sign in sign up
<<
Home , Gay men, Heterosexism, Leonard Matlovich, Switchboard (UK)

A Weapon of

SuzannePharr Founder, Women’s Project, Little Rock, Arkansas

H omophobia - the irrational fear and hatred of those Homosexwdity and the Bllble who love and sexually desire those of the same sex. The sin theory is a particularly curious one because it is Though I intimately knew its meaning, the word homo- expressed so often and with such hateful emotion both phobia was unknown to me until the late 197Os, and from the pulpit and from laypeople who rely heavily when I first heard it, I was struck by how difficult it is to upon the Bible for evidence. However, there is signifi- say, what an ugly word it is, equally as ugly as its mean- cant evidence that the approximately eight references to ing, Like and anti-Semitism, it is a word that calls in the Bible are frequently read incorrectly, up images of loss of freedom, verbal and physical via- according to Dr. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott in an essay in

lence, death. l Chtitiniiy in CrLvk In my life I have experienced the effects of homo- phobia through rejection by friends, threats of loss of em- Much of the against homosexual ployment and threats upon my life; and I have witnessed persons is justied by a common misreading of the far worse things happening to other and Bible. Many English translations of the Bible con- people: loss of children, beatings, rape, death. Its power tain the word homosexual in extremely negative is great enough to keep ten to twenty percent of the contexts. But the fact is that the word homosexual population living lives of fear (if their is does not occur anywhere in the Bible. No extant hidden) or lives of danger (if their sexual identity is vis- text, no manuscript, neither Hebrew nor Greek, ible) or both. And its power is great enough to keep the Syriac, nor Aramaic, contains the word. The term homosexual and heterosexual were not developed remaining eighty to ninety percent of the population in any laqqage until the 189Os, when for the fmt trapped in their own fears. time the awareness developedthat there are Long before I had a word to describe the behavior, I people with a lifelong, constitutional orientation to- was engaged in a search to discover the source of its ward their own sex. Therefore the use of the word power, the power to damage and destroy lives. The most homosexuality by certain English Bible translators common explanations were that to love the same sex was is an example of the extreme that endangers either abnormal (sick) or immoral (sinful). the human and civil rights of homosexual persons. My exploration of the sicknesstheory led me to under- (pp. 3834 Nov. 9, 1987) stand that homosexuality is simply a matter of sexual identity, which, along with heterosexual identity, is Dr. Mollenkott goes on to add that two words in I formed in ways that no one conclusively understands. Corinthians 69 and one word in Timothy 1:lO have been The American Psychological Association has said that it is used as evidence to damn homosexuals but that well into no more abnormal to be homosexual than to be left the 20th Century the first of these was understood by ev- handed. It is simply that a certain percentage of the eryone to mean masturbation, and the second was known population is. It is not healthier to be heterosexual than to refer to male prostitutes who were available for hire by to be righthanded. What is unhealthy - and sometimes either women or men. There are six other Biblical refer- a source of stressand sickness so great it can lead to sui- ences that are thought by some to refer to homosexuals cide - is homophobia, that societal diseasethat places but each of these is disputed by contemporary scholars. such negative messages,condemnation, and violence on For instance, the sin in the Sodom and Gommorah pas- and that we have to struggle throughout sage(Genesis 19:1-10) is less about homosexuality than it our lives for self-esteem. is about inhospitality and gang rape. The law of hospital- ity was universally accepted and Lot was struggling to up- hold it against what we assume are heterosexual towns- men threatening gang rape to the two male angels in Lot’s home. While people dwell on this passage as a condem- Sex Information and Education Council of the U.S. nation of homosexuality, they bypass what I believe is the central issue or, if you will, sin: Lot’s offering his two vir- gin daughters to the men to be used as they desired for SIECUS REPORT STAFF gang rape. Here is a perfectly clear example of devaluing ExecutiveDirector and dehumanizing and violently brutalizing women. Debra Haffner, MPH The eight Biblical references (and not a single one by Editor-In-cbiezf Jesus) to alleged homosexuality are very small indeed Mary Beth Caschetta when compared to the several hundred references (and con~~Editor many by Jesus) to money and the necessity for justly dis- Alan Gambrell tributing wealth. Yet few people go on a rampage about the issue of a just economic system, using the Bible as a Technkal Assistance Evan Harris base. Jim Shortridge Finally, I came to understand that homosexuality, het- erosexuality, bi-sexuality are morally neutral A particular sexual identity is not an indication of either good or evil. EDIToRIALBoARD What is important is not the of the two people in relationship with each other but the content of that rela- Mary Guess Flamer - Chair Peggy Brick tionship. Does that relationship contain violence, control Konstance McCaffree, PhD of one person by the other? IS the relationship a Rt, Rev. David Richards growtbful place for the people involved? It is clear that Patricia Schreiner-Engel,S&miner-Engel, PhD we must hold all relationships, whether opposite sex or Susan Vasbinder same sex, to these standards. . . .

