"Homophobe and homophobic"
So this is still new to you, Tim? OK, listen: "Homophobic" is just the adjectival form of homophobe. Homophobe has been around since the 60's. I did not dream it would be a new word to you as I would have thought it would have been in the language during most of your life.
"Again homophobe and homophobia. They are sometimes used outside of their dictionary definition of "Fear of or contempt for lesbians and gay men.""
When and where? The definition which was posted and referred to often was: >b>"irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals"
This is the way the word has always been used since you were in diapers. There is no other way to use it. Your confusion eludes me.
"The word homophobia was modeled after all the other phobia words which mean strong irrational fear of something, in my opinion this was done deliberately"
DUH? Of course it was deliberate. The medical profession coined the word to refer to people who felt and expressed a strong aversion toward homosexuals. It was and is believed by mental health professionals that homophobia is created by an irrational fear of ones sexuality, even when the overt behaviour is one of hostility or discrimination. Fear is the root, but the fear often results in brutal and unprovoked aggressiveness.
The majority of phobias result only in internal distress. Some, like homophobia, however, are fears directed against ones own sexuality. This often results in defensive aggression. When the homosexual herself has the homophobia it results in self loathing and self destructive behaviour.
This was and remains an extremely important concern for the mental health profession due to costs in human lives and suffering. Too many parents are losing their children to suicide because the children are unable to endure living any longer.
"creating a useful attack word which would imply that anyone who had a different opinion about homosexuality then those who created or popularized the word was disagreeing purely for irrational fear."
I have no idea what you are saying here. You are the first person I have ever heard become confused by this word. You have seen it over and over in the dictionary. That is what it means and how it is used. What is this paranoia about?
Perhaps this will help you understand it better:
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The American Psychological Association
The research on homosexuality is very clear. Homosexuality is neither mental illness nor moral depravity. It is simply the way a minority of our population expresses human love and sexuality. Study after study documents the mental health of gay men and lesbians. Studies of judgment, stability, reliability, and social and vocational adaptiveness all show that gay men and lesbians function every bit as well as heterosexuals, nor is homosexuality a matter of individual choice. Research suggests that the homosexual orientation is in place very early in the life cycle, possibly even before birth. It is found in about ten percent of the population, a figure which is surprisingly constant across cultures, irrespective of the different moral values and standards of a particular culture. Contrary to what some imply, the incidence of homosexuality in a population does not appear to change with new moral codes or social mores. Research findings suggest that efforts to repair homosexuals are nothing more than social prejudice garbed in psychological accouterments. (American Psychological Association statement on homosexuality July, 1994).
"Scientific evidence does not show that conversion therapy works and that it can do more harm than good. Changing one's sexual orientation is not simply a matter of changing one's sexual behavior. It would require altering one's emotional, romantic and sexual feelings and restructuring one's self-concept and social identity." (1990)
"For nearly three decades, it has been known that homosexuality is not a mental illness. Medical and mental health professionals also now know that sexual orientation is not a choice and cannot be altered. Groups who try to change the sexual orientation of people through so-called conversion therapy are misguided and run the risk of causing a great deal of psychological harm to those they say they are trying to help." (Dr. Raymond Fowler, American Psychological Association Executive Director)
On August 14, 1997 the American Psychological Association passed a resolution to restrict psychologists and therapists from engaging in the controversial practice of conversion or reparative therapy, which attempts to convert homosexuals into heterosexuals. The resolution was passed out of concern that some clients are being coerced by family members, employers or church officials to take part in therapies that have not proven to be effective.
The APA resolution affirms that therapists obtain informed consent from the client, which includes:
A full discussion of the client's potential for happiness as a homosexual.
Communication to the client that there is no sound scientific evidence that the therapy works.
Raising the possibility that therapy may exacerbate the client's problems.
An analysis of the client's true motivation for wanting to change.
The American Medical Association
The American Medical Association released a report in December, 1994 which calls for "a non-judgmental recognition of sexual orientation by physicians".
