CHAPTER 6 Sexual Orientation and Heterosexism Developing Multicultural

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

Defining Sexual Orientation • Klein’s (1990) seven variables of sexual orientation • Affectional orientation • Heterosexuality • Homosexuality • Bisexuality • Questioning Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -2

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -3

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -4

Lesbian Identity Development • Application of gay identity development models to lesbians • Mc. Carn & 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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -5

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -6

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -7

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -8

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -9

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -10

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -11

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -12

Heterosexism & Classism • Many states have laws that prohibit unmarried couples from owning a home together • Many LGBTQI individuals live in metropolitan areas where tends to be greater tolerance Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -13

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -14

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -15

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -16

Physical Consequences of Heterosexism • Substance abuse • HIV/AIDS Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -17

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -18

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -19

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 Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -20

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. Hays & Erford, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (2 nd Edition) © 2013, 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6 -21