Key Facets in Felix's Case: The Therapist's Cultural Competency, Masculine Socialization, and Sexual Orientation Stigma

Abstract

Commentaries on the case of Felix (Glassgold, 2009) by Bedoya and Safren (2009) and Pachankis (2009) add importantly to a discussion of the key issues that Felix’s case typifies. Specifically, the commentators, respectively, focus on key issues in Felix’s case: the role of cultural competency in treating a case like Felix, who presents with a dual minority status of being Latino and gay; and the role of masculine socialization, sexual orientation stigma, and identity that play out in this type of client. Throughout my response to the commentaries, I keep in mind the interface of intrapsychic and social-cultural dynamics that are reflected in a case like Felix’s.