Preventing Heterosexism and Homophobia

In addition to the stresses of everyday life, gay men, lesbians and bisexuals experience multiple pressures and constraints related to their chosen lifestyles. This volume examines the gay and lesbian experience in light of this additional tension - which can result in psychopathology - and points towards a future free of heterosexism.

The internationally renowned contributors argue that the stress of `coming out′, uncertainties concerning parenting children, and the difficulties facing ethnic minority lesbians, gay men and bisexuals cannot be adequately addressed without confronting the heterosexual bias in society. They propose methods geared towards eliminating heterosexual bias in a number of settings, including health

Even in today′s society, gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals experience multiple pressures and constraints related to their lifestyles, in addition to the stresses of everyday life. This dual tension can result in psychopathology among gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals. Preventing Heterosexism and Homophobia examines the gay and lesbian experience in light of their tension and points toward a future free of heterosexism. The stress of "coming out," the uncertainty of parenting their children, and the difficulties facing ethnic minority lesbians and bisexuals cannot be adequately addressed without confronting the heterosexual bias in society. The contributors to this informative volume propose methods geared toward eliminating heterosexual bias in various settings--health care, therapy, communities, corporate America, and education. Ultimately, this book examines both the risks and joys of being gay, lesbian, and bisexual, and how to prevent heterosexism and its effects on the lives of all people, including those of heterosexuals. Students and professionals in interpersonal communication and interpersonal relations, clinical psychology, and public health will benefit greatly from the original perspectives this book has to offer.