Some of the denial and fear that accompanies homosexuality and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) can be dealt with by discussing the following three issues: the AIDS epidemic, the problems of gay and lesbian community college students, and finally, the teaching of literature--especially poetry. Exploring both poetry and the AIDS…

This unit has been designed as a means of sensitizing class members to various forms of social discrimination that exist against homosexuals. Each lesson can be adapted to a fifty minute class period; the steps indicate transitions in topic development, the key questions are recommended as guidelines for facilitating class discussion. Students…

For seven consecutive semesters, questionnaires were administered to the students enrolled in Illinois Central College's human sexuality course to determine their sexual experience, practices, and orientation. The surveys also sought to assess the students' attitudes toward homosexuality, pornography, masturbation, extramarital relations,…

Stereotyped impressions of male homosexuals and the underlying importance of sexuality in social attraction and perceptions were investigated. Male (N=80) and female (N=80) college students responded to either an attractive or an unattractive photo of a male stimulus person, who was identified to half of the subjects as a homosexual. Compared to…

This final Task Force report recommends the coordination of NIMH activities in the broad area of sexual behavior through the establishment of a Center for the Study of Sexual Behavior. The activities proposed for the Center fall into two major areas: research, training and education, prevention, and treatment; and questions of social policy with…

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the relationship between a gay male's low self-esteem and environmental oppression, thereby establishing guidelines for the counselor in directing the client toward a more positive gay identity. This document is divided into the following sections: (1) Initial Interview; (2) Theory of…

In three articles about homosexuality, the first author argues that homosexuals should be helped to accept their sexual situation; the second author categorically opposes this approach and proposes instead to help homosexuals change to heterosexuality. The third author assumes a more flexible position on the question. (SE)

Many states have laws which prohibit every sexual act except sexual intercourse between husband and wife. However, recent court decisions make most private relationships between consenting adults outside the realm of the law. The effect on sex laws is seen in an increasing liberalization of these statues. (Author)

Using multivariate and univariate analyses of variance of medical student reactions to four patient vignettes, researchers found negative and prejudiced attitudes toward both AIDS and homosexual patients. It is suggested that educators should promote greater sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding among medical students. (Author/LB)

Gay students have particular problems in using university health services, which can be overcome only through education, sympathy, personal awareness, and professionalism on the part of university health service personnel. (MB)

This annotated brief summarizes research on the effects of family structure on child wellbeing, identifying issues that remain to be explored. On average, children who grow up in families with both their biological parents in a low-conflict marriage are better off in several ways than children who grow up in single-, step-, or cohabiting-parent…

This research investigates the development of conflict between sexual minority identity and religious identity in sexual minority youth, examining religion as both a risk factor and a protective factor. Intrinsic religion was expected to predict self reported conflict between religious and sexual minority identity. Retrospectively reported…

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of homophobic language and verbal harassment in North Carolina high schools, the intervention rates of school personnel, and the effectiveness of school non-harassment policies. Data was collected from six high schools in central NC that had active Gay Straight Alliances. Gay Straight…

This study examined heterosexual college students attitudes toward gay men and lesbians, and in what types of situations were negative feelings expressed toward gay men and lesbians. A random sample of 224 residence hall students at the University of Maryland College Park completed the Situational Attitude Scale Sexual Orientation Survey, which…

Initial efforts to study the prevalence of homophobia targeted specific groups such as college students, health care workers, social workers, and others. Some of the specific correlates of homophobia, including gender, previous contact with gay people, the quality of that contact, religious affiliation, and the degree of religious practice are…