Investigated effects of sexual orientation similarity of counselor and client and counselor experience level on perceptions of counselors by 40 gay men and 40 lesbians. Results indicated that lesbians rated experienced therapists, both lesbian and heterosexual, as more expert; there were no other significant main or interaction effects. (Author/NB)

Describes homosexual male counselor's experiences as marriage, family, and child counselor. Claims, because of counselor's comfort and openness to alternative roles, parenting situations, and identities, client couples are freed to dialogue about making role changes. Concludes homophobia often obscures valuable contributions homosexual men and…

Examines creation of gay affirmative group model that focuses on unique social, developmental, and psychoeducational needs of lesbian and gay clients who attend psychiatric day treatment. Discusses how these clients' psychosocial potential can be maximized in group that addresses issues related to their sexual orientation including their double…

Examines the doctoral training experiences of 69 counseling and 38 clinical-psychology graduate students in lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) issues prior to internship. Results show that training concerning these issues was inadequate and that counseling programs had better records of training in LGB issues than did clinical programs. Implications…

To measure self-protective behavior on dates, the Dating Self-Protection Against Rape Scale (DSPARS) was developed. The relationship among previous sexual victimization, self-perceived risk for sexual assault, rape awareness education, gender of dating partner, and DSPARS scores was assessed among 152 college students. Results, implications, and…

Offers a format for assessing the social systems in which gay and lesbian young people live in order to better meet their individual needs, which involves supporting them and working with their peers, teachers, and families to create a safe, belonging environment. (Author/MKA)

The Gay and Lesbian Affirmative Development model, a proactive, gay-affirmative counseling approach, is proposed. Parallels are drawn between Cass's Homosexual Identity Formation model and Ivey's cognitive-behavioral Developmental Counseling Therapy model to help counselors assess and facilitate gay and lesbian clients' cognitive development…

Examines the coming out process experienced by 20 gay, lesbian and bisexual students in the residence halls of a major research institution. Students report how they disclosed their sexual orientation, factors influencing the process, and reactions to their disclosures. Provides recommendations for residence hall professionals. (Contains 40…

Describes the development of new scales for assessing identity and levels of disclosure in lesbians and gay men. Provides a basis for the instrument development process by reviewing recent efforts to conceptualize and assess phenomena related to lesbian and gay male experiences. Concludes with a review of relevant measurement issues. (Contains 45…

Investigates risk factors associated with internalizing and externalizing problems among 169 gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents. Data were gathered on individual, family, and community risk factors and youths' mental health and behavioral functioning. Results suggest that adolescents should be carefully assessed for concerns related and not…

Gay and lesbian students in high schools and colleges face special problems and may be the very people who receive the least help. It is estimated that one-third of all suicides among teenagers are committed by gay and lesbian students, and it is further estimated that gay people seek counseling at a rate two to four times greater than the non-gay…

As part of a new student orientation at a rural northeastern state college, incoming students (N=150) were surveyed in fall 1989 regarding their knowledge and attitudes towards homosexuality. Students (N=140) were surveyed again in April 1991 after four semesters of educational intervention. The results indicated that new students were…

Homosexuality has emerged as a major issue making headlines across the country, including initiatives, which have been put on state and local ballots, that limit or guarantee the civil rights of gays and lesbians. This book, designed as a guide for juveniles, separates fact from fiction about gays and lesbians and explains homosexuality in clear,…

In this culture a person's sexual identity falls into one of four groups: heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and asexual. Essentialism assumes that one is fixed with a core identity of either heterosexual or homosexual. Constructionism posits that categories of sexuality are constructed to meet the needs of a particular culture, society, and/or…

The opportunity to grow and socialize in a supportive environment, a process taken for granted by heterosexual adolescents, continues to elude the gay and lesbian adolescent population, especially within the educational community. A goal of education should be to provide support for gay and lesbian teenagers before self-defeating behavior patterns…