The Invisible Minority: Dealing with Homophobia In Schools

Pennsylvania School Counselors Presented by: Thomas G. Sechrist tgsechrist@verizon.net (610) 430-6513

Terminology and Definitions Homophobia Prejudice, discrimination, harassment, or acts of violence against sexual minorities, evidenced by a deep-seated fear or hatred of those who love or sexually desire those of the same sex

Definitions Internalized Homophobia The experience of shame, guilt, or self-hatred in reaction to one’s own feelings of sexual attraction for a person of the same gender

Levels of Homophobia Revulsion Pity Tolerance Acceptance Support Admiration Appreciation Celebration

Definitions Heterosexism A belief in the superiority of heterosexuals or heterosexuality evidenced by the exclusion, by omission or design, of non-heterosexual persons in policies, procedures, events, or activities

Sexual Orientation One component of a person’s identity Falls along a continuum Describes one’s attraction to a gender Determined before birth or early in life

Statistics 26% of adolescent gay males report having to leave home as a result of conflicts with their family over sexual orientation 42% of homeless youth self-identify as gay or lesbian Gay and lesbian youth represent 30% of all completed suicides 46% of gay/lesbian adolescents suffered violence from their families, peers, and/or strangers

Statistics 28% of gay men/lesbians drop out of school 31% of lesbians/gay men showed signs of alcoholism, a rate three times higher than non-gay adults 80% of adolescent lesbians use alcohol, 56 % use other drugs, and 11% use crack and/or cocaine

Statistics 19% of gay college men attempt suicide versus 6% of heterosexual college men 72% of males involved in prostitution identify as gay/bisexual 80% of gay men/lesbian/bisexual youth report severe isolation 50% of all gay and lesbian youth report that their parents rejected them due to their sexual orientations

Research and Causes of Homosexuality Research Theories Include: Brain Studies Finger Length Birth Order Hormone Types and Levels Two-Trait Profiles

Typical-Student-Body Exercise Gay, lesbian, or bisexual students – 6% Students with a g/l/b sibling – 6% Students with a g/l/b parent – 3% Students who will have a g/l/b child – 12% Gender non-conforming students – 20% Student forced sexually by other gender – 12%

Typical-Student-Body Exercise Student forced sexually by same gender – 2% Student experienced same sex touch – 23% Student sexually proving not g/l/b -15% Student avoiding being harassed – 75% Student witnessing anti-gay verbal or physical violence – 95%

National School Climate Survey Verbal harassment – 84% Physical harassment – 40% Hear anti-gay comments – 90% No intervention – 85% No state law protection based on orientation – 75% No local policy protection – 66%

Adolescence Search of identity Development of intimacy with others Task of moving from childhood to adulthood Transition from family to friends Finding oneself as sexual and romantic being Making decisions about work and career

Gay and Lesbian Adolescence Adjustment to socially stigmatized role Search of identities relative to sexual orientation Awareness of being different from peers Dealing with coming out process Handling overt internalized homophobia Sub-standard education Process of oppression

Lesbian and Gay Identity Development Models Pre-Coming Out Stage – Sensitization Identity Confusion Identity Comparison or Redefinition Identity Assumption or Tolerance Identity Acceptance Identity Pride Identity Synthesis or Commitment

Coming Out Process Ask Yourself External Factors Am I sure I’m GLBT? Why am I coming out? Am I comfortable with myself? Can I be patient with other people’s reactions? External Factors Is it safe for you to come out? What is your home environment like? Do you have a support system?

Coming Out Process Coming Out Why? Who do I tell first? Be prepared. Do your research. Be patient. Pick a good time. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst Practice

Coming Out Process Checklist I am ready and I am comfortable with myself. I’ve asked myself why I want to come out, and I’m sure it’s for the right reasons. I’m ready to deal with the outcome. I’m ready to provide the information I have a support system

Coming Out Process Reactions How do you know? It’s just a phase. Why are you doing this to me? It’s your choice to be this way. You’re just saying that because you think it’s cool.

Coming Out Process But your life is going to be so hard. But I always thought you’d get married and I’d have grandchildren. It’s just wrong. How am I supposed to deal with this?

When Someone Comes Out to You Be a role model of acceptance. Ask questions that demonstrate compassion. Appreciate the person’s courage and trust. Have a sense of humor. Offer support. Be prepared to give a referral. Listen, listen, listen. Assure confidentiality. Don’t personalize. Ask. Remember everyone’s rights.

Coming Out Issues Excitement and Pride Confusion and Uncertainty Peer Group Relations Family Relations Religious and Cultural Conflict School Career Lack of Role Models Legal Questions Group Identity Safer Sex Information

Transgenderism Statistics Terminology Transexual Sexual reassignment surgery Gender Dysphoria Intersexual Individuals Cross Dressers

Transgenderism Terminology (cont.) Transvestites Drag Queens She-males Female Impersonator Gender Bender

Transgenderism Biological Sex Gender Identity Not sexual orientation Not about sex Sex-biological Gender-Behavioral/Social/Psychological

Transgenderism Sex Determinants Biological Chromosomes Hormones Gonads Internal Sexual Reproductive Organs External Organs

Transgenderism Social/Psychological Gender of Rearing Gender Role Gender Identity Causes Nature (Heredity) Nurture (Environment) Nature & Nurture

Transgenderism Names Christine Jergensen 1950’s Renee Richards 1966- Dr. Harry Benjamin The Transsexual Phenomena 1965- 1st SRS – University of Minnesota

What One Individual Can Do Educate yourself Recognize and change your own homophobia and heterosexism Create a safe and equitable workspace Address homophobic language and behavior Develop bias awareness and inclusive language in your work setting

Effective Response “Hey, James! Faggot is a word that insults gay and lesbian people. I want to remind you that there are gay and lesbian youth everywhere, and when you use words like that, you make them feel insulted and unwelcome. It’s important that every individual feels safe and welcome, wherever they are. Don’t use that word anymore.”

What Can an Organization Do? Do Not Assume Heterosexuality Guarantee equality Create a Safe Environment Provide Support for Youth and Families Reassess and integrate safety and inclusive policies and practices

What Can an Organization Do? - cont. Broaden Programming to be More Inclusive Diversify library and media collections Provide training for faculty and staff Provide appropriate sexuality and health care education Lobby and support organizations and legislatures

Practices, Policies and Strategies Self-Select “Like” Groupings Identify Facilitator, Timekeeper, Recorder and Reporter Brainstorm Ideas for Change Choose Two Possibilities Develop Timeline and Action Steps for Implementation

Resources Internet Websites Books and Print DVDs and Movies Organizations Personal Connections and Networking Educational and Institutional Media Centers

Acceptance of Diversity, generally understood and embraced, is not casual liberal tolerance of anything and everything not yourself. It is not polite accommodation. Instead it is in action, the sometimes painful awareness that other people, other races, other voices, other habits of mind, have as much integrity of being, as much claim on the world as you do…and I urge you amid all the differences present to the eye and mind, to reach out to create that bond that will protect us all. We are meant to be here together. William M. Chase from The Language of Action