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Special
Issues for GLBT Students
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Self Esteem and Identity
·
Students face
normal developmental tasks of developing identity with the additional
stress of forging a positive gay, lesbian or bisexual identity.
·
Self-esteem
is affected by attempting to identify with a lifestyle that many view as
disgusting, immoral, abnormal, or immature.
·
Many students
face this struggle without the support of family or friends, fearing
rejection if they "come out."
·
"Passing"
as heterosexual lowers self-esteem
Religion and Spirituality
·
College is a
time for questioning and exploring the role of religion in one's life.
·
Many
religious and spiritual traditions prohibit or sanction homosexual feelings
or behavior.
Relationships and Intimacy
·
Gay, lesbian
and bisexual students have a more difficult time identifying potential
romantic partners because of fears of being "out."
·
Gay, lesbian
and bisexual students lack the institutional support for the development of
relationships (i.e. school sponsored dances and social events,
fraternity/sorority functions).
·
Relationships
are under more stress because they are often hidden, and the persons
involved may be at different points in their identity development as gay,
lesbian or bisexual.
Academic and Career Issues
·
Academic
progress can be affected by the stress and social isolation often
experienced by gay, lesbian, and bisexual students.
·
Societal
attitudes sometimes limit career choices for gay, lesbian, and bisexual
students who want to be open about their lifestyle in the workplace (i.e.
school teachers).
·
Geographic
considerations may be more salient for gay, lesbian, and bisexual students
who need to locate near an established gay, lesbian, or bisexual community
The table below comes from a 1977
study of professional men and women (adapted from APA Board of Social and
Ethical Responsibility. November 1977. "Removing the
Stigma." APA Monitor.)
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Developmental Task
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Average Age- Lesbians
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Average Age- Gay Men
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Awareness of Homosexual Feelings
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13.8
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12.8
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First same-sex sexual experience
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19.9
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14.9
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Understand what "homosexual" is
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15.6
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17.2
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Had first homosexual relationship
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22.8
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21.9
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Considered self "homosexual"
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23.2
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21.1
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Acquired positive "gay" identity
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29.7
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28.5
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Disclosed identity to spouse
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26.7
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33.3
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Disclosed identity to friends
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28.2
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28.0
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Disclosed identity to parents
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30.2
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28.0
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Disclosed identity professionally
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32.4
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31.2
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