Creating Affirming Spaces for LGBTQIA Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Dr. Sarah Gonzalez Noveiri is a prominent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at AHRC Nassau, serving since 2022. With a global perspective, they excel in orchestrating evidence-based transformations within organizations to cultivate healthier and more inclusive work cultures. Known as an interdisciplinary scholar and cultural researcher, Dr. Gonzalez Noveiri's work revolves around unraveling how identity, power, and culture influence daily life and professional environments. Their innovative approach seamlessly combines academic research with actionable strategies to advance equity, belonging, and justice.

Welcome to this enlightening episode of DSP Talk. Today, host Asheley Blaise invites Dr. Sarah Gonzalez Noveiri to explore the nuanced intersection of sexuality, gender identity, and developmental disabilities within provider supported environments. Dr. Gonzalez Noveiri shares valuable insights into how these spaces can either suppress or support the expressions of LGBTQIA identities. The conversation highlights the systemic tendency to assume straight, cisgender norms and underscores the significance of comprehensive sexuality education, LGBTQIA training, and community and peer connections.

This episode dives into actionable strategies for direct support professionals, clinicians, and family members to create affirming spaces. Dr. Gonzalez Noveiri emphasizes the role of self-reflection to recognize and combat personal biases, as well as the necessity of embracing a trauma-informed approach to support those with developmental disabilities. Important interventions are discussed, such as employing visual aids, enhancing peer connections, and collaborating with external LGBTQIA organizations. By centering on autonomy and challenging prevailing biases, the discussion seeks to honor the full humanity of individuals with developmental disabilities while equipping caregivers and support professionals to better support their journeys.

Key Takeaways:

• Creating LGBTQIA affirming environments in support settings requires challenging systemic assumptions and championing person-centered planning.
• Direct support professionals should practice inclusive language, foster an environment that visually represents diversity, and create opportunities that provide space for self-discovery and self-expression.
• Self-reflection and honest acknowledgment of biases are crucial for caregivers and professionals to avoid imposing personal discomfort onto those they support.
• Understanding trauma histories and integrating trauma-informed approaches are fundamental to facilitating healthy personal exploration and relationships.
• Collaborating with LGBTQIA organizations and fostering peer-led education can fundamentally empower individuals with developmental disabilities.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Exploring your identity is a fundamental human right." – Dr. Sarah Gonzalez
2. "Limited communication should not limit the exploration of identity." – Dr. Sarah Gonzalez
3. "Being honest with ourselves about biases allows us to better support individuals authentically." – Asheley Blaise
4. "Building peer connections and partnerships is key to shifting support from protection to empowerment." – Dr. Sarah Gonzalez

Resources:

• AHRC Nassau
• The LGBTQ Community Center, New York State

This 2-part interview is packed with thoughtful insights and practical strategies for anyone engaged in the support of individuals with developmental disabilities. For a deep dive into these transformative discussions, listen to the full episode.

---