Integration of Positive Cultural Perceptions of the Lgbt Community

Integration of Positive Cultural Perceptions of the LGBT Community

by

Addam Brown

Ethnic and Cultural Awareness COUN5334 Donna Kornegay September 4, 2010

Abstract
This paper will discuss the discrimination of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transvestite community, including historically, contemporary, and future antecedents. This paper will also delve into theories, misconceptions, and challenges of the identity development of an LGBT individual. We shall communicate this learners self realizations about the LGBT community and how he can integrate and study them without compromising himself or his beliefs.

CONTENTS

Abstract ii

Antecedents 1

Identity 5

Future Issues 8

Personal Affiliation 10

Action Plan 12

This Class And Me 13

References 14

Antecedents
When looking into the historical antecedents of the current cultural perspective of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transvestite (LGBT) community, most researchers and authors in queer theory believe the gay civil rights movement began in 1969 with the Stonewall Riots. In Bilodeau’s article discussing the Stonewall Riots he recalls the police raid on the Stonewall Inn that happened in the early morning of June 28, 1969 and how it has affected the LGBT community ever since. This routine raid ended up not being so routine when the patrons of the bar decided not to cooperate with police and refused to verify their identities. When the police tried to arrest the patrons a crowd of bystanders had gathered and shouts of “gay power” and renditions of “we shall overcome” filled the air. A scuffle broke out and the resulting riots lasted a full five days (Bilodeau, B. & Renn, K., 2005). More than just a riot however, the incident at the Stonewall Inn lead to the organization of activists groups and, eventually, gay rights organizations.
As a result of the riots, there were some changes to how society defined homosexuality. Starting in 1973, the American Psychiatric Association, or APA, changed the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM) so that it no longer included homosexuality as a psychological disorder. This not only changed the way homosexuality was viewed in the psychiatric world but also changed social norms and the standing gays held in the political arena. 1974 there were some definite criticisms of the decision to remove homosexuality from the DSM and so ego-dystonic homosexuality was added in it’s place. Ego-dystonic homosexuality was an obvious extension of the prejudice towards gays and made the LGBT community complete a test to determined whether they were “actually gay” or not. This diagnosis was quickly voted out of the DSM because the decision to include it in the first place was made as a political compromise and not on any actual psychological reasoning (Bilodeau, B. & Renn, K., 2005).
After homosexuality was completely removed from the DSM, gays fought for the rights to work without discrimination, to live together, and to purchase a house together. Having won those rights the struggles the LGBT community is facing now are the right to marry, to adopt a child, and to have more equal rights in the work place, especially in the area of healthcare benefits. These rights are extended to heterosexual couples but not to homosexuals and so they must fight for them in a struggle which mirrors women’s suffrage, and the African American Civil Rights movement. Along with these basic rights, the LGBT community has also had to fight against social prejudices and hatred, especially within the religious community.
Throughout the world same-sex marriage is considered to be a political, religious, social, moral, and civil rights issue. There is debate over whether homosexual couples should be allowed to marry, if they should be required to use a different status such as a civil union and if that status would have equal rights as marriage or their rights would be limited in comparison to marriage, or if they are to not have any such rights. Part of the reason that getting the right for homosexuals to marry is such a struggle is due to the religious tradition of marriage and the historically held social norm. There are those that believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman, however the social norm is slowly changing and homosexuals are starting to gain power in the political arena which is allowing them to push forward in the fight for their right to get married. There are states that have recently given the right of marriage to same sex couples but there is no federal law that mandates that those homosexual married couples get the same rights as heterosexual married couples, or that their marriages must be honored in other states.
One of the main arguments against homosexuals adopting children is that their lifestyle will somehow damage their children. However, while there are studies that show the average child from a broken family is more likely to have difficulties in school, behavior problems, negative self-concepts, problems with others and their parents (Chethik, 2005), those same studies also show that there is no difference for children with gay parents. So, in reality, this argument has been proven to be a fallacy. Fortunately, there are a few countries that have allowed same-sex couples to adopt. In the European court there was a decision to allow same-sex couples to adopt a child (Kelly and Wockner, 2008). The European court found that not allowing same-sex couples to adopt was a violation of at least two of their articles of the European Convention on Human Rights (Kelly and Wockner, 2008).
