Reflects upon theoretical and applied challenges and needs in incorporating sexual orientation issues into communication studies. Argues that communication courses need to explicitly include material related to the life experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people; and that reducing homophobia and heterosexism among high school…

Examines the influence of instructor sexual orientation on perceptions of teacher credibility. Aims to determine if college students perceive gay teachers as less credible than straight teachers. Finds that students of a gay teacher perceive that they learn considerably less than students of a straight teacher. Includes an in-depth qualitative…

Discusses the status of training about sexual orientation in counselor education and the importance of including gender-related issues. Presents a brief review of research on lesbian/gay gender issues, and describes a course designed to prepare counselors-in-training. (JPS)

Examines how client sexual orientation, counselor trainee homophobia, and counselor trainee gender affected counselor trainees' (N = 162) assignment of positive and negative adjectives to clients. Analyses revealed that client sexual orientation, counselor trainee gender, and counselor trainee homophobia significantly predicted counselor trainees'…

In all but a handful of states, it is legal to discriminate against individuals on the basis of sexual orientation. Ways in which homophobia and anti-gay sentiments affect education in the United States are addressed in this collection of essays. They are written for educators and others concerned about schooling, from kindergarten through…

Uses qualitative and quantitative measures to examine differences in levels of perceived alienation from campus among 41 students who identified themselves as gay, lesbian, and bisexual, and those who identified themselves as heterosexual. Found differences in alienation levels based on both sexual orientation and gender. Non-heterosexual students…

This research investigates the development of conflict between sexual minority identity and religious identity in sexual minority youth, examining religion as both a risk factor and a protective factor. Intrinsic religion was expected to predict self reported conflict between religious and sexual minority identity. Retrospectively reported…

This study examined heterosexual college students attitudes toward gay men and lesbians, and in what types of situations were negative feelings expressed toward gay men and lesbians. A random sample of 224 residence hall students at the University of Maryland College Park completed the Situational Attitude Scale Sexual Orientation Survey, which…

Ten themes emerged from a national survey (n=270) on biased and exemplary practice concerning lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues. Methodology, theme descriptions, and implications for practice are presented. (Author)

Students who attended presentations by lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals were asked to write about their experiences (n=260). Student writings were analyzed to determine how they perceived and explained their own changes as a result of attending the panel. (JBJ)

This paper, via a collection of personal stories, describes two educators' experiences of homophobia in the world of education. The paper uses stories from their experiences as students, teacher candidates, professional teachers, and graduate students. According to the paper, this work is unique in educational research in that it seeks to…

Examines multiple ways in which the normalization of sexuality might be interrogated. Argues that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered faculty and administrators can more effectively contravene the normalizing practices of heterosexism by refusing to remain silent about issues of sexuality. Includes implications for practicing researchers and…

Uses field data to build a case for presenting sexual orientation as another form of diversity that preservice teachers must recognize, understand, and be prepared to live with, exploring the power of democratic principles to support the conceptual framework and examining the role of teacher educators in promoting democratic values that extend to…

Examines the special needs fomented by sexual orientation when considering graduate education and access to the academic job market. Offers information on terms and definitions regarding sexual orientation, cultural influences, the relationship between one's personal and professional life, institutional policy, coming out, faculty-student…

Describes classrooms and schools as a culture of power that mirror society's unjust social relations. Investigates the questions: (1) is it ever justified to use power to interrupt power?; and (2) does all silencing subjugate? Outlines arguments for and against censorship of teachers who believe that portraying homosexual lifestyles positively…