As behavior analysts support clients, it is critical to build competence to support cultural humility and affirm autonomy in diverse experiences (BACB, 2020). In this presentation, behavior analysts will build competence supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning, Pansexual, Asexual, Aromatic, and Intersex clients in alignment with the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts. A functional contextual analysis of verbal behavior for identity formation will be considered, a history of behavior analysis and LGBTQPAI+ issues will be examined, and best practice for supporting clients, colleagues, caregivers, and community will be reviewed.
This training extends beyond the BACB Task List by addressing advanced ethical and cultural competencies necessary for affirming and inclusive practice. While the Task List outlines core concepts and applied skills, this content deepens the behavior analyst’s understanding of how cultural humility, identity development, and social context influence behavior. By examining the intersection of behavior analysis and LGBTQPAI+ identities through a functional contextual lens, practitioners learn to move beyond procedural fidelity toward socially valid, person-centered, and ethically responsive service delivery that aligns with the BACB Ethics Code and broader professional obligations to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This Ethics course provides 2.5 Ethics CEU credits for BACB, QABA, and IBAO.
Author/Speaker
Worner Leland (they/them) is an agender, autistic, disabled human, and a behavior analyst. They are a former researcher and educator with Upswing Advocates, a current educator with Collab Lab and Sex Ed Continuing Ed, and a current collaborative writer with the Assent Lab and the Louisiana Contextual Science Research Group. They are a past president of the Sexual Behavior Research and Practice SIG of ABAI. Their work focuses on sex education, assent and consent education, and harm reduction and coercion reduction education in behavior analysis.
With Gratitude to:
Dr. August Stockwell, Janani Vaidya, MS, BCBA, IBA
Worner Leland is highly qualified to teach this course due to their extensive professional expertise, leadership, and lived experience at the intersection of behavior analysis, sexuality education, and neurodiversity. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a background in research, education, and advocacy, Leland brings a comprehensive understanding of both the scientific and ethical dimensions of supporting LGBTQPAI+ individuals. Their leadership as a past president of the ABAI Sexual Behavior Research and Practice SIG and their collaborations with organizations such as Collab Lab, Sex Ed Continuing Ed, the Assent Lab, and the Louisiana Contextual Science Research Group demonstrate their active contribution to advancing inclusive, assent-based, and harm-reduction approaches within behavior analysis. Additionally, their identity as an agender, autistic, and disabled individual provides valuable insight into culturally responsive, neurodiversity-affirming practice that centers lived experience alongside professional competence.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Â Identify a behavioral conceptualization of LGBTQPAI+ identity formation
- List at least 2 historical behavior analytic approaches to LGBTQPAI+ clients, and 2 present day behavior analytic approaches to supporting LGBTQPAI+ clients
- Identify components of the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysis (ECBA; BACB, 2020) related to supporting LGBTQPAI+ clients
- Identify behaviors of affirmation for supporting LGBTQPAI+ clients