Homophobia and Heterosads& The SLECllS Report is published bimonthly and distributed to Homophobia works effectively as a weapon of sexism be- SIECIJS members, professionals, organizations, government officials, libraries, the media, and the general public. cause it is joined with a powerful arm, . Heterosexism creates the climate for homophobia with its Annual membership fees: individual, $75; student (with valida- assumption that the world is and must be heterosexual tion), $35; senior citizen, $45; organization, $135 (includes two and its display of power and privilege as the norm. bimonthly copies of the SLSC7J.S Report>; and library, $75. SIECUS RepOft subscription alone, $70 a year. Outside the cJ.S., add $10 Heterosexism is the systemic display of homophobia in per year to these fees (except and , $5). The the institutions of society. . SLEC7IS Repott is available on microfh from tJn.iversity Micro- It is not by chance that when children approach pu- films, 300 Noah Zeeb Road, AM Arbor, MJ 48106. berty and increased sexual awareness they begin to taunt All article, review, advertising, and publication inquiries and each other by calling these names: “,” “,” submissions should be addressed to the Editor: “pervert.” It is at puberty that the full force of society’s pressure to conform to and prepare for SlEcus ReJmt marriage is brought to . Children know what we 130 West 42nd Street, Suite 2500 have taught them, and we have given clear messages that New York, New York 10036 those who deviate from standard expectations are to be 212/819-9770 fax 212/819-9776 made to get back in line. The best controlling tactic at puberty is to be treated as an outsider, to be ostracized at a time when it feels most vital to be accepted. Those Opinions expressed in the articles appearing in who are different must be made to suffer loss. It is also at the SlECUS Report may not reflect the official puberty that begins to be more apparent, and position of the Sex Information and Education girls are pressured to conform to societal norms that do Council of the U.S. Articles which express differ- not permit them to realize their full potential. It is at this ing points of view are published asa contribution time that their academic achievements begin to decrease to responsible and meaningful dialogue regard- as they are coerced into dependency upon a for eco- ing issuesof significance in the field of sexuality. nomic survival. I I There was a time when the two most condemning ac- cusations against a meant to ostracize and Typography by Ray Noonan, PamGraphic Artists, NYC disempower her were “whore” and “lesbian.” The sexual revolution and changing attitudes about heterosexual be- Copyright 0 1993 by the Sex Jnformation and Education Council of havior may have led to some lessening of the power of the U.S., Inc. No part of the SIECUS Rejxwimay be reproduced in any the word “whore”, though it still has strength as a threat form without written permission. to sexual property and prostitutes are stigmatized and Library of Congress catalog card number 72627361. abused. However, the word “lesbian” is still fully charged and carries with it the full threat of loss of power and ISSN: 0091-3995

SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 2 privilege, the threat of being cut asunder, abandoned, and called lesbians because we resist dominance and control. left outside of society’s protection. And this kind of baiting has little or nothing to do with one’s sexual identity. ksbians and Gay Men: In the backlash to the gains of the women’s liberations A’IlweattotheHeartofSexhm movement, there has been an increased effort to keep defi- To be a lesbian is to be perc&ved as someone who has nitions man-centered. Therefore, to work on behalf of stepped out of line, who has moved out of sexual/eco- women must mean to work against men. To love women nomic dependence on a male, who is woman-identified. must mean that one hates men. A very effective attack has A lesbian is perceived as being outside the acceptable, been made against the word feminist to make it a deroga- routinized order of things. She is seen as someone who tory word. In current backlash usage, feminist equals man- has no societal institutions to protect her and who is not hater which equals lesbian. This formula is created in the privileged to the protection of individual males. Many hope that women will be frightened away from their work heterosexual women see her as someone who stands in on behalf of women. Consequently, we now have women contradiction to the sacrifices they have made to conform who believe in the rights of women and work for those to compulsory heterosexuality. A lesbian is perceived as rights while from fear deny that they are feminists, or a threat to the nuclear family, to male dominance and refuse to use the word because it is so “abrasive.” When control, to the very heart of sexism. women’s organizations begin doing sign&ant social Gay men are perceived also as a threat to male domi- change work, they inevitably are lesbian-baited; that is, nance and control, and the homophobia expressed against funders or institutions or community members tell us that them has the same roots in sexism as does homophobia they can’t work with us because of our “man-hating atti- against lesbians. Visible gay men are the objects of ex- tudes” or the presence of lesbians. We are called too stri- treme hatred and fear by heterosexual men because their dent, told we are making enemies, not doing good. breaking ranks with male heterosexual solidarity is seen as To be named as lesbian threatens all women, not just a damaging rent in the very fabric of sexism. They are lesbians, with great loss. And any woman who steps out seen as betrayers, as traitors who must be punished and of role risks being called a lesbian. To understand how eliminated. In the beating and killing of gay men we see this is a threat to all women, one must understand that clear evidence of this hatred. When we see the fierce any woman can be called a lesbian and there is no real homophobia expressed, toward gay men, we can begin to way she can defend herself: there is no way to credential understand the ways sexism also affects males through im- one’s sexuality. (7&e Children’s Hou?; a play by Lillian posing rigid, dehurnamz ’ ing gender roles on them. Hellrnan, makes this point when a student assertstwo The two circumstances in which it is legitimate for teachers are lesbians and they have no way to disprove men to be openly physically affectionate with one an- it.) She may be married or divorced, have children, dress other are in competitive sports and in the crisis of war. in the most feminine manner, have sex with men, be celi- For many men, these two experiences are the highlights bate - but there are lesbians who do all of those things. of their lives, and they think of them again and again with Lesbianslook like all women and all women look like nostalgia. War and sports offer a cover of all-male safety lesbians. There is no guaranteed method of identification, and dominance to keep away the notion of affectionate and as we all know, sexual identity can be kept hidden. openness being identified with homosexuality. When gay (The same is true for men. There is no way to prove their men break ranks with male roles through bonding and af- sexual identity, though many go to extremes to prove het- fection outside the arenas of war and sports, they are per- erosexuality.) Also, women are not necessarily born les- ceived as not being “real men,” that is, as being identified bian. Some seem to be, but others become lesbianslater in with women, the weaker sex that must be dominated and life after having lived heterosexual lives. Lesbian baiting of that over the centuries has been the object of male hatred heterosexual women would not work if there were a de- and abuse. Misogyny gets transferred to gay men with a finitive way to identify lesbians(or heterosexuals). vengeance and is increased by the fear that their sexual identity and behavior will bring down the entire system of sexual Identity male dominance and compulsory heterosexuality. We have yet to understand how sexual identity develops. And this is disturbing to some people, especially those lesbians and Heterosexual Women: who are determined to discover how lesbian and gay A Measure of identity is formed so that they will know where to start in If lesbians are established as threats to the status quo, as eliminating it. (Isn’t it odd that there is so little concern outcasts who must be punished, homophobia can wield about discovering the causesof heterosexuality?) There its power over all women through lesbian baiting. yes- are many theories: genetic make up, hormones, socializa- bian baiting is an attempt to control women by labelling tion, environment, etc. But there is no conclusive evi- us as lesbians because our behavior is not acceptable, that dence that indicates that heterosexuality comes from one is, when we are being independent, going our own way, process and homosexuality from another. living whole lives, fighting for our rights, demanding We do know, however, that sexual identity can be in equal pay, saying no to violence, being self-assertive, flux, and we know that sexual identity means more than bonding with and loving the company of women, assum- just the gender of people one is attracted to and has sex ing the right to our bodies, insisting upon our own au- with. To be a lesbian has as many ramifications as for a thority, making changes that include us in society’s deci- woman to be heterosexual. It is more than sex, more sion-making. Lesbian baiting occurs when women are than just the bedroom issue many would like to make it:

