GLBT Resources in Mid Missouri

GLBT Resources in Mid Missouri - One of the most important things to know when you are working with a "sexual minority" client is that each client has a unique experience based on many different factors such as culture, socio-economics, geographic location, personality, and family. Counselors should not generalize the experience of one and assume it applies to all GLBT clients. It is also important for counselors to understand that sexual development is a process, and clients at different stages may require different counseling strategies.

Theories that involve changing these clients so that they will "become normal" or "fit into society better" has shown to be ineffective and even detrimental to some. No "reorientation", "conversion", or "aversion" therapies have not even been scientifically tested, and are often not based on sound theoretical research. Instead, an affirmative approach has become the norm, especially since scientific evidence points to biological factors in determining sexual orientation. However, some clients may not be ready to come to terms with their sexuality.

Depending on the situation, encouraging GLBT youth to "come out" could actually be harmful because of the vulnerable social developmental stage that many adolescents experience. It is important to let GLBT clients come to terms with their sexuality at their own pace. Some may be interested in utilizing resources that are available, especially if they are geographically isolated.

LOCAL RESOURCES

This is the website for the University of Missouri-Columbia's LGBT Resource Center. It contains a lot of helpful information and links. The center itself has a library including videos, books, magazines, and even computers. They also have staff available for students of any sexual orientation who want to ask questions or talk. Located at 216 Brady Commons, MU, (573) 884 7750.
http://web.missouri.edu/~umcstudentlifelgbt/links/

Prism is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth as well as straight "ally" youth from age 13 to 19. They provide a safe, alcohol and drug free community where these youth can be themselves.
http://columbiaprism.missouri.org/

The Mid-Missouri LGBT Coalition sponsors meetings, speakers, and events like Pride Fest.
http://lgbtcoalition.org/

PROMO is an organization that works across the state of Missouri for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality.
http://promoonline.org/

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays has chapters in Columbia as well as Jefferson City. They host regular meetings and events as well as provide information and resources.
http://pflag.missouri.org/

The Center Project is a group of Mid-Missourians who have been working since 2003 to provide a community center for local GLBT community members. They have made a lot of progress, but are still working.
http://www.thecenterproject.org/aboutus.html