Abstract This essay discusses how gay and lesbian adolescents are an at-risk population. The paper argues that this phenomenon is the result of the homophobia that exists in the society at large. In the context of the discrimination against gayyouth, therefore, the social worker's role becomes extremely significant. Indeed, there needs to be outside intervention to help gayyouth deal with the oppression around them.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that a commitment to equity in education means a commitment to social justice, which has been an important slogan of the Ontario Ministry of Education for more than 10 years. While one is accustomed to such references applied to the advancement of women or visible minorities, the same general ideal is to apply to persons who are gays or lesbians during their experiences of education. The writer notes that this may be difficult for various schools and educators to assimilate with regard to students who are not heterosexual or espouse support for gay and lesbian fellow students, and notably in Roman Catholic settings that have not been influenced pervasively by contemporary Roman Catholic views on homosexuality, at large. However, the writer maintains that more Ontario Ministry statements on equity and social justice can be expected to refer to matters of gender and sexual orientation in the next years, part of a general social adjustment meant to fully include gay or lesbian persons. The writer concludes that with regard to Roman Catholic education in Ontario one recognizes the need to see equity as social justice realized in more schools' approaches to the gaystudent.
Outline:
Introduction
Promoting Gay-Accepting School Cultures
Cultural and Pedagogical Lag
Equity, Social Justice and the Gay-Lesbian Student Skeletons in the Closet
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper "The presence of a few gay or lesbian students should be accepted by those who work in Roman Catholic high schools, at the very least, and with teachers and guidance counselors prepared to counsel occasional students to report questions concerning homosexuality including those to state that they realize they are gay. A pastoral message of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops addressed the needs of the parents of gay or lesbian children in a manner demonstrating the hierarchy's acceptance of this phenomenon and the first reactions adults may have to the news that a child is not heterosexual. The general approach is one instructing adults to accept the person who is different, seeing that the person feels supported and does not succumb to depression, alienation or the dangers of these results, directing counseling so that the person does not feel rejected. The general suggestion is that homosexuality is not condemned as much as its lifestyle that may indeed take form if a child is ostracized. In the last years, the Roman Catholic Church has supported research into homosexuality as a human condition and in awareness of gay and lesbian persons who may become vagrant, addicted to drugs or an uncaring promiscuity, if they are rejected by their families and friends."
Abstract This paper discuses issues relevant to the identification and counseling of gay and lesbian high school students. It looks at the importance of counselors and teachers understanding the unique stressors of gay and lesbian students and an often unsupportive, unacccepting, hostile school environment. The paper conducts a research study of high school gay or lesbian students who have been subject to harassment, violence and verbal abuse.
Abstract This paper details the various stressors gayyouth encounter when they 'come out' from parents, friends, school, and society in general. The paper ties these variables together and makes the argument for increased suicidal ideation in gayyouth, citing the aforementioned stressors as antecedents.
From the Paper "Young people are particularly impressionable to the attitudes, ideologies, and norms of society, thus homosexual youth are affected by "negative attitudes and hostile reactions of our society to homosexuality" (Chauvin et al,. 2000:9). Furthermore, society offers little in ways to seek refuge from homophobia and the attitudes it places upon the oppressed youth, and many areas require minors to have permission from their parents before engaging in therapy or attending gay/lesbian programs at outreach centers. "The outcome of societal barriers along with negative responses to a homosexual orientation may facilitate a young gay or lesbian person to exhibit a low self-esteem, depression, and a generalized fear, consequently, resulting in a deteriorated and fragile identity on the part of a young homosexual person" (Chauvin et al., 2000:9-10)."