3 SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 it is a woman-centered life with all the rich social inter- l Saf&y. There is nowhere to turn for safety from physi- connections that entails. Some lesbians are in long-term cal and verbal attacks becausethe norm presently in relationships, some in short-term ones, some remain as this country is that it is acceptable to be overtly home separate as possible from men, some have children by phobic. Gay men are beaten on the streets;lesbians men, some by alternative insemination, some seem “femi- are kidnapped and “deprogrammed”. . . nine” by societal standards, some “masculine,” some are doctors, lawyers and ministers, some laborers, housewifes l . An overtly homophobic world in and writers: what all share in common is a sexuaV which there is full permission to treat lesbians and affectional identity that focuses on women and its attrac- gay men with cruelty makes it difhcult for lesbians tions and social relationships. and gay men to maintain a strong senseof well-being If lesbiansare simply women with a particular sexual and self-esteem. Many lesbians and gay men are identity who look and act like all women, then the major beaten, raped, killed, subjected to aversion therapy, difference in living out a lesbian sexual identity as opposed or put in mental institutions. The impact of such ha- to a heterosexual identity is that as lesbianswe live in a ho tred and negativity can lead to depression and, in mophobic world that threatens and imposesdamaging loss some cases,suicide. The toll on the gay and lesbian on us for bdng who we are, for choosing to live whole community is devastating. lives. Homophobic people often assertthat homosexuals

have the choice of not being homosexual; that is, we don’t l Community. There is rejection by those who live in have to act out our sexual identity. In that case, I want to homophobic fear, those who are afraid of association hear heterosexuals talk about their willingness not to act with lesbians and gay men. For many in the lesbian out their sexual identity, including not just sexual activity and gay community, there is a loss of public accep- but heterosexual social interconnections and heterosexual tance, a loss of allies, a loss of place and belonging. privilege. It is a question of wholeness. It is very difhcult for one to be denied the life of a sexual being, whether ex- l Credibility. This fear is large for many people: the fear pressedin sex or in physical affection, and to feel complete, that they will no longer be respected, listened to, hon- whole. For our loving relationshipswith humansfeed the ored, believed. They fear they will be social outcasts. life of the spirit and enable us to overcome our basic isola- tion and to be interconnected with humankind. . . . The list goes on and on. But any one of these essen- tial components of a full life is large enough to make one The Cost of Homophobia deeply fear its loss. A black woman once said to me in a : Being vulnerable to a homophobic world can lead to workshop, “When I fought for Civil Rights, I always had these losses: my family and community to fall back on even when they didn’t fully understand or accept what I was doing. I l Employment. The lossof a job leadsus right back to don’t if I could have borne losing them. And you people the economic connection to sexism. This fear of job don’t have either with you. It takes my breath away. .” loss exists for almost every lesbian except perhaps those who are self-employed or in a businessthat does The Elimination of Homophobia not require societal approval. Consider how many Equality is more than tolerance, compassion, understand- businessesor organizations you know that will hire ing, acceptance, benevolence, for these still come from a and protect people who are openly gay or lesbian. place of implied superiority: favors granted to those less fortunate. These attitudes suggest that there is still some- . Family. Their approval, acceptance, love. thing wrong, something not quite right that must be over- looked or seen beyond. The elimination of homophobia

l Children. Many lesbians and gay men have children, requires that homosexual identity be viewed as viable and but very, very few gain custody in court challenges, legitimate and as normal as heterosexual identity. It does even if the other parent is a known abuser, Other not require tolerance; it requires an equal footing. Given children may be kept away from us as though gays the elimination of homophobia, sexual identity - and lesbians are abusers. There are written and un- whether homosexual, bi-sexual, or heterosexual - will written laws prohibiting lesbians and gays from being not be seen as good or bad but simply as what is. foster parents or from adopting children. There is an Suzanne Pharr is a social justice workwfiom the South. A irrational fear that children in contact with lesbians and gays will become homosexual through influence wrlteq educatol; and community organ&q she analyzes the linkages between and brings targeted or that they will be sexually abused. Despite our groups together to build a progressive movement. knowing that 95 percent of those who sexually abuse children are heterosexual men, there are no policies keeping heterosexual men from teaching or working Editor’s Note * This articlewas excerpted from the author’sbook of the same with children, yet in almost every school system in title, publishedin 1988by Chardon Press,available through America, visible gay men and lesbians are not hired The Women’sProject, 2224Main, Little Rock, AR 72206. All through either written or unwritten law. proceedsof the hook Homophobia: Weapon of Sexismbenefit The Women’sProject. l Heterosexuulprivtlege andprotection. No institutions “All of the subtitlesin this article have been added and do not . . . affirm homosexuality and offer protection. . . appearin the author’soriginal text.

SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 4 EDUCATION AND HOMOPHOBIA REDUCTION TRAININGS

Susan E. vasbinder, M.S. Ed. Independent Sexuality and Educator and Trainer, Philadelphia, PA

L ack of information about - particu- are invaluable for dispelling many myths, providing lim- larly around issuesof identity - is nothing new in soci- ited information, and making the all-important human ety. Educators, counselors, therapists and other profes- connection. sionals in the field have been working hard to help dis- A problem with this strategy is that it offers no con- seminate accurate information, challenge damaging ste- crete way to evaluate whether or not the participants have reotypes, and develop resources. When it comes to identified and will use the information and new skills in implementing specific education about sexual orientation, their personal and professional lives, An example of an the workload has been shared by sexologists and mem- evaluation written after a talk which I delivered to a nurs- bers of the gay and lesbian community. Together, these ing classin Columbus, Ohio in 1972 is instructive. The courageous people fight for the circulation of accurate in- student observed: formation, equal rights of gays and lesbians in public and private arenas, fair representation in the curricula, and the . . . [This] talk helped me to see homosexuality in elimination of gay and lesbian violence and discrimina- a clearer light. I see them more as individuals tion. Those of us who provide sexuality trainings and with needs as important as mine, but which are homophobia reduction workshops have much to learn expressed in a different way from me. They from these leaders whose works often go undocumented shouldn’t be required to conform to my or society’s standards. Each of us has different needs because trainers do not identify themselves as practitio- and we should be able to express ourselves in ners in the sexuality education field. Fortunately, we now our own way. Homosexuality should not be con- have accessto successful programs, strategies, and re- demned. I thought Sue helped break some of the sources developed by homophobia reduction educators, of the ‘typical’ Lesbian. members of the lesbian and gay community, and other professionals. It is impossible to tell if this nursing student was likely to better treat homosexual patients as a result of the train- Trends in Education and Training ing. Would she or he think to welcome a gay or lesbian Although education about sexual identity is not new, the patient’s partner into a medical consultation? Over time, a form and focus of the trainings have changed dramatically need grew to develop more and varied strategiesfor pro- over the years. When I fust started providing programs viding information, assessingattitudes, and skills-building. on the topic in 1972, the philosophy was fairly simply: In- Finally, this nursing student’s last statement, which was vite some gay and lesbian people into the classroomto undoubtedly intended as a compliment and an indicator talk about their lives and answer questions. Often these that some stereotypes had been broken during my talk, is sessionswere entitled, “Alternative Lifestyles” to make limited nonetheless. It indicates that one speaker break- them more acceptable to the fearful. Those of us who ing a can be translated into an exception to the were speakers in these programs often referred to them rule and allows continued fear and hatred against all as “Meet the Queer” or “We’re Here BecauseWe’re “other” gay men and lesbians,who look and act gay. In Queer* sessions. We used this kind of gallows humor as other words, was I acceptable to this participant because I a way of managing our fear and anger in the face of po- seemedto her like a regular person, meaning a hetero- tential danger, hostility, and resistance. For the audience, sexual person?The still untaught lesson is that all lesbians these programs were then, and still are, effective in creat- and gay men, no matter how they look and act, are en- ing a human connection between the speaker and the au- titled to be treated in a fair and equitable manner. In ad- dience. For many participants, connecting in a public fo- dition, some of the people attending these trainings rum with a gay or lesbian person who is open to ques- remained very fearful, resistant to learning, and down- tions is a singular opportunity to confront fear and irratio- right hostile, although the above evaluation notes were nal sentiments. In addition, personal disclosure strategies fairly typical.

5 SIECUS Report, February/March A-- cessof incorporating the reality of different sexual identi- While personal disclosure trainings continued, activists ties into all of the education we do so that we acknowl- and professionalsdisseminated accurate information and edge and include everyone when we talk about contra- created a rationale for education and professional training. ception, HIV/AIDS, love, relationships and family. We As more pressurewas exerted and new resources became need to move beyond talking about orientation on “gay available, more educators began to see the need to incor- day” only; otherwise, we will continue to marginalize gay, porate issuesinvolving sexual orientation into their pro- lesbian and bisexual people. grams. This is not to say that resistance to the issue has melted away. Indeed, we are still very familiar with the Homophobia Reduction Training Menu movement against multi-cultural curricula. But a mount- I have developed a general training menu that can be ing understanding of the need has developed from the adapted to the specific needs of each training. Indeed, following: the documentation of diszrimination and hate experience and research shows that the more interactive a crimes against lesbians, gays, and bisexuals; the overt program the more effective, even for the informational homophobia and heterosexism involved in the slow re- sections of the training. I also try to incorporate cogni- sponse of the government to the HIV/AIDS ; the tive, affective, and behavioral learning. The following is homophobia encountered by HIV/AIDS educators in the an example of this general menu. classroom; the federal documentation of suicide rates

among lesbian and gay youth; and the growing number l The Nature of I?@iwence tn Society. of people working for fair treatment as diversity trainers and advocates. These, among other events, served to Establishan emotionaland intellectual understandingof open some new doors for education and training. the personalimpact of feeling “differen.” Illustratethat As a result, we now have several modalities by which differencesamong people often lead to judgementsin individuals and organizations can provide education about human . Make connection between homophobia sexual identity, sexual orientation, heterosexism, and and other forms of oppression. homophobia. In the past, most invitations to sexuality di- versity speakers usually came from college campuses. Example: Now trainers are visiting a number of venues on a variety Participantsshare a timein their lifewhen they felt of topics including: corporations to talk about personnel differentfrom thosearound them. what wasthe policies and work place issues;psychologist conferences situation?What feelingsdid it generate?Explore the to talk about providing therapy for a sexually diverse cli- cxmnectionsto differencein humansexuality. entele; classroomsto talk to teachers about equity in the curricula, libraries to discussbalanced book acquisitions, l corrtponenisof 22?muzlIdenti& and even the police academy to train cadets about sexual orientation and the law. Define important terms that are often confusedand Recent opportunities to conduct education about sometimesserve to reinforoz stenzotypes. Biological gen- sexual identity are expanding and must be conducted as a der, , Gender roles,Sexual orientation, joint effort among professionalsfrom various fields. Sexualidentity, etc. &e fact shaetin this &ze.) Sometimesagencies find trainers from organizations within the gay and lesbian community, from broad-based l sexuulorientution: sexuality education and advocacy agencies, or from train- ers conducting HIV/AIDS education. Recently, “divexsi~ A. Sexuality Perspective: Provide factual informa- has become a buzz word within organizations and on col- tion, such as the Kinsey research, diversity of gay lege campuses. This trend has provided a new arena in and lesbian communities (ethnicity, culture, gender, which to teach about sexual orientation, diversity, and its class, , age, and religion), discrimination connection with other forms of oppression that exist in and violence, debunk myths and stereotypes. (See our society. fact sheet in this issue.)

