Tolerating Transphobia in Substance Abuse Counseling: Perceptions of Trainees

Abstract

Organizational tolerance for discrimination against people who identify as transgender is a significant social justice issue affecting all organizations, including substance abuse counseling and human services organizations. Substance abuse counseling and human services organizations promote inclusive practices with people of various gender identities and expressions, yet there may be organizational climate factors that challenge inclusive practice. This exploratory study sought to address that gap by examining perceived organizational tolerance for transphobia within a cross-sectional sample of substance abuse counselor trainees completing an internship in the state of Texas. Overall, counselor trainees reported low tolerance of transphobia within their organizations. Yet, the sample offered insights concerning how people with nonbinary gender identity and expression may be otherwise ostracized within their substance abuse counseling and human services organizations. Discussion about how these experiences can influence practice, policy, education, and research in the substance abuse counseling and human services fields is presented for further consideration. © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC