Transcript Effects on Homosexuals

HOMOPHOBIA:
Effects on
Homosexuals
a. Internalised Oppression
 Jen & Family
 Adopted Children & Racism
 An Adoptee talks about Racism
Urban v Rural
 Majority of LGBT people in media tend to be
white, middle class, men living in urban areas
with access to a social scene and support services
 Many LGBTs live in rural areas and small towns
where there are no support services. They can be
very isolated
 Also more complicated for people who
experience multiple oppression
Bisexuality
 Some people identify as bisexual as part of
the coming out process before accepting
they are lesbian/gay;
 Bisexuality is an orientation in itself –
according to Kinsey, significant proportion
of population are bisexual;
 Subject to biphobia of both heterosexual
and homosexual communities
Transgender Issues
 Coming out process different, some identify at
first as gay then later as trans;
 Can be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual;
 Higher levels of mental health problems;
 Best to bring in specialist trainer on trans issues;
 Information on GALYIC website (support,
coming out, other publications).
Cass’ Identity Model:
handout
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Identity Confusion
Identity Comparison
Identity Tolerance
Identity Acceptance
Identity Pride
Identity Synthesis
Internalised Racism &
Disableism
 Two short extracts from television
programmes
 These emphasise the similarity of dealing
with ‘spoilt’ identities.
Identity Development:
Friend’s Model
 Older LGBs
– Stereotypical Option
– Passing Option
– Optimal Affirmation
Stereotypical Option
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Conformed to negative beliefs
Hid sexual orientation
Lived with shame, self-loathing, guilt
Alienated, lonely, depressed
Secrecy: hid all or parts of themselves from family and
friends
Created wall of separation and distance
Contact with family minimal and superficial
Distanced from other lesbians and gays
Unlikely develop support from lesbians and gays to
challenge negative images
Passing Option
 Little less isolation, not totally accepting negative views
 Believed heterosexuality superior but marginally accepted
same-sex orientation
 Not fully accept as felt valued for what others expected
them to be rather than for who they really were
 Often heterosexually married
 Remained married and closeted to pass
 Keep distance from identifiable lesbians and gays
 If in link-up with one, did it in such a way as to still
appear heterosexual
 Lived in two worlds: public, secret: emotional costs often
high
Optimal Affirmation Outcome
 Grew up in hostile environment, but rejected negative
images and adopted positive identity
 Some through personal and political activism
 Likely to be open with and accepted by families of origin
 Encourage family to challenge homophobia
 Attained high psychological adjustment
 Research tends to reflect this group as most visible
External Oppression
 Isolation
– Friends,
– Society
– Other LGBTs
 School
– Bullying : majority experience or witness
– Isolation
– Alienation – few positive role models
 Homophobic abuse on the streets
 Family
– Pressure to conform
– Verbal, physical, mental and sometimes sexual abuse
– Rejection
Combined Effects
 Mental Health
– Depression
– Anxiety/Phobias
– Self harm/suicide
– Eating disorders
 Alcohol/drug misuse
 Homelessness
 Risky sexual
behaviour
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Prostitution
Promiscuity
Pregnancy
HIV infection
Vulnerable to
exploitation (sexual
abuse)
 Inaccessible services
Mediating Factors
 Coming out with support
 Family acceptance and support
 Accurate information
 Positive role models
 Peer support
Sixteen
GALYIC dvd for
Department of Health
CONTINUED
MINORITY STRESS
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Discrimination;
Assault;
Verbal Abuse;
Witnessing Homophobia
1. Discrimination
 Feelings of sadness and anxiety
 Feelings that life is unfair and difficult
2. Assault
 Feelings of personal loss
 Rejection
 Humiliation
 Depression
4. Verbal Abuse
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Difficult to understand emotional aftermath
Minimise feelings experienced
Agitation
Restlessness
Sleep disturbances
Headaches
Diarrhea
Deterioration in personal relationships
5. Witnessing Homophobia
 Increased depression
 Anxiety
 Post-traumatic disorder symptoms
 Reinforced internalised oppression
 Increased fears for one’s safety