AWaystoGo B. Psychosocial Perspective: psychological and so- While some things have changed, others have not. In dc+ cial implications for different communities. Ex- ing these trainings over the past twenty years, I have plore impact of discrimination on self-esteem and found that many of the uneducated questions participants life style. Include discussions of: ask about lesbian and gay people - i.e., “Who plays the m&” - Heteroserdsm remain the same. Information is still typically Homophobia scant, and often misinformation about gays and lesbians comingcm is offered instead. For instance, gay people are often de- Managing Fear scribed in terms of pathology, as carriers of disease,or in HIV/AIDS and its impact terms of sin, as being against nature. It is particularly im- Culture portant in our trainings to understand that in every group

there will be lesbian, gay, and/or bisexual participants. l Attitudes, Values,and Beltefi Assessmenfi Our role in educating these participants is crucial to carry- ing messagesof hope and a senseof pride. Experiential and interactive exercises to help partici- We now have to move onto the next step in the pro- pants assesstheir feelings and discussthe impact of

SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 6 these feelings in their own personal and profes- l Pmonal DL~~losure: sional lives. Provide an opportunity to meet with, learn from, and Example: ask questions of an out gay or lesbian person. Forced choice exercises are very effective in Speakers can often be found through organizations helping participants clarify their attitudes, val- such as lesbian, gay and bisexual campus groups, ues, and beliefs, as well as assessing knowl- hotlines, or community centers in the area. edge. For instance, designate one side of the room as the “Agree Side” and the other as the “Disagree Side, II Then read a statement and l Professional, Organtzattonal or Departmental Issues: have the members of the group move to the side of the room which most closely reflects Discuss the impact of your training on the lives and work their opinion of the statement. Have partici- of patticipanls. What are the legal, medical, educational, pants discuss why they moved to “Agree” or practice and policy issues? If the training focuses onaspe “Disagree.” Continue to provide information cific subgroup (i.e., lesbian and gay youth), attention to help clarify the issues and the values ex- should be given to appropriate issues, like safety, peer pressed. The trigger statements can be geared to the particular audience you are working with such as psychologists, teachers, youth works, or police officers. Statements may include the following: 9 Strategies and Skill Budding

“I think there should be some restrictions on Provide strategiesfor addressingissues of sexual where homosexualswork, such aswith children identity and orientation as they arise. Give informa- or in the military.” tion and opportunity for skill building. Try to utilize strategiesthat are both reactive and pro-active. Of- “I wouldhe upsetif someonein my family told me ten, participants need help dealing with any personal they were gay or lesbian.” or perceived organizational resistanceto change. Ac- tivities may include: role playing, strategy brain- “I would allow my child to stay overnight with a storms, lesson plan development, material and re- mendwhose parents were a same-gendercouple. )I source reviews, exploration of personal and institu- “Adolescentsare too young to be sureof their tional resistance to-change. - sexualorientation.” l Resources: “If’ an adolescentknows he or sheis gay or lesbian, he or sheshould he encoumgedto comeout.” Provide as many resources as possible. Examples

7 SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 CURRICULA

1. Opening Doors to Unahstanding and Accep- Drive, Suite 125, Amherst, MA 01002. (413) 584-0812. tance: A Facilitator3 Guide to Presenting Worksbops on Lesbian and Gay Issues (1990) Kathy Obear, The 3. A Guide To Leadhg Introductory Workshops on Human Advantage, 6 University Drive, Suite 125, Homopho6ta. (1990) Cooper Thompson, Campaign to Amherst, MA 01002. (413) 584-0812. End Homophobia, P.O. Box 819, Cambridge, MA 02139.

2. Opening Doors to Understanding and Acceptance: 4. Dem$@v-ing Homo.wxuality: A Teaching Guide Combatting Homophobia on College Campuses. (19!90>. About L&tans and GayMen. (1984) The Kathy Obear, The Human Advantage, 6 University Foundation, Inc. 740 Broadway, New York, NY 10003.

may be local professional or social referrals, articles SIECUS (Sex Information and Education and books for further learning, pamphlets and Council of the ). 130 West posters for display, curricula, films and videos 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. (212) 819- for classroom use or further training, and ideas for 9770. SIECUSoffers a bibliography on gay follow-up problem solving. and lesbian issues,additional information is available through the SIECUSlibrary. Examples: The Campaign to End Homophobia. Managing Resistance P.O. Box 819, Cambridge, MA 02139. (617) Obviously, the homophobia reduction menu is not fixed. 868-8280. The Campaign to End Content should be selected or deleted and organized ac- Homophobia is a network of people work- cording to the needs of the participants, time allotted, and ing to end homophobia and heterosexism through education. follow-up sessions. Undoubtedly, a trainer using this menu might experience group or individual resistance. I Directory of Gay and Lesbian Profes- have often been told by participants, “You are just saying sional Groups. GLTF Library Informa- that becauseyou are a lesbian.” But resistance takes tion Clearinghouse. 491 Seminole Av- many forms. Often I have heard workshop trainees say, enue, #14, Atlanta, GA (404) 577-4600. “I agree with what you are saying, but if I tried that in my classroom(job, department, organization), I’d get fired.” Equity Institute. 600 Hollis Street, Suite We need to help participants work out the difference be- 15, Emeryville, CA 94608. (510) 658-4577. tween personal resistance and realistic barriers. This pro- Equity Institute is a multi-cultural organiza- cesswill help to increase the probability that the new in- tion committed to the elimination of racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, classism, formation and skills can and will be utilized. , and . Conclusion Friends of Project 10, Inc. 11684Ventura Blvd., We are now uniquely positioned with new information, Suite 348, Studio City, CA 91604. Friendsof resources, and opportunities to teach and train about the Project 10 assistsschools and school districtsin true tapestry of the human community. With the poten- setting up counselingprograms modeled after the tial to create a compelling program for changing how we program in the LosAngeles Unified SchoolDis- think and what we assumeto be true, we must provide trict. Project 10 is a dropout prevention program information and skills for integrating acceptance of sexual that offers emotionalsupport, information, and re- diversity into our lives. For some of us, this work feels sourcesto young people who identify themselves as lesbian,gay or bisexual. like the right thing to do, both personally and profession- ally. For others, this work is about fighting for our lives. P-FLAG (Parent’s and Friends of Lesbian and Gays). P.O. Box 27605, Washington, DC Susan Vhsbinder is a consultantprouiding national traln- 20038, (202) 638-4200.P-FLAG works to end Ing and education on human sexuali@ and sexual iden- the alienation and discrimination that often re- tity, and a member of the SIECUS Board of Directors. sults when gay men and lesbians disclosetheir sexual orientation to family and friends. P- FLAG has more than 200 local chapters that Author’s Note distribute educational materials to schools, ‘It is important to note that this work was occurring prior community leaders, and the general public. to the Rebellion in 1969, which is often used as the event that marked the beginning of the contemporary Project 21, Mid-American Region. 5904 “ Movement.” N.W. 66th Terrace, KansasCity, MO 64151. (816) 746-0833. A gay, lesbian and bisexual curricula advocacy alliance.

SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 8 “FOR SEX= SEE LIBRARIAN” Librarians, Sexologists, and Sexuality Education

Martha Cornog, MA., M.S. Editor of Libraries, Emtica, and Pornography Timothy Perper, Ph.D. Independent Writer and Researcher in Sexology, Anthropology and Biology.

“F or Sex: See librarian” was an actual catalog card entry sexual rights movements in developing nations? In the ab- in an actual library.’ The entry itself is certainly ambigu- sence of alternatives to the media, public opinion and ous - Playboy magazine once published a cartoon of a knowledge are shaped only by what can be condensed hopeful young man repeating the line to a winsome li- into sound bites thus perpetuating ignorance and . brarian.* Nevertheless, such a catalog entry does not promise a warm acceptance of sexuality. In fact, histori- A Tale of ‘Ikvo Cultures: cally, public access to sexuality materials was routinely re- Guardianship vs. Freedom to Read stricted with librarians playing the role of guardian. The positive role that librarians can play in sexuality edu- These restrictive policies are reminiscent of enduring cation and information dissemination is new and not al- stereotypes of the librarian. She is not a modern, young ways entirely comfortable, due to a long history of re- woman but a little old lady, austere in sensible shoes, hair stricting sexual materials. One of the first erotica collec- in a bun. She frowns severely upon requests for sexuality tions, entitled the “Private Case,” was founded in 1860 by information. Many readers may well believe that librar- the British Museum. This collection, which would pro- ians are inhospitable to books about sexuality and restrict vide a model for later collections, specialized in erotic access rigidly if they allow such books onto the shelves at rarities. However, a formidable research and archival in- all. Other readers, perhaps on college campuses, might stitution controlled the material, and cryptic cataloging not embrace the stereotype, since university libraries gen- and uncooperative librarians severely limited its access.3 erally stock according to faculty requests, including sexu- Neither the “Private Case” nor later collections of erotica ality research and information materials. However, it is were freely open to the public. Ironically, these restric- not inconceivable that some library users - even in uni- tive policies protected the books from church and state versities - may suspect that libraries and sexuality infor- censors as well as from thieves and vandals. However, in mation somehow do not mix. no sense could these collections be considered generally Today, there can be little doubt that public, school, accessible information sources. Indeed, had the material and academic libraries should purchase sexuality materi- been more readily available, much of it might have been als and should make access to information easy whenever officially seized and destroyed by the police. These li- possible. Libraries can be major sources for information braries operated under vague exemptions from laws about the human body, birth control and reproductive against obscenity, no doubt because they did not dissemi- rights, sexual , rape, incest, HIV/AIDS, gay and nate what they owned. lesbian lives, abortion, , and many other issues When we recall that as late as 1963 a U.S. bookstore permeating radio, television, and the print media today. owner could be jailed for distributing William Burroughs The question is: if not in the library, then where can i%e Naked Lunch, it is no wonder that librarians dealt people obtain sound, well-balanced information? Most carefully and even timorously with sexuality materials. In commercial bookstores stock bestsellers and popular post-World War I America, when reading customs had al- trade books and not small press titles devoted to diverse ready begun to change, a survey about “questionable sexual perspectives. The media itself tells only a small books” in public libraries showed that most U.S. libraries part of the story, usually slanted by editorial bias. How tightly restricted access to the sparse sexuality-related ma- often does Time or Newsweek! cover lesbian feminist writ- terials they did possess. Sometimes these libraries ings? How often do network stations air a discussion by stocked only expurgations of such classics as Boccaccio’s gay or lesbian therapists working with gay or lesbian cli- i%e Decameron or Y&e Book of the i%ousand Nights and ents? When do popular radio shows slot programs about One Night! Fear of anti-obscenity laws was not the only

A SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 issue. Librarianly adherence to social customs of silence scenity laws. Tensions between older traditions of silence about sexuality was at least as powerful as fear of legal and newer “Freedom to Read” models of librarianship in- action. In particular, a moral and ethical mandate, which creased further when baby-boomer Americans sought col- the work of library historian Evelyn Geller (1984) leads us lege educations, and university libraries grew larger and to call the “Guardianship of Society Ethos,” motivated larger. Not like the old Greek-style temples, these librar- American libraries to purchase and disseminate only the ies sought modernity with steel, concrete, and glass con- highest and best fruits of Civilization (with a capital “c”)? struction. They were symbols of a new era, Suddenly, By the same token, any books likely to “corrupt” suscep- women could buy prescription oral contraceptives at tible readers were carefully restricted for the good of soci- neighborhood drugstores. Older librarianly traditions of ety. discreet silence and restricted access to sexuality materials This guardianship is embodied in the nearly were being challenged by history. 3,000 Greek-style, marble-fronted American library build- ings, funded by industrialist Andrew Carnegie at the turn Homophobia and Sexphobia in the Stacks of the century. In these classical temples of knowledge, Librarianship as a profession (and many librarians indi- there was no place for dissent or rebellion, for hedonism, vidually) have made valiant efforts to weather this half or for works that challenged late Victorian customs of si- century of change and to reconcile older traditions of so- lence about sexuality. These libraries sheltered only cial guardianship with new ideals of information availabil- “Good Books,” tested and proven by time, tradition, and ity. But the newer democracy of ideas has not com- ideals of marriage, family, and religion. These ideals pro- pletely supplanted the older monarchy of social guardian- hibited and deemed illegal information about sexually ship and the older traditions of discreet silence about sex, transmitted diseases, birth control, and anything resem- either in public expectations or among librarians. A re- bling sexual pleasure. spondent to a survey about AIDS information in libraries But the times, as they say, were a-changing. Millions wrote: of American boys, home from World War I, had seen hor- rors far exceeding the alleged horrors produced by mas- I feel there is still a reluctance for public libraries turbation. Sexuality had started on a journey toward en- to secure important materials [on AIDS1because lightened understanding in Sigmund Freud, Margaret of the link to homosexuality. 8 Sanger, Bertrand Russell, Margaret Mead, in the post-suf- frage woman’s movement, in the discovery of salvarsan In 1992, another librarian wrote in a homophobic letter and other anti-syphilitic agents, and in physiological un- to Reference Quarterly, “The best [library1 service for ho- derstanding of the role of hormones in reproduction. The mosexuals is a recognition that repentance, not bibliogra- Great Depression had cast traditional values into grave phy, will satisfy their needs.“9 doubt. Hollywood starlets and scantily-clad Follies Sometimes,librarianly unease about sexuality materials bounced and wriggled and danced in carefree sensuality. masqueradesbehind more subtle rationalizations. A sur- Reading habits shifted from the solemn “Good Books” to- vey of public and academic libraries subscribing to Play- ward escape reading and the gritty realism of Steinbeck, bo~P found that although many librarians powerfully de- Hemingway, and Faulkner. In the darkening years fore- fended subscriptions against censorship, some 20% of re- telling a Nazi-controlled Europe, it was becoming harder sponding libraries had or were planning to cancel sub to believe that reading about sexuality was the worst of scriptions because of vandalism, budget cuts, or low us- all possible sins. age. This may sound reasonable; however, canceling li- In 1939, the American Library Association adopted a braries reported nearly twice the rate of patron and staff readers’ bill of rights, formalizing a newer ethos, today complaints about Playboy. It seemsthat factors other called the “Freedom to Read.” Fundamental to this ethos is than mere vandalism influenced these decisions to cancel. the principle that “all sides of questions on which differ- Moreover, canceling libraries reported far less protection ences of opinion exist should be represented fairly and ad- of the magazine, despite the vandalism, perhaps indicat- equately” in library holdings.6 During the next fifty years, ing a reluctance to solve the problem, except by eliminat- the “Freedom to Read” ethic catalyzed many changes in ing the magazine. librarianship, some far exceeding the democratic impulse Several librarians posed the quandary very neatly: to resist Nazi book-burning. Describing the year 1948, one librarian spoke of the impact of the “K-bomb,” meaning the Much as I hate the sexist rag, it is censorship not Kinsey Report.’ These studies described and analyzed the to renew Playboy, no matter what reasons our li- brarians give. mge and fluidity of American sexual behavior across people’s life-times, including heterosexual, bisexual and It would certainly be hard to distinguish between homosexual behavior. Immensely popular and widely censorship and fear of mutilation or theft in our controversial, how could a library, then or now, not have not placing [sexually] explicit material on the its copy of the ? And yet Kinsey and his col- open shelves. For example, we already face leagues were only the start of post-World War II publication heavy theft and mutilation in our sections on of sexuality materials. Marilyn Monroe, gays, and Nazism.” For traditional librarians, the quandary posed by sexu- ality books worsened during the 1960s and especially af- Playboy magazine represents an excellent litmus test of ter landmark Supreme Court decisions rendered licit many librarians’ attitudes because libraries operate under a works that hitherto had been subject to unquestioned ob- broad rubric of public and patron service. Unlike private

SIECIJS Report, February/March 1993 Tips for Sexologists*

l Librarians are among the most service-oriented l All libraries today are subject to intense and con- professionals and so deserve to be approached in tradictory pressures, especially about sexuality a respectful manner. Waving a list of books at a li- works. On the other hand, no library likes cen- brarian and demanding they be purchased is not a sorship, even if librarians personally experience constructive approach. some deep twinges of doubt about certain books. l Understanding how libraries operate is often en- lightening to sexologists. Meet with library depart- * Sexologists should not suggest getting rid of ment heads and the director to try to arrange a books that seem offensive (or inaccurate) to friendly discussion of the library’s overall situation. them. Instead, titles of books with other view- points should be suggested. Sexologists must not . For public libraries - which are crucial to public themselves be censors or too aggressive with a education programs - sexologists might wish to particular agenda. If sexologists are perceived as involve themselves more broadly, for example, by genuinely concerned, and aware of what libraries joining Friends of the Library groups, by participat- strive to do, then the librarians themselves will be ing in community-library events, and by meeting the best allies in locating titles that will balance and listening to the library director and heads of the collection. reference and cataloging departments. l Sexologists may consider themselves experts in l Attending a library board meeting can be an eye- particular areas, but a skilled reference librarian opener. One quickly learns that libraries have se- with a computer terminal can turn up new or un- vere budget restrictions, are chronically under- expected material. The point is to enlist the help staffed (and existing staff underpaid), have too of librarians both for one’s own professional few reading areas and too little shelf space. In work and for the purpose of comparing what is brief, libraries suffer from tight economics. It may available with what the library already possesses. be literally impossible for a library to buy those 60 A search done in the library itself may be quite “excellent” sexuality books. useful in showing that its sexuality collection is, in fact, out-of-date and unbalanced. l Remember librarians are trained professionals,

