Creighton Allies Program Training What is CAP n

Creighton Allies Program Training

What is CAP? n History – SAFE On Campus, Ball State University, 1992 – Safe Space, Safe Zone, Safe Place – Why at Creighton? n Purpose 2

Always Our Children n n Respect for the God-given dignity of all persons means the recognition of human rights and responsibilities. It is not sufficient only to avoid unjust discrimination. Homosexual persons "must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity“ Nothing in the Bible or in Catholic teaching can be used to justify prejudicial or discriminatory attitudes and behaviors We call on all Christians and citizens of good will to confront their own fears about homosexuality and to curb the humor and discrimination We understand that having a homosexual orientation brings with it enough anxiety, pain and issues related to self-acceptance without society bringing additional 3 prejudicial treatment

Vocabulary Basic Terms n Sex: Medical term designating a combination of gonads, chromosomes, secondary sex characteristics. – Traditionally divided into male or female – Intersex: Someone whose biological sex is ambiguous. n Sexual Orientation: Emotional, physical, and sexual attraction 4

Homosexuality Homosexual: A person who is emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to members of the same sex. n The terms “gay and lesbian” are often preferred by members of the community. n 5

Bisexuality n Bisexual: A person who is emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to both men and women. – Not a transition phase from heterosexuality to homosexuality – Legitimate Sexual Orientation 6

Sex and Sexual Orientation Marie Young Elizabeth Straley TJ O’Neill 7

Vocabulary Part 2 Gender Terms n Gender: A person’s gender is made up of these things: – Identity/Awareness: One’s psychological sense of self – Expression: The way one expresses oneself; how society views oneself n It is important to remember that an individual may fall anywhere along any of these different spectra 8

Transgender Trans Terms n Transgender: Refers to those whose gender expression sometimes runs contrary to what others would normally expect. – “umbrella term” n Transsexual: Individuals who change their sex to align with their gender identities. 9

Sex, Gender & Sexual Orientation Marie Young Elizabeth Straley TJ O’Neill 10

Why are people gay? Scientific research has linked homosexuality to genetics as well as some environmental causes (primarily exposure to certain hormones before birth) n However, there seems to be no single cause of homosexuality (APA) n 11

Choice? n n The American Psychological Association notes that the consensus among professionals in the field is that most people experience “little to no choice” regarding their sexual orientation Further, they note that homosexual behavior is not a psychiatric disorder and that homosexual behavior is a normal part of the spectrum of human sexuality (apa. org) 12

Coming Out Identity Development Coming Out: The lifelong cyclical process of developing a positive identity as a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender person. n Why is “coming out” necessary? n – Assumption of heterosexuality 13

Coming Out Stages n n Awareness Confusion, questioning “Coming out, ” acceptance Integration and acceptance 14

Reflection Questions n n If you were a parent, how would you react if your child disclosed an LGBT identity to you? If someone you care about were to say to you, “I think I’m gay, ” would you suggest that the person see a therapist? Why or why not? How would you feel if others automatically assumed you were homosexual, regardless of your actual sexual orientation? Can you think of three ways homophobia manifests itself in our society, either institutionally, legally, or socially? 15

Homo-, Bi-, Transphobia n An irrational fear of: – persons who identify as homosexual, bisexual or transgender – homosexuality, bisexuality or transgenderism – any behavior, belief, or attitude of self or others which does not conform to rigid sex-role stereotypes n Reinforces sexism and heterosexism 16

Homo-, Bi-, Transphobia Effects on LGBT Students Depression n Suicide n – Twice as likely to report having seriously considered suicide or made a suicide plan and three to four times as likely to report attempting suicide – 30% teenage suicides among LGBT youth n Shame (internalized homophobia) 17

Coming Out Challenges to Developing a Positive LGBT Identity Confusion n Rejection n Misinformation n Lack of Self-acceptance n Denial of Basic Civil Rights n Relationship Development n 18

Activity n A Guided Journey 19

Heterosexism: The individual or institutionalized assumption that heterosexuality is the ‘normal’ sexual orientation and which, therefore, systematically denies, invalidates and fails to recognize the complete humanness of LGBT persons. n What causes heterosexism? n 20

Heterosexual Privilege n n Heterosexual Privilege: The basic civil rights and social privileges that a heterosexual individual automatically receives, which are systematically denied to LGBT persons on the sole basis of their orientation. For instance: – not questioning your normalcy and having positive role models in the media – living in a residence hall without fear of rejection or discomfort from roommates – walk down the mall holding hands with partner 21

Heterosexism Combating Heterosexism n To combat heterosexism, address its primary cause, homophobia - Object to the use of offensive terms, such as “fag, ” “dyke, ” and “queer” (contextual) - Do not reinforce the assumption that all “normal” people are heterosexual - Fight institutionalized homophobia, especially related to the concepts of “sexual preference, ” “special rights, ” and “gay agenda. ” These terms are used to demean GLBT individuals and reinforce homophobia in society. 22

Activity n Three Volunteers 23

Creating an Inclusive Campus Environment n n Object to and eliminate “gay” jokes and humor. Don’t force anyone to disclose his or her orientation to you. Appreciate the strength and struggle it takes to establish a positive LGBT identity. View the creation of an inclusive campus environment as the responsibility of everyone in the Creighton community, not just LGBT individuals. 24

Ally Development n What is an ally? – A person who supports the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities – Actively works to break down systematic discrimination against LGBT people 25

Ally Development Stages n n Stage 1: Pre-Contact Stage 2: Acceptance Stage 3: Internal Identification Stage 4: External Identification (Redefinition) 26

Activity n A Guided Journey…with a twist 27

Thank you! Please feel free to ask any questions.