Building Trust and Recognizing Resilience: Cultural Competency in Trans Legal Services

• In Event: Addressing Legal Issues and Concerns for LGBTQ+ Populations

Abstract

Since its emergence, cultural competency has become a favored term of art for effectively working with diverse populations in a variety of professions. One profession that has yet to take up this approach appears to be the legal profession. Although there are hundreds of studies on LGBTQ+ cultural competency in the medical and nursing fields, there has been virtually no research into LGBTQ+ cultural competency within legal services. Yet, when interviewing lawyers who work with trans clients, participants emphasized the importance of cultural competence. This paper takes up the question of how lawyers who represent trans clients conceptualize cultural competence. Based on qualitative interviews with lawyers who have represented at least one trans client, I found that building trust and recognizing resilience were two major pillars of cultural competence. By building trust early in the relationship, lawyers ensured their clients were forthcoming with all information needed to prepare an effective case. One method of building trust was using a trauma-informed approach in interviewing clients. While participants underlined the importance of acknowledging trauma, several also highlighted the resilience of their clients. Culturally competent legal services, therefore, both recognizes the vulnerability and strength of marginalized clients.

Author

• Kyla Bender-Baird, Bridgewater State University