Abstract This paper examines the role of the Roman Catholic school teacher in the life of the young gaystudent by reviewing three books on this topic: "Educating for Life - a Spiritual Vision for Every Teacher and Parent" by Thomas Groome, "Fully Alive - a Family Life Education Program" by Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops and " The Courage to Teach - Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's Life" by Parker Palmer. The paper discusses how a teacher needs to appreciate a gaystudent as someone who may struggle with a sense of being different, help the child to speak openly about worries, and be able to answer questions a child may have concerning this special status and Church teachings. The writer notes that many teachers do not know that the Roman Catholic schools accept gay or lesbian students as people to be helped in their adjustments, understood for what may be greater depression or confusion as part of adolescence, and given the same message as other students to do with sexuality and chastity. The writer points out that there are prejudices about homosexuality in the minds of various people who believe they are good Catholics. The writer concludes that teachers and parents need to be educated about the Roman Catholic stand on homosexuality and be able to interpret this to the child.
From the Paper "Parker J. Palmer's volume, The Courage to Teach - Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's Life, directs an open heart as the way to effective teaching. (1998) Particularly interesting has been Palmer's view of the teacher as a person who must learn from others, the heart gaining from what may not conform with one's views. This seems important in a parochial school setting if one is to respond to students who do not fit with Roman Catholic ideas of normal childhood. For instance, the Roman Catholic view of homosexuality involves awareness of gay students that will be met in parochial schools. This issue will challenge some teachers to examine their opinions and biases to do with homosexuality, at large, because the teacher must be able to provide what a gay student needs within school settings."
Abstract This paper describes peer-to-peer youth program, which is designed to provide disadvantaged youth with opportunities to acquire basic educational and life skills that will promote success at a difficult stage of life. The author points out that the program will pair a high school senior with an adolescent aged 13-16 for a 90-minute period every other week. The paper relates that the education component offers students basic study skills, test-taking strategies and tutoring if the peer leader is knowledgeable in the subject matter.
From the Paper "Today's youth face many difficult challenges as they attempt to seek support for their problems. Peer-to-peer counseling has been known to provide an effective means by which young people may express any personal or academic concerns that they might have. The proposed program will provide peer-to-peer interaction for disadvantaged individuals aged 13-16 who are in need of additional support at a particularly vulnerable stage of life. High school seniors will serve as peer leaders, and they will also provide their younger counterparts with basic skills and training, divided into two primary components: Education and Life Skills. The education component offers students basic study skills, test-taking strategies, and tutoring if the peer leader is knowledgeable in the subject matter. "
Abstract This paper explores the cultural development of youth, and especially boys, in Britain in the early 1950s going on to the 60s. The paper examines this issue through the eyes of the media, making use of the movies and music of the time to discover what formed the youth of that time. Included in the many examples used are "To Sir With Love", "A Hard Days Night", "Smashing Time" and many others. The paper explains that the phenomenon of youthful culture and diversion were evident due to the changing times, economies and politics seen in these movies.
From the Paper "The character of Joe Lampton (Laurence Harvey) in Jack Clayton's Room at the Top, for example, was used to show how despite the supposedly classless orientation of the newly affluent society "the patronizing upper class, the self-made middle class anxious to preserve the status quo and a conservative and conformist working class" made upward movement in society a rare, difficult and ultimately shallow achievement (Richards 150)."
A paper examining the issue of gay marriages and whether they should be legalized because not doing so would deny homosexuals their basic civil rights.
Abstract This paper is a study for understanding whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages. The paper is divided into three sections arguing three thesis statements. The first thesis statement argues that marriage is a civil right of every individual, as it is essential for the emotional well-being of individuals and denying it to the gay community is discriminatory. Hence, the study begins with a discussion of the argument that denying the civil rights of marriage is discriminatory. The second thesis statement asserts that gays are denied the rights which are associated with marriage and that denying these rights is a violation of their civil rights and therefore a need exists to legalize gay marriages. By way of this thesis statement, the paper offers an understanding as to the rights which are associated with marriage but which are denied to gay couples and discusses whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages taking this perspective into consideration. The third thesis statement argues that legalizing gay marriage is necessary for the security and well-being of the children that gay couples are caring for. Herein, the paper attempts to analyze whether children of gay couples would entail the security required if gay marriages are legalized. Thus, on the basis of the above three thesis statements, the paper tries to formulate an understanding of whether denying marriage to homosexual couples leads to denial of civil rights to the gay community and whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages.