"Most of the emotional disturbance experienced by gay men and lesbians around their sexual identity is not based on physiological causes but rather is due more to a sense of alienation in an unaccepting environment. For this reason, aversion therapy (a behavioral or medical intervention which pairs unwanted behavior, in this case, homosexual behavior, with unpleasant sensations or aversive consequences) is no longer recommended for gay men and lesbians. Through psychotherapy, gay men and lesbians can become comfortable with their sexual orientation and understand the societal response to it."
American Academy of Pediatrics
"Confusion about sexual orientation is not unusual during adolescence. Counseling may be helpful for young people who are uncertain about their sexual orientation or for those who are uncertain about how to express their sexuality and might profit from an attempt at clarification through a counseling or psychotherapeutic initiative. Therapy directed at specifically changing sexual orientation is contraindicated, since it can provoke guilt and anxiety while having little or no potential for achieving changes in orientation."
"Pediatricians should be aware that some of the youths in their care may be homosexual or have concerns about sexual orientation. Caregivers should provide factual, current, nonjudgmental information in a confidential manner."
"The psychosocial problems of gay and lesbian adolescents are primarily the result of societal stigma, hostility, hatred and isolation. The gravity of these stresses is underscored by current data that document that gay youths account for up to 30 percent of all completed adolescent suicides. Approximately 30 percent of a surveyed group of gay and bisexual males have attempted suicide at least once. Adolescents struggling with issues of sexual preference should be reassured that they will gradually form their own identity and that there is no need for premature labeling of one's sexual orientation."
The American Psychiatric Association
Homosexuality per se implies no impairment in judgement, stability, reliability, or general social or vocational capabilities. The American Psychiatric Association calls on all international health orgranizations, and individual psychiatrists in other countries, to urge the repeal in their own country of legislation that penalizes homosexual acts by consenting adults in private. And further, the APA calls on these organizations and individuals to do all that is possible to decrease the stigma related to homosexuality wherever and whenever it may occur. (December 1992)
There is no published scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of reparative therapy as a treatment to change ones sexual orientation. It is not described in the scientific literature, nor is it mentioned in the APA's latest comprehensive Task Force Report, Treatments of Psychiatric Disorders (1989).
Clinical experience suggests that any person who seeks conversion therapy may be doing so because of social bias that has resulted in internalized homophobia, and that gay men and lesbians who have accepted their sexual orientation positively are better adjusted than those who have not done so.
The board of trustees of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) passed a resolution in December of 1998 that condemns the practice of "reparative therapy". The APA's statement stressed that "reparative therapy", also known as "conversion therapy", is not harmless and often has deleterious effects. The statement said practitioners of "reparative therapy" often mislead patients and are motivated by personal prejudices.
"The potential risks of `reparative therapy' are great, including depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient. Many patients who have undergone `reparative therapy' relate that they were inaccurately told that homosexuals are lonely, unhappy individuals who never achieve acceptance or satisfaction. The possibility that the person might achieve happiness and satisfying interpersonal relationships as a gay man or lesbian is not presented, nor are alternative approaches to dealing the effects of societal stigmatization discussed ... the APA opposes any psychiatric treatment, such as `reparative' or `conversion' therapy which is based on the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based on a prior assumption that the patient should change his/her sexual orientation."
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"but I do disapprove of the word homophobia or at least the way it is frequently applied"
It is applied as it is meant to apply--see above. It describes those who have an irrational fear of homosexuality which may also express itself as aversion or discrimination. Those who do not have these problems are not homophobic, and nobody is claiming that they are. What could be confusing about this??
"wasn't talking about tolerance for me, but rather you getting mad with someone else having tolerance for others"
Your tone and words over many posts, together with your strained vocabularly indicated that your "tolerating" referred to the most common definition usd in such a context--as suffering to exist. There were overtones of moral superiority and self righteousness in your offer to "tolerate" them. The distinct impression I got was that you considered them morally beneath you and also as unworthy.
I mean, let us be sensible. Why would people of moral equality need to be "tolerated". The word "tolerate" is almost always used (when referring to other humans) to indicate the bearing of something of unferior quality or merit, or repulsive nature. I could of course go back to all your posts and see to what suggestion your many comments about homosexuals point.
