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)

This paper examines narratives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered youth who have not been silenced or disenfranchised and who have not felt powerless in the face of society's resentment and understanding of their lifestyle. Elements in school, at home, with the extended family networks, among peers, and particular interpersonal dynamics…

Examines heterosexual college students' (N=224) stereotypical negative attitudes toward gay men and lesbians. Results indicate that participants reported more negative attitudes toward both gay male and lesbian peers than toward students whose sexual orientation was not disclosed in social, academic, and family situations. Implications of these…

Adolescents (N=377) listed the perjoratives they heard at school and identified the ones they considered most taboo. Homophobic perjoratives accounted for 10% of the 6,000 items generated, but were rated much less seriously than either racist abuse or other taboo slang. Boys reported more homophobic perjoratives than girls, but rated them more…

In recent years psychological studies of homosexuality have shifted in focus from homosexually-oriented persons to individuals manifesting homophobia, the irrational fear or intolerance of homosexuals. In a pilot study, 130 college students completed a preliminary questionnaire consisting of attitudes toward homosexuals and homosexuality. Two…

Discusses the problems faced by homosexuals in American society due to misconceptions, fear, and bigotry. Reviews the roles of politicians, organized religion, and the press in perpetuating discrimination against homosexuals and stresses the need for gay individuals to openly declare their sexual orientation in order to dispel secrecy and…

Explores the importance, rationale, process, and effective use of lesbian, gay, and bisexual speakers' panels as an educational tool to combat homophobia. Successful panels create an atmosphere of emotional safety for panelists and participants. Panels emphasize the sharing of life experiences and facilitate applying the understanding gained to…

Describes issues facing gay and lesbian youth: isolation, family problems, violence, sexual abuse, and sexually transmitted diseases. Discusses issues of homophobia and institutional discrimination, and the need for research and practices school counselors can adopt to address the needs of gay and lesbian students. Includes 30 references and cites…

Argues that gay issues should be recognized and discussed in schools, and cites the killing of Matthew Shepard as an example of hatred perpetuated through ignorance. Outlines the need for straight allies to stand up for gay students whenever they can, and suggests ways straight teachers can show their gay colleagues that they are sensitive to the…

In a 2-wave national telephone survey, a probability sample of English-speaking adults indicated their attitudes toward gay men at Wave 1 (n=538) and toward both gay men and lesbians approximately 1 year later (n=382). Discusses findings of the study and theoretical and policy implications of the results. (KW)

The theoretical and practical constraints of identity formation for lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons with developmental disabilities are explored. It is argued that neither disability or queer theorists have adequately accounted for such complex identities and that a fusion of theories may provide a more comprehensive approach. (Contains…

Argues that American society is homophobic. Claims that one of the negative consequences gay/lesbian youth face when living in a homophobic environment is the internalized belief that acceptance is based upon how well one can hide one's identity. Explores some of the dimensions of the gay/lesbian developmental process. (RJM)

This study examined the attitudes toward gay men and lesbians among male and female undergraduate students and graduate students at Bowling Green State University (Ohio). The subject pool included 99 students between the ages of 18 and 48. The sample included 47 males, 52 females, 60 undergraduate students, and 39 graduate students. A…

Students experience homophobia in both covert and overt forms. Covert homophobia exists through the neglect of gay, lesbian, and bisexual topics in graduate psychology programs. Overt homophobia exists through the misinformation and perpetuation of stereotypes by faculty, textbooks, and program administrators. Unfortunately little data exist…

Managing a marginal identity different from the dominant culture is a difficult process. For a woman who is a lesbian and also Jewish, this means feeling marginal in each of the communities she considers to be her primary support systems. Within the Jewish community, lesbianism is not acceptable, and within the lesbian community, there is often…