In an average US secondary school 10% of the student population is homosexual, yet only a small number of American school districts have taken positive steps to address the problems associated with gay and lesbian students in the predominantly heterosexual educational setting. This book aims to raise awareness of the problems encountered by these adolescents in schools and of the effects of these problems on the dropout rate, academic achievement, substance abuse, AIDS, teenage pregnancy, school violence and suicide.; Designed to promote understanding and dispel myths about gay and lesbian tennagers, the volume also makes curriculum suggestions to advocate self-acceptance and tolerance and to reduce homophobia among heterosexual teenagers. It seeks to explain how institutional homophobia has affected the belief system and behaviour of a large segment of the American population. Various themes concerning the origins of sexual development are discussed, as is information concerning students who are children of gay and lesbian parents.
Author(s): Hilda F. Besner, Charlotte I. Spungin.
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 190
City: New York
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1. The Origins of Homosexuality
Hormonal Effects
Chromosomes
Brain
Gender Identification
Psychological Theories
Life History Theorists
Boyhood Influences
Identity Formation
Chapter 2. Debunking Myths About Homosexuality
Origins of Myths
Myths
Conclusions
Chapter 3. Understanding Homophobia
Prejudice
Scapegoating
Violence
European Perspective
The United States
Characteristics of Homophobic Thinking
Media Impact
Chapter 4. Homophobia in Society
Education
The Workplace
The Military
Religion
The Boy Scouts
Conclusion
Chapter 5. Relevant Issues
Kids at Risk
Coming Out
Bisexuality
AIDS
Gay Fathers
Lesbian Mothers
Chapter 6. Identifying and Understanding the Needs of Gay and Lesbian Teenagers
Early Developmental Feelings
Support Systems
Addressing the Needs
Peer Pressure
Self-Concept
Prejudice and Discrimination
Parental Reactions
Chapter 7. Unresolved Issues and Needs
Acceptance
Sexuality
Self-Indulgence
Interpersonal Relationships
Isolation
Chapter 8. Ways Help Can Be Provided
Teacher Attitudes
Professional Organization Guidelines
School-Based Programs
Guidelines for Helping Students
Warning Signs of At-Risk Behaviors
Counselors
Other School Personnel
Families
References
Appendix A: Further Reading
Appendix B: A Model Workshop on Homophobia for Educators
Appendix C: Resources
Appendix D: Famous Gays and Lesbians
Index
Author Index