You must remember that your defensiveness was exactly like that exhibited in homophobic denial, so your pointed remark that you would "tolerate" them certainly sounded like you were holding your nose while you said it. However, I can admit that I misinterpreted you, if you, in fact, do not disapprove of them as people in any way, by virtue only of their homosexuality (which is a biological trait), and if you do not consider them diseased.
"s it necessary that I, or anyone else who would prefer not to be labeled a homophobe jump up and down shouting with joy for homosexuals"
No. To not be a homophobe you do not need to jump with joy. You merely need to become aware of any irrational fear you may have which might produce a loathing or discrimination. Homophobic "disapproval" causes young teans to be bullied and dehumanized, often resulting in sucessful suicides. Death should not be a better place to go than is life. These are sons and daughters. They could be yours. No, Tim. You don't need to jump for joy. But you might want to lose the "tolerance".
Perhaps the following article will help you to see that homophobia is a serious problem, not a schoolyard game about being confused:
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website.lineone.net
Homophobia and Nursing Care.
Introduction.
Homophobia, according to Blumenfield (1992) is both the belief that heterosexuality is or should be the only acceptable sexual orientation and the fear and hatred of those who are sexually attracted to those of the same sex. This definition forms the basis for this article, which explores whether living in a homophobic society affects the mental health of gay people and whether gay people are able to access appropriate services should they suffer from a mental illness. The article also examines whether nurses hold homophobic attitudes and if so, the extent to which these affect their work with mentally ill gay clients.
It is evident that homophobia is prevalent in the UK. Oppressive legislation includes a differential in the age of consent for male heterosexual and homosexual activity (16 and 18 years); section 28 of the Local Government Act (1988) forbids local authorities from promoting the acceptability of homosexuality; homosexuality is condemned by the Church of England; banned by the armed forces; and employers possess the legislative right to dismiss employees for their sexuality.
This article examines whether similar homophobic views are held by nurses and if so, whether these views affect the type and quality of their nursing care.
Attitudes of mental health nurses.
Some nurses may remember as students feeling uncomfortable when gay clients were to be cared for. Perhaps they condoned malicious gossip and amusing asides about gay clients or used derogatory labels to describe gay people. Since it is likely that nurses share the attitudes of the society in which they live, it is likely that they too possess homophobic views. Smith (1993) found that 77% of mental health nurses were either moderately (57%) or severely homophobic (20%). Synoground and Kellmer-Langan (1991) found that 43% of student nurses would not condone homosexual practices.
Rose (1993) conducted a survey in which over a quarter of the nurses who responded had recollections of colleagues refusing to care for gay clients. Such observations confirm the belief that metal health nurses are as likely to be homophobic as the general public. Similarly, Rose and Platzer (1993) maintained that nurses are not immune from the prejudices of mainstream society so perhaps it is not surprising that they share similarly negative attitudes of gay people.
Attitudes and behaviour On the other hand, it could be argued that the attitudes of mental health nurses are irrelevant so long as homophobic attitudes do not influence their practice. However, Webb and Askham (1987) showed that attitudes are linked closely to behaviour and Phillips (1994) suggested that by bringing their prejudices to clinical practice, nurses who have not considered their feelings about homosexuality may jeopardise the care of gay clients.
Nurses' attitudes and nursing practice Smith (1992) observed that if mental health nurses were insensitive to patients' sexual feelings, they may also ignore relevant clinical needs. He stated that by not dealing with their own negative feelings, nurses may ignore relevant information in planning and providing care for the homosexual psychiatric patient. Given that there seems little doubt that negative attitudes among nurses are transmitted to the patient, it is necessary to consider the possible impact of this behaviour on the mental health status of gay people.
The mental health of gay people.
There is some evidence that the gay population experiences a higher incidence of substance misuse, para-suicide, bipolar psychiatric disorders and depression (Taylor and Robertson 1994). It could be argued that these facts are merely evidence of the mental imbalance of gay people, but the literature suggests a more complex explanation. Homophobia may influence many important areas of a gay person's life. Platzer (1990) stated that being gay is not an easy option in a society where there is overt discrimination. Prejudice affects all aspects of life, particularly housing, employment, child custody and the law. The effects of discrimination in these major areas of life can lead to stress and a detrimental effect on health and wellbeing.
