Support groups are powerful tools that assist gay men in dealing with isolation from other gay men, a lack of information about themselves and others as gay men, and the fear either of being identified or of self-identifying as gay. In this article, 10 gay men speak about their experiences in a support/psychoeducational group. (Author)

Discusses how the binary categories of heterosexual and homosexual limit thinking about sexual orientation and how that epistemological framework affects decisions made in society and school that lead to discrimination. Focuses on human sexual preferences, meanings of sexual socialization, diversity and context (schooling), understanding labels,…

Pressured by religious conservatives, Congress passed the Equal Access Act (1984), allowing secondary school students the right to form on-campus extracurricular religious and other clubs. Recently, a Gay-Straight Alliance Club at a southern California high school was granted court protection under this statute, despite the community's objections.…

Describes how staff members at one school instituted a gay/straight alliance (gsa). Cites books that can help educate people on the issues. Discusses initial preparations; advertisement of the meetings; establishment of ground rules; speakers; implementation of a staff in-service; the importance of straight allies; and ways teachers and librarians…

Examines the high school experiences of lesbian and gay students through questionnaires completed by 34 students. Most (73.5%) reported receiving support regarding sexual orientation issues from someone at school, and 41.2% reported that information about gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues was available from school staff. However, 35.3% reported a…

Argues that active involvement of educators in the creation of a safe environment for lesbian and gay students is no longer optional because of recent court decisions. Problem areas and suggestions for developing supportive environments for gays are discussed. (SLD)

Responses to an anonymous questionnaire on homosexuality disclosure at school by 34 teachers and 19 parents showed that teachers were more likely to disclose their sexual orientation to other teachers than to principals, and to women than to men. Reasons for nondisclosure by parents were fear of discrimination towards their child. (EMS)

The Camping Out experiential education program in Ontario (Canada) helps prepare youths (age 14-21) to deal with issues of sexual orientation and to practice building healthy, open connections that acknowledge the diversity of gay, lesbian, and bisexual communities. The camp offers a year-round followup support program. (SAS)

Approximately 10% of school children will eventually come to identify themselves as gay or lesbian. Issues frequently confronting students include identity conflict, feelings of isolation and stigmatization, peer relationship problems, and family disruptions. School policies, curriculum, support services, and staff development are needed to create…

Ethnic and sexual identity development and the interaction of the two identities among Asian-American lesbian and gay adolescents are discussed. Counseling implications are addressed. A theory of parallel and interactive processes of ethnic and social development among Asian-American lesbian and gay adolescents is proposed. Research in the area is…

Examines the role that the researcher's heterosexual identity plays in exploring the identity struggles of gay and bisexual men. Discusses issues of positionality and representation from the perspective of critical postmodernism and feminism. Advocates greater collaboration between researcher and research participants to overcome difficulties…

Examines school troubles, attitudes, and performance of same-sex attracted youth within the context of four relational domains: family, teacher, social, and peer. Results indicate that each domain plays a role in the negative attitudes about school held by sexual minority youth. However, feelings about teachers play an important role in explaining…

Explores how HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, violence and hate crimes, suicide, and heterosexism all adversely affect the physical and emotional health of nonheterosexual college students. College health services must assume a leadership role in combatting all forms of oppression by actively incorporating and addressing the unique needs of…

Investigates ways in which homophobia and heterosexism constitute barriers to treatment for lesbian and gay youth in need of addictions services. Interviews with 17 gay and lesbian youth show barriers to include marginalization, deflection and contradiction, outing, harassment, early discharge, and misinformed staff. Recommendations are made for…

Explores the perceptions of Resident Assistants (RAs) held by 20 lesbian, gay, and bisexual students were explored. Students were asked about their experiences with and expectations of RAs. Students expected RAs to be open and accepting, personally supportive, and to create accepting climates. (Contains 20 references.) (GCP)