A study of 83 gay and bisexual male youths (17-23 years old) found that pubertal maturation was associated with self-reported age of first orgasm and homosexual activity and frequency of orgasms during junior high school. It concluded that gay and bisexual male youths share with heterosexual male youths a similar developmental trajectory in regard…

Multiple problem behaviors, stress, and personal resources were assessed over 2 years among 136 mainly black and Hispanic gay and bisexual males, age 14 to 19 years. Problem behaviors were found to be stable over time; the pattern of change in one behavior problem was not related to patterns of change in other problem behaviors. (MDM)

Reviews the evolution of research over the past 25 years on sexual orientation and its effects on human development, concluding that gay and lesbian interests and behavior appear to result from a complex interplay of genetic, prenatal, and environmental influences. Notes that gender identity develops early, especially for males, and is difficult…

Interviews with 1,001 adult homosexual and bisexual men found that sexual abuse in childhood was significantly associated with mental health counseling and hospitalization, psychoactive substance use, depression, suicidal thought or actions, social support, sexual identity development, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) risk behavior, and risk of…

Discusses a mentoring model as a resource for lesbian and gay adolescents in foster care. The authors apply known successful program elements to the design of a model mentoring program for lesbian and gay adolescents. The program is meant to alleviate problems of isolation, stigmatization, and lack of positive lesbian and gay role models. (GR)

A survey of gay and lesbian library services of 250 public and college libraries revealed small and insufficient collections, a lack of book lists and other guides, frequent challenges, and limited community outreach programs. Interviews with proactive responding librarians provide some strategies for change. (Author/AEF)

Examines issues raised when "Queer Theory" (gay and lesbian theory) comes into tension with education and general pedagogy. The paper uses the study of limits, of ignorance, and of reading practices to discuss specific aspects of "Queer Theory" and what they might offer to the rethinking of pedagogy and knowledge. (SM)

Conservatism in college student publications is increasing. One common theme is the perception that students' education is being compromised by forced multiculturalism and diversity, feminist and gay rights movements, and political correctness. Censorship is also rising. Mainstream campus newspapers, formerly liberal, appear to be moving toward…

Analysis of retrospective self-reports about childhood curiosity to see persons in the nude, with heterosexual and homosexual pedophiles, gynephiles, and androphiles, suggests that establishment of erotic sex preference proceeded that of age preference, and a greater proportion of pedophiles than gynephiles or androphiles remembered childhood…

Discussion of college student activities planning to meet needs of gay and lesbian students focuses on the need to create a campus climate of tolerance and appreciation. A model for development of gay self-acceptance is outlined, and considerations in hiring performers, and facilitating clubs and organizations are examined. (MSE)

The history of the controversy over Southwest Missouri State University's production of "The Normal Heart," a play about acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is chronicled and concern is expressed about the resurgence of bitterness and hatred in the debate over academic freedom, even within the academic community. (MSE)

The 42 titles of this nonfiction bibliography are grouped as follows: (1) collected works; (2) general works; (3) autobiography; (4) cultural studies; (5) history; (6) legal and military issues; (7) literature, film, and the arts; (8) philosophy and religion; (9) science; and (10) vocational issues. (SLD)

Asserts that central goal of sociology is to provide students with sociological perspective or the ability to reflect on their own society from a distance. Argues that ethnocentricism can be affected by an "insider's bias" and an "outsider's bias." Describes the use of Horace Miner's "Body Ritual of the Nacirema" as a…

Examines the need to cognitively structure reality through the use of stereotypes as a predictor of individual attitudes toward homosexuality. Shows that responses were slightly, yet significantly, related to attitudes toward homosexuality and that the gender of the respondent did not significantly alter the impact. Suggests additional future…

Argues that teachers must shine the brightest light they can onto ignorance. Discusses reasons why gay and lesbian issues need to be addressed in the curriculum. Describes helpful resources (including Web sites, a video, and nonfiction and fiction books) for raising teachers' own awareness, and for use in both preservice and regular classrooms.…