Table of Contents
Introduction
First Thesis Statement
Second Thesis Statement
Third Thesis Statement
Conclusion
From the Paper "Whether the US community is prepared to permit people to marry without the consideration of gender is gaining our notice daily. Religion and civil marriage are two clearly different entities. Certainly this is completely fitting. Certainly, the state must not have the right to order for whom religious organization might carry out marriage services --- akin to the fact that religions institutions must not set terms regarding who might get a license for civil marriage from the state. Latest census data show that the number of faithful same-sex couples in the US has been mounting, as also the number of same-sex couple's upbringing children. Accordingly recognition in the eyes of law is crucial to safeguarding the emotional and financial health of these families. Besides, legal approval should be on a same footing with that of heterosexual marriage ---'separate but equal' is by no means equal."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in today's modern world, the issue of gay marriage has spawned a huge debate centering on whether or not gay couples should be legally allowed to become married. Those who oppose gay marriage contend that such an arrangement if made legal would destroy American society by changing the traditional family unit of a mother, father and children; others point out that gay marriage is not supported by the Christian religion. The writer discusses that in contrast, those who support gay marriage contend that such an arrangement between either two men or two women is factually not that different from traditional marriages and that all of the arguments against gay marriage are based on misinformation, rumor and outright lies by numerous national organizations seeking to make certain that gay marriage is never made legal nor recognized as a legitimate way of living. The writer concludes that it is quite clear that if gay marriage was legalized in the United States, our current social systems would not collapse nor become non-existent.
From the Paper "Not surprisingly, gay couples in today's America see this opposition to gay marriage as nothing less than an issue of civil rights. As outlined in the Bill of Rights, every American citizen is entitled to the same civil and legal protections regardless of race, national origin, religious beliefs and sexual gender. Thus, it is abundantly clear that gay marriage should be legal in the United States in the face of so much opposition which is mostly based on religious beliefs and unfounded cultural fears and phobias. For example, if the science of genetics does eventually determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that being gay is inborn, i.e. genetically predetermined, then what the Holy Bible says about homosexuality is hypocritical."
"In conclusion, it is quite clear that if gay marriage was legalized in the United States, our current social systems would not collapse nor become non-existent."
Abstract This paper proposes that a Constitutional amendment to protect gay rights is necessary in order to protect the diversity of the country. The paper argues that those who oppose gay rights are prejudiced and that their arguments against gay rights can be invalidated. The paper discusses why gay rights are important, why the arguments opposed to gay rights are wrong, and why people should care about gay rights.
From the Paper "America is a boldly hypocritical nation. We are "the land of the free" but actively prevent people from living lives free from discrimination, from persecution, and from the kind of hatred that drove people out of Europe. The Declaration of Independence, the legal and spiritual foundation upon which this nation is built, indicates that all men are created equal with certain inalienable rights. Those rights are being infringed upon by the same people that claim to protect them. It appears that gays must revolt to carve those rights out of the nation. African-Americans have been freed from slavery, women have been granted suffrage, racial discrimination laws have been passed, and the fight for gender equality in the workplace has begun. As each new triumph occurs other challenges present themselves."
Abstract A paper which shows how the people actively involved with the gay rights movement may be highly organized and their objectives legitimate, but they are still considered a threat to traditional family values and "normal" sexual lives of other citizens. The paper discusses how the discovery of the deadly disease AIDS was yet another severe setback for the Gay rights movements, as the disease came to be linked to the gays, so much so, that AIDS was termed as a gay disease. Although the movement for the rights of gays has had its share of successes and failures, it has yet to see the movement converted into state legislation. The paper discusses sexual orientation, the HIV factor and the creation of resource centers and movements.