In the United States, the majority of states do not have any official legislation concerning homosexual adoption, a few of the states have legislation which explicitly state that homosexual adoption is legal and a few states have outlawed homosexual adoptions. However, unlike with marriage, there is a federal law that requires states to recognize the adoption of a child from another state: in Adar v. Smith a federal judge ruled that all states must recognize out-of-state adoptions that, if performed in-state would be illegal per the Full Faith and Credit Clause. Another help for homosexual wishing to have children is the fact that it is always legal to have use a segregate mother, which benefits gays, or to use artificial insemination, which benefits lesbians, but these ways are extremely expensive. Since the new healthcare reform law passed in the United States, there is an urgency placed on the LGBT civil rights movement to redouble their efforts in gaining equality in employment benefits. The LGBT communities can get jobs and there have been several laws and court decisions that require companies not to discriminate against the LGBT community in the hiring process, however the issues now facing the LGBT community is not getting a job or keeping a job, but rather the issue of benefits. A recent study showed that only a third of 1000 U.S. companies surveyed offer health insurance to same sex couples (Brokett, 2008). One hindrance to homosexual couples gaining health insurance is that some states, such as Arizona, have passed laws that only legally married couples could share benefits (Human Rights Campaign, 2008). There is also a standing law with the Internal Revenue Service that employer provided insurance and benefits for employees will cover a spouse and dependents; however the IRS does not mandate that the coverage be extended to domestic partners or others that do not qualify as ‘dependents’ (Human Rights Campaign, 2008). These laws require that same sex couples must each have their own insurance and that the insurance a spouse has cannot cover their partner except in those areas that have legalized homosexual marriage.
Identity
When looking at LGBT identity development models typically one will quickly realize that these models tend to begin with a stage in which the individual uses a variety of defense strategies in order to deny any personal homosexual feelings. In an attempt to minimize the individual’s feelings of sexual attraction towards those of the same-gender they may employ these defensive strategies for as long as it takes for them to reach the next stage of identity development which varies from person to person. The sheer amount of energy it takes to deny and/or minimize homosexual feelings can lead an individual to have harmful effects on their overall emotional health. The most common stage to follow the initial denial in these identity development models is a stage in which the individual gradually begins to recognize and tentatively accept their same-gender feelings. This only starts to happen as the individual learns to accept that their sexual desires and feelings are not coming from a heterosexual predisposition and move out of denial. Once again it is important to note that each individual moves through these stages at their own rate, and that the speed with which the stages are completed depends on several key factors in the individual’s environment, upbringing and psychological readiness to deal with their homosexuality. According to the stages we find in the identity development models, this new acceptance by the individual of their same-gender feelings is followed by a stage in which the individual allows him/herself to emotionally and behaviorally experiment with homosexuality. This stage is often associated with the individual experiencing a growing sense of their own normality. And while some models describe the ending of a first relationship as a time of identity crisis in which negative feelings about being gay or lesbian return, the general consensus is that the individual will once again begin to accept their homosexual feelings and a sense of identity as lesbian or gay becomes internalized and is viewed as a positive aspect of self. While most scholars describe the coming-out process in clear stages, they also note that it is generally more fluid, with stops, starts, and backtracking as opposed to a rigid adherence to a set process (Fitzgibbons, 2008). These models of LGBT identity development are most certainly helpful, however they do contain some flaws. The D’Augelli framework addresses issues often ignored in other models, presenting human development as unfolding in concurring and multiple paths, including the development of a person’s self-concept, relationships with family, and connections to peer groups and community. With the D’Augelli framework in place the model suggests that sexuality may be fluid in certain stages of life. It also suggests that the growth of a human is directly connected to both the environment that human is in and the biological factors the play in that humans body (Herek, 2009). If a child has an LGBT family the development is the same as one with a heterosexual family. The child may have a stronger LGBT social identity but not actually be part of the LGBT community after coming to a conclusion on sexual orientation or gender role. If they do become part of the LGBT community, they may not wish to express that openly such as their parents did. This can show different points of development in the child just a child growing up in a heterosexual family (Tharinger & Wells, 2000). If boys engage in homosexual activity as adolescents, they are more likely than boys who do not to be involved in drug and alcohol abuse or prostitution; to attempt suicide; or to contract a sexually transmitted disease, such as HIV/AIDS; or to develop a serious psychological problem as an adult. (Fitzgibbons, 2008) A small number of these boys will become transvestites or transsexuals (Kelly & Wockner, 2008). Some boys who have homosexual tendencies are often called “girlish,” but when observed, studies show that their behaviors do not resemble girls of the same age. In fact these boys imitate adult women, such as a parent, aunt, or teacher. According to Fitzgibbons (2008) when healthy girls play with dolls they play fashion/dress-up or mother/baby, but when boys who have gender identity issues play with dolls, they specifically play only fashion/dress-up and exclude the mother/baby play. “Some may be fixated on characters such as the Disney villainesses -- the wicked stepmother in Snow White or Cruella de Ville from 101 Dalmatians” (Fitzgibbons, 2008). While healthy girls combine outdoor physical activities with more sedate play, boys with gender identity problems are often unreasonably afraid of injury, avoid rough and tumble play, and dislike group sports (Fitzgibbons, 2008). Once the LGBT community members move into adolescence, the members encounter unique challenges not face by their heterosexual peers. Not only do they have to navigate the relationship portion of adolescence but they also have endure the reactions everyone around them. This environment can either be harsh or accepting but is usually a mixture of both. This environment includes parents, family, peers, school, community, and society at large (Tharinger & Wells, 2000).

