HOMOPHOBIA:

1
HOMOPHOBIA

• Effects on Homosexuals

2
a. Internalised Oppression

• Jen Family
• Adopted Children Racism
• An Adoptee talks about Racism

3
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

4
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

5
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).

6
Cass Identity Modelhandout

1. Identity Confusion
2. Identity Comparison
3. Identity Tolerance
4. Identity Acceptance
5. Identity Pride
6. Identity Synthesis

7
Internalised Racism Disableism

• Two short extracts from television programmes
• These emphasise the similarity of dealing with
  spoilt identities.

8
Identity Development Friends Model

• Older LGBs
• Stereotypical Option
• Passing Option
• Optimal Affirmation

9
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

10
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

11
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

12
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

13
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

14
Mediating Factors

• Coming out with support
• Family acceptance and support
• Accurate information
• Positive role models
• Peer support

15
Sixteen

• GALYIC dvd for Department of Health

16
CONTINUED MINORITY STRESS

1. Discrimination
2. Assault
3. Verbal Abuse
4. Witnessing Homophobia

17
1. Discrimination

• Feelings of sadness and anxiety
• Feelings that life is unfair and difficult

18
2. Assault

• Feelings of personal loss
• Rejection
• Humiliation
• Depression

19
4. Verbal Abuse

• Difficult to understand emotional aftermath
• Minimise feelings experienced
• Agitation
• Restlessness
• Sleep disturbances
• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Deterioration in personal relationships

20
5. Witnessing Homophobia

• Increased depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic disorder symptoms
• Reinforced internalised oppression
• Increased fears for ones safety