Based on questions submitted by our readers, this Q&A covers such issues as the correct language to use when working with lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth; what to do when a youth first "comes out"; how to present yourself as an ally for LGB youth and make sure that your youth program is a safe place for them; and increasing non-LGB youths'…

Historical analysis of sex education materials, as well as of the debates that surround them, can shed light upon the construction of sexuality in particular contexts. This article examines some of these materials and debates as a window into the construction of "homosexuality" and "the homosexual" in mid-twentieth century New…

This article draws from poststructuralist, feminist and identity-based political foundations of queer theory to construct a conceptual lens which complements other critical, anti-oppression frameworks. It reveals some of the internal struggles in the field of queer studies, describes the social context for issues related to sexuality in North…

This article discusses racial-social-sexual categories as related to HIV prevention and traditional public health strategies, specifically, the Young Men's Study conducted during the 1990s. We critique the use of pan-ethnic categories such as Asian and Latino, and the often invisible position of Whiteness in race discussions. We also engage with…

Like all teens, sexual minority youths (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) face many challenges, including student-on-student sexual orientation harassment. The authors examine recent research into the relative frequency, the potential impact, and school district responsibility to protect sexual minority youths from ongoing…

A respected and effective college writing instructor (who happens to be gay but does not find it necessary or desirable to announce his sexual orientation) considers himself respectful of all people and even tolerant of those wish to express views the instructor personally finds reprehensible. This has allowed students to open up to the…

Clients (N=24) and 16 therapists, including five client-therapist pairs, were interviewed on how issues of social sex-role stereotyping and sexual orientation arose and were dealt with in therapy. Results indicated that similarity of sexual orientation of client and therapist is related to positive psychotherapeutic outcomes. (Author)

This study related components of gender inappropriateness that isolate target persons from sources of reward and hence function as social controls against such deviance. The study confirmed that a significant portion of negative responsiveness toward homosexuals results from the belief that their behavior is incongruent with their anatomical sex.…

This brochure is written out of concern for the impact anti-gay prejudice and discrimination have on children--gay and straight. Although people have different views about homosexuality, most Americans believe that everyone should be treated fairly and with respect. American society has many kinds of families, and many people have neighbors,…

This paper highlights factors that either facilitated or hampered the work of a local Safe Schools Coalition in a Rocky Mountain state in advocating adoption and implementation of their school district's policies that include sexual orientation. Non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity are needed to help stop…

It is estimated that up to 10% of the U.S. population is lesbian or gay. Being a member of a sexual minority group places youth at risk. Along with the challenges all adolescents deal with, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth must cope with prejudice, discrimination, and violence in schools or in their families. While mentoring programs…

In a 5-day campus visit, a consultant explored the leadership role the College of Education can play in helping the Pennsylvania State University embrace sexual diversity, enhance curricular offerings, promote research and scholarship, and provide outreach services to various constituencies through various media. The visit included interviews with…

This document seeks to inform administrators and clinicians about appropriate diagnosis and treatment approaches that will help ensure the development or enhancement of effective lesbian-, gay-, bisexual-, and transgender (LGBT)-sensitive programs. Serving as both a reference tool and program guide, it provides statistical and demographic…

This paper discusses the role of counselors as advocates for lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgendered (LBGT) individuals as encouraged by the American Counseling Association's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Definitions are offered for the following terms: sexual orientation, sexual preference, gender identity, heterosexism, and…

Today, homosexuality has become a topic of discussion throughout the psychological community and society at large. However, there is great controversy about the etiology of homosexuality and more specifically, lesbianism. This paper describes a review of the literature to examine the hypothesis that a multitude of factors may influence the…