Future Issues Unfortunately there will always be hatred and prejudices, however if the United States continues to oppress and discriminate against the LGBT community by not granting the basic human rights they deserve, we may find that the LGBT community resorts to tactics similar to those which were employed at Stonewall in 1969. Stonewall was a small blip on the map of the United States, however if discrimination continues or becomes worse, then the ensuing riots could become more and more dangerous and violent. This potential coupled with the growth the LGBT community and their supporters have seen since 1969 could spell a mass disaster. The United States could also see a reaction from the people much like the civil rights movements for Black Americans and Women, where the government falls under fire for it’s unconstitutional inclination to discriminate against a minority population. As the LGBT community gain support and strength we will continue to see them attack laws that are discriminatory, both in their states and on a federal level. If the discriminatory laws continue to be upheld the division on LGBT issues within the political arena may cause political upheaval. If the oppression and discrimination against LGBT couples adopting are not corrected and continue or get worse the LGBT community and their families could suffer more than they are now. Impatience for laws to pass could bring couples who want to be parent now instead of waiting for laws to be on their side to resort to desperate measures. Couples could become desperate enough to engage in human trafficking to try to get a child. Here are also health risks associated with a failure to alleviate the discrimination against these couples. Lesbian couples could become desperate to the point that they attempt artificial insemination without the proper sterilization or supervision and become infected. The job market could also crash if the discrimination and oppression continue to spread within the corporate environment. With only one third of us companies only providing benefits and the social discrimination of LGBT community in the workplace there could be a rise in unemployment within the LGBT community due to being forced out of their jobs or quitting because of discrimination. According to the human rights campaign on hrc.org (2008) statistics show that if the entire currently employed portion LBGT community were to leave the workforce the US could enter another great depression. If the oppression and discrimination of the LGBT community does change however we could see an improvement in the lives of those within the LGBT community. Gay marriage, and adoption by homosexual couples could be legalized (or at least states would be required to honor the marriage under the Full Faith and Credit Clause) leading to the creation of better family lives, better health care coverage and better job security for those involved in an LGBT lifestyle not to mention for parentless children who could get the parents and the loving home they need.

Person Affiliation The first challenge this learner faces when interacting with the LGBT community is religion. This learner’s religious views clearly state that homosexuality is wrong: there is a general disagreement between this learner’s belief system and the gay lifestyle. This learner, however, personally does not feel that participating in the LGBT lifestyle prevents an individual from being a basically good person or a productive member of society, nor should it prohibit them from receiving their basic human rights. This learner’s also feels that he is slightly homophobic as well. This learner does not have a diagnosable case of homophobia, but rather feels discomfort when interacting with those of the LGBT lifestyle and has thus decided to disassociate himself from gays, lesbians, and transvestites. This may be due to the religious issues mentioned previously or just from a general lack of prior interaction with and thus a lack of knowledge in how to interact with the LGBT community. A problem that arises of an even more personal nature which inhibits this learner’s interaction with homosexuals is that this learner has been diagnosed as a sexaholic and thus this learner finds controlling the urges to have sex is hard when propositioned. These are all challenges that will be hard, if not impossible to overcome if they are not taken care of before venturing to study and have any professional interaction with the LGBT community as a counselor. There are however some future things, both opportunities and challenges, that may come up while studying those belonging to the LGBT community. This learner tends to throw himself full force into his work and since there is an immense amount of time to be spent in the community, this learner fears of getting “lost in his work.” There is also the challenge of being accepted into the community when no formal contact has been made. A group is more likely to accept a new comer if there has been an association with said person. If a friend of the learner could bring him to a community function then more connections and contacts could be made. If there is no connection, in depth, quality research cannot be made on a one-on-one or even a group observation basis because there would be no trust. There are however many opportunities that may present themselves. If this learner can make the connection in the LGBT community and research can be done, education of the community, as well as the community’s voice, could be spread throughout the immediate area. There is also the possibility of expanding the community to more parts of the city and state. This would be beneficial to gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals, and transvestites who are from out of the local by helping them to feel more accepted in their own cities. This learner would also be able to make connections for further studies and possibly clients to be counseled after education and licensing is completed.

