Emergence of a transnational LGBTI psychology: Commonalities and challenges in advocacy and activism

Am Psychol. 2019 Nov;74(8):967-986. doi: 10.1037/amp0000561.

Abstract

This contribution explores the historical developments of transnational lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) psychology in Colombia, the Philippines, Russia, and South Africa in relationship to U.S. LGBT psychology. LGBTI psychology in these diverse contexts share commonalities but also have important variations in their development and focus within LGBTI concerns. The International Psychology Network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Issues (IPsyNet) provides a model for international professional psychology collaboration and linkage on behalf of advocacy for LGBTI rights and sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression concerns. Although there is the risk of transnational LGBTI psychology(ies) reproducing European-North American (Euro-N.A.) "homonationalism" and contributing to neo-colonization, these case examples illustrate the dynamic potential of transnational LGBTI psychology, including the possibilities of psychology to develop LGBTI psychologies drawing from indigenous as well as international structures and platforms, influencing Euro-N.A. models in the process. Finally, this article describes the promise and the limitations of transnational LGBTI psychology, including the role of human rights frameworks, as well as advocacy within professional psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • History, 20th Century
  • Human Rights / history*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychology / history*
  • Sexual Behavior / history
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities / history*
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities / psychology*