Even in today's society, gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals experience multiple pressures and constraints related to their lifestyles, in addition to the stresses of everyday life. This dual tension can result in psychopathology among gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals. Preventing Heterosexism and Homophobia examines the gay and lesbian experience in light of their tension and points toward a future free of heterosexism. The stress of “coming out,” the uncertainty of parenting their children, and the difficulties facing ethnic minority lesbians and bisexuals cannot be adequately addressed without confronting the heterosexual bias in society. The contributors to this informative volume propose methods geared toward eliminating heterosexual bias in various settings–health care, therapy, communities, corporate America, and education. Ultimately, this book examines both the risks and joys of being gay, lesbian, and bisexual, and how to prevent heterosexism and its effects on the lives of all people, including those of heterosexuals. Students and professionals in interpersonal communication and interpersonal relations, clinical psychology, and public health will benefit greatly from the original perspectives this book has to offer.

Contributions of Lesbian and Gay Parents and their Children to the Prevention of Heterosexism

Contributions of Lesbian and Gay Parents and their Children to the Prevention of Heterosexism

Contributions of lesbian and gay parents and their children to the prevention of heterosexism
CharlotteJ.Patterson

The existence of happy families in which lesbian or gay parents are raising children represents a significant challenge to longstanding, deeply held stereotypes. Even when the existence of such families is asserted only in fiction, it has proven to be extremely controversial. One well-known children's book. Heather Has Two Mommies (Newman, 1989), depicts the life of Heather, who is growing up as the daughter of a lesbian couple. The book explains how Mama Jane and Mama Kate wanted to have a child and found a doctor to help them, and how their daughter Heather is growing up happily ...

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