From the Paper "One of the achievements in this field was the creation of a resource center called the Office of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual (GLB) Student Support Services, with private funding, by the Indiana University Bloomington. It's principle objective was to serve the community of the university, with detailed information and resources on gays, lesbians, and bisexual issues, as well as offering information, support and referral for lesbian, gays and bisexual individuals. This center also refers students who have been harassed because of their sexual orientation to their GLB Anti-Harassment Team, which then assists the affected individuals, by finding a solution to their situation, and documents the incidents to ward off any future harassment. The benefits which have been highlighted by the opening up of resources centers such as stated above, is the creation of a support culture, which successfully helps those in need and guidance. [4]"
Tags: non-heterosexual, gays, lesbians, Anti-Harassment, Team, Censorship, GLAAD, Ellen, DeGeneres
Abstract This paper explains that, in 1960 in Canada, being gay was very difficult forcing gays to be completely closeted about alternative sexual orientations for fear of losing their jobs, their homes, their families and even their lives. The author pouts out that, in 2005 in Canada, being gay is much more open with some politicians openly gay and a very good chance that same-sex marriage will soon be legalized. The paper relates that change was not freely bestowed on gays nor has it been the result of a rise in tolerance and benevolence.
From the Paper In 1960 in Canada, being gay was very difficult. Most people were forced to be completely closeted about alternative sexual orientations, for fear of losing their jobs, their homes, their families, and even their lives. In 2005 in Canada, we see much more openness. Even some politicians are openly gay, and there seems to be a very good chance that same-sex marriage will soon be legalized. How can we account for this massive change? This change was not freely bestowed on gays - it has not been the result of a rise in tolerance and benevolence."
Abstract The paper discusses how for individuals who practice a homosexual lifestyle, the issue of gay rights looms large. Legislation passed in favor of or against gay rights has a real impact on the quality of their lives, i.e., spousal medical benefits, alimony-like support, being able to keep one's job or getting fired, the right to marry and the ability to adopt children. For the social and religious conservatives, the impact of the passing or the restricting of various gay rights is not as profound. They may be uncomfortable with having to recognize a marriage, for instance, between two males or two females, but gay rights legislation isn't going to profoundly affect the quality of their life.
Abstract Like all people, gay men express themselves by how they dress, and those members of the gay community who 'cross-dress' or dress 'in drag' are no exception. This paper examines how society viewed gay men in earlier days, beginning with the Berdeche of Pre-Columbian Native America, and continuing until the present day. It examines, in particular, cross-dressers and drag queens whose very act of dressing 'differently' is a symbol of pride in their unique sexuality.
From the Paper "Charles? style of cross-dressing is as "typical" of today's queens as is his devotion to the community and to his and other gay men's hard-won rights. The queen is not merely a simple copy of a heterosexual woman; rather she is a character that is at once uniquely gay in the fashions and attitudes she represents, and in the causes she espouses. Increasingly, even heterosexuals have come to see the deeper meanings behind what were once taboo images. Authors, artists, filmmakers, and those paragons of popular culture ? advertisers ? reach out to gay men in ways they never have before."
Abstract This paper examines the legal status of same-sex marriages in several states in America, including California and Vermont. This paper details the law in California, which bans same-sex marriages, yet discusses the fact that the mayor recently chose to overrule these regulations by legalizing a large number of gay marriages. This paper delves into the increasing support for the legalization of same-sex marriages. The writer contends and explains why Vermont is considered the most advanced state in its acceptance of gay marriages. In 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court passed a decision which stated that gay couples had the same state constitutional rights as straight ones. This paper also discusses the Same-Sex Civil-Union Bill.
From the Paper "The virtual success of such a bill would be tremendous for supporters of gay marriages. As I have previously mentioned, the issue is not necessarily for gay civil unions to be called marriages. It is a much deeper issue, an issue where the homosexual civil union should be assimilated in all rights and obligations to the heterosexual marriage. In this sense, Connecticut seems to be on the same path as Vermont in recognizing the rights of gay couples. Progress was also made in New York towards achieving the legalization of gay marriages. Judge Doris Ling-Cohan ruled, at the beginning of 2005, in favour of gay couples being allowed to marry. According to the decision , there is no point in guaranteeing basic freedoms to lesbian and gay people if one is not interested in conferring one of the most essential rights of all, the right to marry whomever one may desire."
Tags: union, relationship, gay, homosexual, civil, law, rights