Action Plan The learner plans to learn about the LGBT community by spending time with them and go to places that they frequent. In the area in which this learner lives that would be the few LGBT churches, local night clubs, and the LGBT community center. This learner would also visit the places in which members of the community are not welcome. These include some more conservative churches, some other local night and gentleman’s clubs, and even some of the restaurants in the area. This learner believes that this type of exposure would be beneficial to him from both views on the community. This learner also expects to get knowledge of the LGBT community be taking classes on homosexuality during his time in school working toward being licensed. This learner also expects himself to receive certification in sex therapy and thus as a professional is wanting to counsel homosexuals. This would require further education in the possible reasons of becoming homosexual as well as the stages of development they have to go through. There is also a plethora of news and RSS feeds to continue receiving updated information. For more education and further training in the LGBT community outside the academic realm, there are many local events. There are classes held at the local LGBT community center that this learner can attend as well as seminars, gatherings, and social functions. I can then take all this information, training, education, and research, combine it into RSS feeds, news articles, and even a radio show discussing not only homosexuality but all sexual issues and preferences. Once this learner gets licensed, it does not mean that he is going to stop learning or pursuing knowledge on the topic of homosexuality. It would only mean that he could start to implement the information and start making lives better for those needing help with homosexuality without biases. This Class and Me Throughout the course ethnic and cultural awareness, this learner’s empathy towards any and all of the minority groups we find in the diverse cultural melting pot that is the United States of America has increased dramatically. This learner had very little real experience dealing with diversity, having been raised in a state which is reported to have a population that is 85.1% white and the next largest race by population percentage is Hispanic at only10.2% (City of Nampa, 2008). This course has given this learner a broader perspective of and knowledge of how to interact with people belonging to a different ethnic or cultural background. This new perspective is especially true for the specific group known as the LGBT community. This learner’s views of the LGBT community were pretty prejudice and hypocritical due to a religious upbringing and lack of cultural experience. Before this course this learner did not want any interaction with this community, except for maybe the female bi-sexual members. Through this project and the discussions throughout the course this learner has seen the struggles the LGBT community has gone through and the oppression they are currently facing, which has helped to open this learner’s mind. This final project has given this learner the opportunity to discover methods that he can help the LGBT community find ways to surmount the oppression they face and help overcome the prejudices that are happening in society.
References
Blackwell, C, Ricks, J, & Dziegielewski, S. (2004). Discrimination of gays and lesbians: a social justice perspective. Journal of Health & Social Policy, 19(4), Retrieved from http://www.haworthpress.com/web/JHSP doi: 10.1300/J045v19n04_02
Bilodeau, B, & Renn, K. (2005). Analysis of lgbt identity: development models and implications for practice. New Directions For Student Services, Fall 2005
Brockett, J. (2008). US companies give Gay Couples Equal Benefits. Vol. 14 Issue 14 p.16. Retrieved August 8, 2008, from EBSCOhost database.
Chethik, N. (2005). The Effects of Divorce on Children. Retrieved September 28,2008, from www.menweb.org
City of Nampa. (2008). Races in nampa, idaho (id) detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth. Retrieved from http://www.city-data.com/races/races-Nampa-Idaho.html
Fitzgibbons, R. (2008). Gender identity disorder in children. National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality, Retrieved from http://www.narth.com/docs/fitz.html
Herek, G. (2009). Facts about homosexuality and mental health. Retrieved from http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/html/facts_mental_health.html
Human Rights Campaign. (2008). State laws. Retrieved August 8, 2010, from www.hrc.org
Kelly, B. & Wockner, R. (2008). NEWS International. Lesbian News vol. 32 issue 8 p14. Retrieved August 8, 2010, from EBSCOhost database.
Tharinger, D, & Wells, G. (2000). An Attachment perspective on the developmental challenges of gay and lesbian adolescents: the need for continuity of caregiving from family and schools. School Psychology Review, 29(2)
The Community Center, . (2010). Resources. Retrieved from http://www.tccidaho.org/Resources2.htm

References: Brockett, J. (2008). US companies give Gay Couples Equal Benefits. Vol. 14 Issue 14 p.16. Retrieved August 8, 2008, from EBSCOhost database. Chethik, N. (2005). The Effects of Divorce on Children. Retrieved September 28,2008, from www.menweb.org City of Nampa Fitzgibbons, R. (2008). Gender identity disorder in children. National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality, Retrieved from http://www.narth.com/docs/fitz.html Herek, G Human Rights Campaign. (2008). State laws. Retrieved August 8, 2010, from www.hrc.org Kelly, B Tharinger, D, & Wells, G. (2000). An Attachment perspective on the developmental challenges of gay and lesbian adolescents: the need for continuity of caregiving from family and schools. School Psychology Review, 29(2) The Community Center,