CHAPTER 6: Sexual Orientation and Heterosexism

1. CHAPTER 6:Sexual Orientation and Heterosexism Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach Second Edition Danica G. Hays and Bradley T. Erford

2. Defining Sexual Orientation • Klein’s (1990) seven variables of sexual orientation • Affectional orientation • Heterosexuality • Homosexuality • Bisexuality • Questioning

3. Gay Identity Development Cass’ (1979) Homosexual Identity Formation (HIF) model set the groundwork for future gay identity development models, and is one of the most comprehensive models. 6 Stages: 1) Identity Confusion, 2) Identity Comparison, 3) Identity Tolerance, 4) Identity Acceptance, 5)Identity Pride, and 6) Identity Synthesis. Coleman’s (1981/1982) model was influenced by earlier models 5 Stages: 1) Pre-Coming Out, 2) Coming Out, 3) Exploration, 4) First Relationships, and 5) Integration

4. Gay Identity Development Cont. Troiden’s (1979) model of gay male identity development 4 Stages: 1) Sensitization, 2) Identify Confusion, 3) Identity Assumption, and 4) Commitment Comparing Cass, Coleman, and Troiden’s models

5. Lesbian Identity Development Application of gay identity development models to lesbians McCarn & Fassinger (1996) proposed a developmental model drawn from other gender identity development models Four phases of development: 1) Awareness, 2) Exploration, 3) Deepening/Commitment, and 4) Internalization or Synthesis

6. Bisexual Identity Development Kinsey, Pomeroy, and Martin (1948) definition of sexual orientation Weinberg, Williams, & Pryor (1994) proposed a 4 stage bisexual identity development model: Stages: 1) initial confusion, 2) finding & applying a label, 3) settling into the identity, and 4) continued uncertainty

7. Defining Heterosexism Heterosexism - the oppression of LGBTQI individuals Internalized heterosexism – internalized devaluation of their sexual orientation Homophobia - fear and hatred of LGBTQI people Internalized homophobia - negative attitudes some LGBTQI people have about their own sexual orientation Intersections of heterosexism and sexism

8. Defining Heterosexism Cont. • Heterosexual privilege - unearned advantages due to heterosexual orientation. • right to marry • access to medical information in the event of an emergency • legal & financial rights to property • adoptive & child rights • validation by the media & culture • being able to arrange to be in the company of other heterosexual people in most environments

9. Historical Resistance to Heterosexism Stonewall Rebellion Resistance led by working class, transgender people of color ignited the gay & lesbian rights movement Important for counselors to know and teach LGBTQI clients about the historical events of liberation movements Normalize for clients the fact that throughout history LGBTQI have been oppressed

10. Current Attitudes • Homosexuality was listed as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) prior to 1973 • LGB people are not protected from employment discrimination in most states & communities because sexual orientation is not included in the federal Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits job discrimination for other minority groups • 2011 Pew Polls reveal that 58% of American believe homosexuality should be supported by society, and 46% are opposed to same-sex marriage

11. LGBTQI Relationship Status & Family Issues Common stereotypes Adoption and custody Lesbian & gay parents are at least equal to heterosexual parents in terms of their mental health, parenting skills, & quality of family relationships Research has consistently shown that children of gay & lesbian parents are no different than other children in terms of gender identity development, gender-role behavior, sexual orientation, psychological & cognitive development, social relationships, and familial relationships

12. Educational Status Higher educational levels than their heterosexual counterparts, however: 55% of gay male couples and 75% of lesbian couples do not have college degrees. LGB individuals are as likely to live in poverty as heterosexual individuals. Same-sex couples are more likely to live in poverty, have less retirement income, and no federal marriage benefits such as social security and survivor benefits

13. Heterosexism & Classism Many states have laws that prohibit unmarried couples from owning a home together Many LGBTQI individuals live in metropolitan areas where there tends to be greater tolerance

14. LGB Youth • 85% of middle and high school students reported experiencing verbal harassment, 40% reported physical harassment, and 19% reported physical assault • The gay adolescent often exists in social, emotional, & informational isolation • Advocacy efforts • Equal Access Act • Gay/Straight alliances • Title IX

15. Cultural Intersections of Sexual Orientation • Issue of multiple oppressed statuses and several identity development tasks simultaneously • Morales (1998) hypothesized an overall model to apply to minorities within the gay community. • Stages: 1) Denial of conflicts, 2) Labeling of self as bisexual rather than gay, 3) Conflicts in allegiances between gay & minority communities, 4) Establishing priorities in allegiance, and 5) Integrating various identities • Considerations by racial/ethnic group

16. Mental Health Consequences of Heterosexism • Historically, many mental health providers have attributed mental health problems to LGBTQI clients without considering environmental factors affecting mental well-being • LGBTQI individuals seek counseling more often than heterosexual counterparts • Not an indication of instability • Result of heterosexism and homonegativism • Stress and minority stress and its consequences

17. Physical Consequences of Heterosexism • Substance abuse • HIV/AIDS

18. Social Consequences of Heterosexism • Negative stereotypes • Socioeconomic Status • H.I.N.K. (High Income, No Kids) • LGBTQI individuals are seen as not needing economic, social, & health-related services • Homelessness for youth • Institutional heterosexism • Anti-gay marriage laws • Diminished interpersonal relationships

19. Counseling Strategies for Addressing Heterosexism • LGB Affirmative Counseling • The Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC), a division of the American Counseling Association (ACA), developed competencies to promote sound & professional counseling practice • Counselors should: • engage in self-exploration • explore resources that deal with queer & feminist theories • emphasize non-traditional approaches to therapy • familiarize yourself with the constructs of discourse, positioning, & deconstruction

20. Counseling Strategies for Addressing Heterosexism Cont. Counselors should: • be aware of their attitudes & beliefs about women & LGBTQI individuals • educate themselves & become culturally competent • be aware of how their race, gender, age, class status, ability level, & sexual orientation impact the counseling relationship • explore client & counselor meanings of gender identity & sexual orientation • critically examine the counseling process & theories used with LGBTQI individuals • examine the power behind the language they use with LGBTQI clients • expand the meaning of the word family • not assume that the client’s presenting problem is related to their gender or sexual orientation

21. Counseling Strategies for Addressing Heterosexism Cont. Counselors should: • collaborate with clients to explore how heterosexism permeates the contextual environments of the clients & what this affects • integrate ethnic, gender, & sexual identities when working with clients of color • assess for experiences of discrimination, prejudice, harassment, & violence in relation to sexual orientation & gender • implement the ACA Advocacy Competencies • give back to the schools • speak with colleagues in different disciplines to gain knowledge about women & LGBTQIs.