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 1.Identity Confusion 2.Identity Comparison 3.Identity Tolerance 4.Identity Acceptance 5.Identity Pride 6.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  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 – 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 1.Discrimination; 2.Assault; 3.Verbal Abuse; 4.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  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