Using a two-year ethnographic study, explores a subculture of gay and bisexual male students at a major university. Identifies areas of concern that student affairs administrators should consider in their efforts to improve the campus climate for these students. Describes the coming out process, visibility, and discrimination. (RJM)

This study investigated whether the politics of gay rights have affected school district programs regarding sexual orientation. Data from school districts nationwide indicate that most school districts are not offering recommended program elements related to sexual orientation issues. Districts within localities with gay rights protection are…

Reflects on issues that arise when preservice teachers are introduced to lesbian and gay concerns in school. Explores preservice teachers' resistance, commonly espoused attitudes and beliefs, and teacher educators' difficulties in challenging myths, stereotypes, and biases. Highlights the perceived irrelevance of gay and lesbian issues to…

Addresses the issue of homophobia, how it affects young children, and how it is commonly exhibited in the classroom environment. Recounts a classroom discussion about what "gay" means, including children's observations and comments. Asserts that children need accurate information, and that all children should be encouraged to be compassionate and…

Describes supportive episodes in an HIV/AIDS support group and the role of social support for group members. Finds that members used communication as a healing agent, as a preparatory mechanism for living with AIDS, as an outlet for expressing emotions, and as a means for changing society. Identifies feedback and self-disclosure as essential…

Indepth interviews with two female and two male school leaders, one of each gender who were "closeted" in their sexuality and one of each who were "open." Foucault's sovereign and disciplinary power and normalization conceptually framed the study. Interviewee's fear of disclosure resulted in reproducing heteronormative power.…

Explores the possibility that the lesbian or gay experience in contemporary American society might furnish a standpoint for generating new knowledge in psychology. Considers the following elements that define lesbians' or gay men's ways of knowing and experiencing the world: (1) biculturalism; (2) marginality; and (3) normative creativity. (JS)

Surveyed 365 college students to investigate their attitudes toward the effects of past sexual behavior, both heterosexual and homosexual, on one's acceptability as a dating or marriage partner. Results showed that both men and women prefer partners without previous coital or oral heterosexual experience, and both strongly rejected those with any…

Argues that schools, denying the existence of gay and lesbian youth, have failed to meet their educational and social service needs. Presents two models: Project 10, a Los Angeles dropout prevention program offering education, counseling, and support services; and the Harvey Milk School, an alternative New York high school. (SK)

This article argues that submerged conflict between competing ideologies concerning homosexuality can result in irrational policy development and implementation. The Council on Social Work Education's standards concerning nondiscrimination based on homosexuality are examined, key issues and questions are suggested for open debate, and potential…

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)