Presentation Title Interpersonal Communication and the GLBT Community OSU Multicultural Center Brian Gibson, GAA – Workshops and Trainings Bowen Marshall, GAA – Bias Assessment and Response Team Elizabeth Warren, Coordinator of Special Projects COMM 320 – Interpersonal Communication; November 23, 2009

Presentation Title What is GLBT(IQQATSA) Some you may know: Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Some you may not: Intersex Queer Questioning Asexual Two-spirit Ally

Presentation Title Formative Relationships Building relationships involves sharing and reciprocation –This includes many dimensions of one’s self Everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity that is part of the sharing process

Presentation Title Formative Relationships Average age to coming-out –90’s: 18 –00’s: Alters relationships with friends and family Creates effects of delayed identity development

Presentation Title Dating and Intimacy Building What makes GLBT dating similar to or different than what you’ve learned? –Matching –Attraction –Bonding –Public Rituals –Commitment

Presentation Title Dating and Intimacy Building Escalation in relationships –Pluses and minuses Relationship readiness and sexual readiness For gender identity - fear of hurt or being “found-out” –High rate of homicide/suicide Relationship Termination –In earlier life stages, complicated by issues of climate and identity development

Presentation Title Myths of GLBT Relationships “There’s always a top and there’s always a bottom” –Assumption: sexual intimacy roles must be a certain way “It’s ok if they hit each other… they’re men!” –Assumption: domestic violence and aggression is acceptable towards men but not women3 “Which one is the man, and which one is the woman?” –Assumption: conformity to relationship roles These are some of the effects of heterosexism

Presentation Title Heterosexism Assumption that same-sex partners act the same way heterosexual partners act Cultural, societal, and legal norms that promote heterosexual relationships over same-sex relationships

Presentation Title Sample Exercise for Considering Heterosexism Questions to consider when thinking about one’s sexuality and gender expression

Presentation Title At what age did you decide you were heterosexual? Is your sexual orientation a choice?

Presentation Title Heterosexuals are often witnessed holding hands, hugging or kissing in public. Why do heterosexuals seem to “flaunt” their sexuality? How has society enabled or disabled the formation of your relationships?

Presentation Title With all of the options for employment, why do all straight men go into jobs like construction and straight women become teachers? How did you form the way you express your gender outwardly to the world? Did anything restrict you from making different choices?

Presentation Title Why do heterosexuals all tend to hang out together and have such obvious symbols as wedding rings to announce their sexuality? How free are people to express their connectedness to other people?

Presentation Title Heterosexuals are often witnessed holding hands, hugging or kissing in public. Why do heterosexuals seem to “flaunt” their sexuality? How do GLBT people publically show relationship escalation and commitment to others if they are not socially allowed to show affection?

Presentation Title Things to consider Who we are (our identity) and the process of becoming who we are (identity development) have profound impacts on how we communicate and how we express ourselves to others. GLBT relationships have unique elements and challenges that intermix with the identity development process.

Presentation Title Things to consider Making assumptions about a person’s identity based on what we have seen in the media or what we have heard is a dangerous practice. We all have a sexual orientation and a gender expression. We should all reflect on how those are developed and how other’s develop their own over time.

Presentation Title One Last Thing: BART The Bias Assessment and Response Team

Presentation Title Questions and Contact Information Brian Gibson Bowen Marshall Elizabeth Warren Reach any of us by phone at (614)