The existence of irrational anti-homosexual bias in psychiatric and other
medical organizations has traditionally had a chilling effect on the ability of
medical professionals to freely and objectively discuss the mental health needs
of youth affected by sexual minority issues. In 1990, in an act of courage and
integrity, a small group of child and adolescent psychiatrists interested in the
problems and needs of such youth came together to form LAGCAPA. Since that time,
the organization has grown to a nationwide membership. Because of LAGCAPA's
existence, it has become easier for child and adolescent psychiatrists to
discuss lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) child and adolescent
mental health issues freely. As a direct result of LAGCAPA's advocacy, the
American Academy of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry (AACAP) formed a
Sexual Orientation and Gender
Identity Issues (formerly "Homosexual Issues") Committee (SOGIIC) which
functions as an integral part of the Academy to address these issues within
child and adolescent psychiatry. LAGCAPA members continue to work closely with
this committee.
The progress made in overcoming anti-homosexual bias within the profession has
been remarkable, in large part due to the efforts of LAGCAPA's founding members.
While it has become easy in a short period of time to take this progress for
granted, it is crucial that the field not become complacent. With the place they
have won at the table in the discussion of child and adolescent mental-health
issues, LAGCAPA members have much ongoing work to do to use their scientific
knowledge base, placed in the context of important clinical insights, to
continue to serve the needs of youth.