Blog # 6

Issues that are important to know about the counseling and mental health needs of African American women and men include Black men and Black women view and internalize racism differently from each other. Another important issue to note is that women view self concept as relational or communal and men view it as independence. As well, it is important to realize that male and female relationships tend to be egalitarian with role flexibility, there are instances where women are shown to be important contributors to community life and other societies they're leaders and rulers, according to Freemen. Also, the Black male masculinity has been influenced by what has happened historically within slavery. They are seen as unable to fill the traditional masculine role. Another important issue that should be considered when thinking about counseling and the mental health needs of African Americans is that there a different approaches of counseling that individuals would rather have, such as reality therapy over other techniques. There are many other issues that professionals should keep in mind when working with African Americans as well. 

Based on what was mentioned in the Found: 85,000 Black Gay Households essay, what Black heterosexual and Black same-sex couples have in common is that they can manage to create and sustain stable families with children. 

According to the Pitts article, being gay is not a choice.I found Pitt's response back to the conservative Christian woman interesting. He explains that if it was a choice to be gay, would people choose it freely, knowing that you'd be criticized by your preachers, rejected by family, and have to live with the fear that someone may take your career or your child away from you. Essentially, arguing that it is not a choice, and people are born this way from God. The Strange Bedfellows refers to the conservative, white, right wing, anti-gay activists and the religious leaders of the Black church that joined together during the anti-gay movement.