It is proposed that clinicians should develop research-based assertiveness training procedures for homosexuals that are designed to facilitate homosexual functioning. Subjects (N=27) were assigned to a behaviorally oriented assertive training group or a non-directive group run by a homosexual guidance service. Self-report measures indicated…

Undergraduate students (N=404) read vignettes depicting a sexual interaction between a child and an adult in which the child's sex, child's age, and adult's sex were manipulated. Abuse was perceived as worse if the child was younger and for same-sex (rather than opposite-sex) interactions. Gender-role attitudes were not related to abusiveness or…

Viewpoints of five camp professionals from a discussion on "Sexual Orientation in Camps: What Is the American Camping Association's Role?" at the 1996 American Camping Association (ACA) national conference. Discusses whether counselors' sexual orientation should be a factor in hiring, and whether the ACA should take a position on the…

Used meta-analytic techniques to compare men's and women's attitudes toward homosexual persons, homosexual behaviors, and gay people's civil rights. As expected, size of sex differences varied across these categories. Men were more negative than women toward homosexual persons and homosexual behavior, but the sexes viewed gay civil rights…

Three education classes of mostly prospective teachers provided instruction on issues related to lesbian- and gay-identified (LG) youth in schools. Written responses of 97 students revealed lack of knowledge of LG youth prior to instruction. Though some students voiced resistance related to religiosity, the dominant stance was a strong…

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) persons and their families present unique ethical challenges for marriage and family counselors. A series of brief case vignettes touch on a range of ethical issues for couples and family counselors, including training, supervision, custody evaluation, ethical decision making, counselor bias,…

Reports data from a nationwide survey of New Zealand high school students and staff that examined their attitudes toward lesbian/gay/bisexual students. Most respondents perceived that lesbian/gay/bisexual students were not safe at school and that these students experienced subtle and extreme forms of intimidation. However, many students and staff…

Whereas multicultural advances in the area of gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues have been made for increased knowledge and awareness, little development has been made regarding counselor skill building. This article outlines a model of training using role-playing to enhance counselor skill when working with gay male, lesbian, and bisexual male and…

Asserts that the social context of coming out may be vital to the overall psychological health and well-being of gay youth and to their HIV risk behavior. Coming out is a multifaceted developmental process. Interventions targeting anti-gay attitudes and behaviors in families, schools, and communities, in addition to combating discriminatory social…

Explores the ethical and practical considerations of conversion therapy when counseling families and individuals within families with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual concerns. Emphasis is placed on the need for counselors to assess personal biases in the area of working with sexual minorities. Presents a reflective exercise and case study…

Investigated the influence of training modality on attitudes toward lesbian and gay issues. Analyses revealed that both modalities (In-Person Training and Internet Training) resulted in substantial reductions in levels of homophobia following training. Furthermore, these reductions in homophobia remained stable from the post-test to the follow-up…

A rationale for requiring content on gay and lesbian issues in the social work curriculum, to decrease homophobic attitudes and prepare students to provide effective practice, is presented. Methods and resources for incorporating lesbian and gay issues in human behavior, direct practice, policy, community organization, and research courses are…

Assessed university climate of 32 male homosexual and 32 male heterosexual undergraduates. Subjects completed the University Climate Scale, Alienation Scale, Bem Sex-Role Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the University Homophobia Scale. Results revealed that homosexual subjects perceived measures of university climate as significantly…

Discusses the discovery and varied manifestations of the human immunodeficiency virus infection, and the analysis of the circumstances that made possible the spread of the disease. Indicates that males between the ages of 25 and 45 are the greatest number of patients with the infection. (RT)

Notes that, despite declassification of homosexuality as mental illness, efforts to sexually reorient lesbians and gay men continue. Examines construct of sexual orientation. Reviews literature in psychotherapeutic and religious conversion therapies, finding no evidence that such treatments are effective in their intended purpose. Establishes need…