This introduction and outline correspond to a presentation at the American Counseling Association (ACA) 1999 World Conference. The author recounts his psychotherapeutic work with young gay men diagnosed with AIDS and his increasing awareness of their movement toward psychological health and the development of a deeper spirituality. His quest…

Gives a history of attitudes toward homosexuality and discusses the consequences of homophobia, an irrational fear of homosexuality. Stresses that social workers must understand that feelings and fantasies about same-sex behavior are natural before they can help clients cope with the social problems engendered by homophobia. (Author/JAC)

Used an illusory correlation paradigm to measure stereotyping by mental health professionals on the processing of information about individuals. Mental health professionals (N=34) were presented cards that identified hypothetical persons according to sex and sexual preference. Results showed stereotyping did affect the processing of information.…

Questions are raised about the difficulty of defining normal and atypical sexual behavior. Variations from normalcy that students, parents, and educators are most likely to encounter are discussed. The importance of dealing with variations in ways that are best for the individual and the group is emphasized. (PP)

Examined the effect of membership group and attitudinal similarity on perceived counselor credibility and attractiveness. Homosexual men (N=84) rated the counselor's credibility and attractiveness after listening to a recorded counseling interview. The counselor was rated more expert, trustworthy, and attractive when he stated a sexual preference…

Studied gay men and women (N=322) concerning parent-child relationships. Found two-thirds perceived their relationship with their father as satisfactory. Over three-fourths perceived their relationship with their mother as satisfactory. The majority perceived that both parents would accept their homosexuality. Data also supported the belief that…

Compared the personality profiles of homosexuals and heterosexuals. Results indicated homosexuals and males were less guilty and more hostile. Differences in guilt and hostility levels between homosexuals and heterosexuals were similar for males and females. Suggests homosexual's high hostility and low guilt can be attributed partly to social…

A review of 20 United States studies of adolescent sexual behavior was undertaken to integrate data accumulated over the past three decades. Several methodological incongruities made comparisons difficult, so suggestions are made for future research. Available data suggest a gradual evolution, not a revolution, in adolescent sexual behavior.…

This study investigates the relationship between membership in a homophile organization and the dependent variables Self-Esteem and Alienation. It was found that Self-Esteem remained unaffected while Alienation levels decreased initially but started rising again after a 1-year period of participation in the organization. (Author)

Considers gay student organizations' rights at state-supported public institutions, discusses the First Amendment and the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Offers advice on the major principles and issues that should be taken into account in writing a campus policy regarding the rights of gay student organizations. (Author/RJM)

Reviews literature on relationships of gay men with AIDS and their families of origin. Some reasons for the absence of family from support networks include family's lack of acceptance of homosexuality and relationship with a male partner; stigma associated with AIDS; inability of family to communicate openly about homosexuality and AIDS. (FC)

Analyzes a family systems' model that organizes and integrates the sparse knowledge about the experience of heterosexual family members in gays' and lesbians' families-of-origins. Delineates impact on family system of learning that a child or sibling is gay or lesbian, and provides implications for family life education and other activities. (RJM)

Homosexual and bisexual students at an urban commuter university (N=33) evaluated academic and student services and commented on areas of needed improvement. Results suggest that these students experience harassment on campus and are ambivalent about the responsiveness of student services. Most students did not utilize many student services'…

Uses qualitative and quantitative measures to examine differences in levels of perceived alienation from campus among 41 students who identified themselves as gay, lesbian, and bisexual, and those who identified themselves as heterosexual. Found differences in alienation levels based on both sexual orientation and gender. Non-heterosexual students…

Incites inquiry as to how modern American literature reflects on the problem of identity. Spotlights the contribution to modern American writing by Wallace Thurman's "Harlem" fiction. Endeavors to link a racial imperative to a sexual imperative by means of a current theoretical discourse surrounding notions of city and community life.…