Research on parental bereavement has focused historically on single or partnered cross-gendered (heterosexual) bereaved parents. No previous studies have examined the unique experiences of same-gendered bereaved parents. This multiple-case study focused on child death in same-gendered-parent families. The goal of this study was to yield…

Although gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) adolescents face many of the same developmental challenges as do heterosexual adolescents, they must also deal with the stress of being part of a stigmatized group. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which family support and involvement with the queer community may buffer the effects of…

This qualitative study explores the religious development and spiritual formation of African American gay men living with AIDS. In response to an in-depth interviewing approach, 10 men described their experiences of church participation. The participants' data reveal their religious initiation and participation as well as their need to extinguish…

Describes a study of attitudes towards homosexuality in representative sample of social workers (N=77) in Columbus, Ohio using Hudson's Index of Attitudes toward Homosexuals. Results lend preliminary empirical support to the implied assumption that social workers manifest signs of homophobia. (ABL)

Gay men and lesbians often encounter barriers when they pursue adoption. Adoption workers are expected to make decisions regarding child placement using the best interest standard. However, this decision-making model does not adequately consider intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational factors that affect the use of the standard. This…

On May 17, 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-gender marriage. From California to Missouri, nearly all states now face legislative challenges to the once firmly entrenched notion that marriage can only exist between a man and a woman. Public opinion polls conducted from 1977 to 2004 found that Americans' attitudes toward…

Social science research as well as a rise in sexually transmitted diseases and new HIV infections among men who have sex with men point to increasing numbers of gay men engaging in unprotected anal intercourse without condoms, a practice called "barebacking." There is some evidence that barebacking is linked to the rise of crystal methamphetamine…

Assessed the psychosocial impact of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic on the lives of homosexual men (N=301) who had not been diagnosed with AIDS or AIDS Related Complex (ARC). Found subjects reported increasing frequency of no-risk sexual activities and decreased frequency of possible risk and high-risk activities. (ABL)

Interviewed homosexual men and women (N=18) aged 40 to 72 to identify the characteristics and needs of this group. Results showed that issues involved in adaptation to aging are essentially the same for heterosexuals and homosexuals: need for activities, friends,and sufficient finances, and concerns about health and sexuality. (LLL)

Reviews a 1983-84 study of the marital and parental behavior of lesbian wives and mothers and gay husbands and fathers. Discovered differences between the men and women in: overall demographics, marital history, marital problems and their impact, parenting issues, and dealing with homosexuality. (Author/ABB)

Explores sexual needs and expression of gay men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Explores several potential positive functions of sustained sex life for these men and factors that inhibit sexual expression. Discusses issues influencing social work practice related to sexual needs of this growing population. Presents suggestions…

Explores complex cultural, economic, and social factors obstructing the reduction of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) rate among black men who use intravenous drugs and black men who are gay. Discusses implications and recommendations for developing effective AIDS prevention efforts by highlighting race-specific resources and…

Measures the extent of homophobia and heterosexist bias and their correlates in a cohort of 187 social workers. Results indicate that 10% of respondents were homophobic and that a majority were heterosexist. Levels of homophobia and heterosexism were negatively correlated with the amount of social contact with homosexual men and women. (RJM)

Little has been written on the subject of female homosexuality, and the research that does exist is frequently biased and founded on myths that are sexist in nature. The authors present preliminary findings of a study based on a nonclinical sample group of lesbians. (Author)

Notes that gay and lesbian adolescents face numerous difficulties that require social support and intervention. Examines issues pertinent to social work with lesbian and gay adolescents in context of three main social institutions: family, social culture, and educational setting. Makes a number of suggestions for improving intervention with this…