage, meaning a union of one woman and one man. This perspective inherently marginalizes same-sex relationships by not acknowledging their validity or existence within the framework of human sexuality.

-Pathologizing Non-Heterosexual Identities: Articles such as "Sexual Identity: A Reflection" suggest that gender identity should align strictly with biological sex, dismissing the experiences and identities of transgender and non-binary individuals. Such narratives can contribute to the stigmatization of those whose identities do not conform to these views.

-Conditional Acceptance: While the article "Love and Faith: Guidance for Seventh-day Adventist parents of LGBTQ children" advocates for maintaining loving relationships with LGBTQ children, it does so within the confines of adhering to specific religious beliefs. This approach can imply that acceptance is conditional, potentially leading to internalized stigma among LGBTQ individuals seeking affirmation of their identities.

Systematic Barrier's:

-Limited Representation: The website lacks diverse perspectives on human sexuality, particularly those that affirm LGBTQ+ identities. This absence can create an environment where individuals seeking inclusive and affirming information may feel unseen or invalidated.

-Reinforcement of Traditional Gender Roles: By promoting specific roles and expectations based on traditional interpretations of gender, the site may inadvertently perpetuate systemic barriers that restrict individuals from expressing their authentic selves, especially those who do not conform to these roles.

-Potential Influence on Policy and Education: Given its religious foundation, the site's content could influence educational materials or policies within communities that share these beliefs, potentially leading to the exclusion of comprehensive, inclusive sexual education that addresses the needs of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Overall, I think it would be difficult to have a client who believes these things because I obviously don't, and hearing this kind of hate speech and not being able to say anything must be hard.

However, as we consider the role of social stigma in relation to the Adventist population, it is important to acknowledge the possibility that such clients may encounter counselors who hold negative biases towards their group. Issues of countertransference, particularly in situations where such clients are in the care of a counselor who identifies with these alternative sexualities, should be confronted and acknowledged if present. The inverse is no less important---the power imbalance in situations where devout Adventists might be counseling sexual minorities is equally imperative to address.