Isensee (1990) implied that gay people themselves may be or become homophobic. He suggested that homophobia may become a self-fulfilling prophecy of internalised negative self-image, which results in low self-esteem, a fear of sharing feelings with friends and family, and isolation. This implication appears to be borne out in reality as many gay people may experience discomfort regarding their sexuality. It is unlikely that gay people are particularly prone to instability, rather that homophobia in its many forms increases the likelihood of homosexual people developing mental health problems.
Perhaps this is not so surprising considering that gay people are an integral part of society and have been brought up in the same atmosphere of negative attitudes. If gay individuals have a negative self-image, as well as a negative social image, the high incidence of mental illness in this minority could be explained.
The effects of homophobia.
Platzer (1993) said that in general gay people are at risk of having their sexuality pathologised and are vulnerable to inappropriate psychiatric treatment, such as unwanted and ineffective cures. She continues by explaining that when gay people do have mental health problems the way these interact with the stress of being homosexual in a homophobic society must be addressed. Irwin (1992) suggested that gay clients face avoidance, ridicule and are exposed to a range of negative and disapproving non-verbal behaviours as they seek help for mental illness.
Negative interactions can have repercussions in many areas of a gay person's life. Taylor and Robertson (1994) explained that the ethic of confidentiality becomes particularly important for the gay client, who may fear the consequences of disclosure or discovery. She or he may not want certain people to know about their sexual orientation and mental health nurses may not consider the importance of these issues for gay clients.
Box 1. Gay peoples' requirements of health services (RCN 1994).
The RCN (1994) recognises that gay people have three key areas of concern when they come into contact with healthcare professionals. These are:
Concerns which relate to homophobia or anti-gay feelings in doctors and healthcare providers in general.
Fear of the consequences of being open about their sexuality and a belief that they cannot always obtain the care they need.
Fear of being physically harmed if healthcare practitioners are homophobic and/or that a breach of confidentiality will have negative consequences for them in relation to employment, housing, child custody or future health care.
The nursing care of mentally ill gay people.
Box 2. Guidance for the nursing care of mentally ill gay people.
Nurses caring for mentally ill gay clients should adopt a range of good practices:
Perform a self-assessment of attitudes and feelings towards gay people and evaluate the impact of those attitudes and feelings on client care (Smith 1993).
Challenge homophobic behaviour and attitudes of colleagues (RCN 1994) and service users (Phillips 1994).
Abondon the assumptions of heterosexuality when assessing clients. Avoid questions about spouses and replace with partner (Taylor and Robertson 1994).
Encourage gay clients to deal with prejudice and homophobia in others in a healthy manner (Smith 1992).
Support gay clients in coming to terms with their beliefs about homosexuality (Smith 1992).
Respect the right of gay clients to express their sexual orientation (Smith 1992) and to make disclosures only with consent (UKCC 1992).
It is apparent that homophobia in its various forms can have negative effects on the mental health of gay clients and the care they receive. The additional stresses of homophobia make gay people more inclined than others to experience mental health problems. Furthermore, gay clients have specific and justified concerns regarding the quality and appropriateness of their care. This suggests that mental health nurses may be shirking their professional responsibilities for this client group. The UKCC demands that nurses recognise and respect the uniqueness of each patient and client and respond to his or her need for care (UKCC 1992). Guidance for the care of mentally ill gay clients appears in Box 2.
Conclusion.
Discussions about the causes of homosexuality have been avoided in this article. Rather than enhancing the arguments, this would have reinforced the idea that homosexuality is unacceptable and wrong. Gay people are part of life, present in all cultures and all ages. Homophobia increases the likeliness of mental illness in gay people and may have serious consequences for their access to appropriate health care.
Mental health nurses should consider their professional obligations for this client group. They should recognise and respond to the specific needs and concerns of gay clients. For as long as mental health nurses fail to recognise homophobia as a problem in themselves, gay clients will continue to suffer the consequences of inappropriate and substandard care. |