many with a master’s degree in librarianship and a l Essential reference works, prepared by librarians master’s degree in a subject area. One should for librarians, are Gough’s and Greenblatt’s Gay work with librarians as equals and seek genuinely and Lesbian Library Service. (Jefferson, NC: to understand the world in which they function. McFarland, 1990), and Comog’s Libraties, Erotica, and Pornogrupby (Pheonix: Oryx, l It will be helpful to discover library coverage of, 19911, which contains many essays on sexuality and general attitudes towards, such topics as HIV/ collections and their development and protection. AIDS, gay/lesbian/homosexuality, abortion, erotica/ These two books make it impossible for a library pornography, and rape/sexual w etc. director to say there is “nothing” on the subject of libraries and sexuality. l Understanding the library’s major clientele is im-

portant. Academic libraries cater to students and l It is extraordinarily valuable to understand how faculty, but community public libraries have many the Library of Congress and Dewey Decimal clas- distinct and - for the most part - known clients s&&on systems handle sexuality materials. Al- whom they serve. A library might in the past have though both have “sex” sections within sociol- received someone’s personal collection of books ogy, many sexuality works are classed within on rose gardening, and therefore attract a large psychology or medicine or criminology or even number of rose aficionados. Other libraries may travel. Additionally, the library’s own catalog of have primarily older patrons who read mostly Iei- holdings should be liberally peppered with “see” sure fiction. and “see also,” cross-references, such as from the “Gaf’ or “L&h” to the “HM headings. l Learn the principle that, “Those who come to the library are-served by the library.” Of course, li- l l The library and sexological communities have recently brarians may not perceive “hidden” clients such as begun two cooperative relationshipsat the highest levels. gay and lesbian readers. “We have no gay or les- The ALA has ioined the National Coalition to SUDDOXT bian people in our community,” some may say, Sexuality EduLation, a group founded by SIECU~‘with over and sexologists may need to point out that this is 50 member organizations. SIECUS in turn has endorsed not likely to be true. ALA’s “Freedom to Read” statement.

11 SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 individuals who subscribe to Prclyboy (or not) on the basis especially in the past two decades, may surprise librarians of personal preference, , and desire, libraries serve - who, after all, may be experts in other areas - but it clienteles with many preferences, tastes, and desires. Na- provides particularly great advantages for collaboration zism may horrify us, but would we admire a library that among librarians and sexologists. Foremost, perhaps, is refused to shelve M&n Kempfmerely for that reason? The the issue of quality, so often raised by librarians who answer is crucial for understanding the role of libraries as doubt the value or importance of any given book, peri- information service institutions. Many individuals would odical, or video on sexuality. What criteria exist for li- feel that it is the duty of a library to make available books brary acquisition of sexuality materials? like Mein Kmpf solely because libraries are repositories Many librarians use book and audio-visual reviews - of all human writing: good, bad, and horrifying. As insti- especially those published in library acquisitions journals tutions, libraries are judged not by standards of personal such as Libray~~ournal, Choice, Kirkus, and Publisbe& taste but by their value as repositories for books of all Weekly- as a primary guide to the quality of potential sorts. Yet when it comes to sexuality rather than fascism, purchases. Yet these sources cover very few sexological both librarians and patrons may feel a twinge of doubt. publications and are especially weak in their coverage of Among many librarians there lingers a desire for a kind of small press materials. Accordingly, librarians wishing to sexual guardianship of society - a hope, perhaps, that expand their sexuality collections all too often lack the the library need not stock every “piece of junk” dressed tools to do so. How might a librarian know if a new up in sexy four-color publishers’ brochures. In this im- book on HIV/AIDS represents accurate, current informa- plicit desire to stock the library with only “high quality” tion or hysterical propounding of myth - or, worse, a books, we detect a tense compromise between older tra- mixture of the two? How may a collection be balanced to ditions of discreet silence and newer, more clamorous represent different religious denominations’ views on sex? ideals of “Freedom to Read.” History and public discus- Knowledge of specialized sources of sexuality materials sions of sexuality issues have made it increasingly difficult and evaluations of those sources is - or should be - for librarians to eschew sexuality materials, sequester part of the tool kit of any sexologist. With the reciprocal those few purchased, or to purchase only expurgations - assistance of a skilled librarian, such individuals can and to excuse doing so by claiming that “most” works on readily compile lists of publishers, authors, and reviews sexuality are junk. for a variety of sexological topics. High among these spe- cialized sources are the SIECUS Rqort and bibliographies Today, there can be little doubt that from SIECUS and the Kinsey Institute for Sex, Gender and Reproduction (Indiana University). Sexological research public, school; and academic journals also carry reviews, heavily focussed on academic libraries should purchase sexuality quality, such as i%e Journal of Sex Research,. Journal of materials and should make access Sex Education and Therapy, Archives of Sexual Behavior, Journal of the H&toy of Sexuality, and Journal of Homo- to information easy whenever sexual&y, among others. possible. Reviews are valuable to librarians for an additional rea- son. When patrons complain about a “dirty book” on the Librarianship faces a quietly challenging question: to- shelves, librarians find it extremely useful to cite pub- day, how can librarians possibly escape the conclusion lished reviews as justifying retention. Indeed, one librar- that the “Freedom to Read” ethic mandates the inclusion ian explained that her library was not purchasing of sexuality materials representing all sides of opinion? In- Madonna’s Sex partly because it received poor reviews. deed, librarians seem to have one foot in the old days of Although other reasons might exist not to buy Sex, librar- silence about sex and the other in today’s clamor. Prob- ians in fact place considerable weight on published re- ably few public libraries systematically acquire books on views as indices of quality. sexuality in a focussed acquisition program, as does the Nonetheless, sexologists must understand that their New York Public Library. Best-sellers like Camille Paglia’s sources - professional journals and the like - are ex- SZXUU~Personae or Madonna’s Sex might make it onto the tremely spotty in what they review, a problem that has shelves, but lesser known, excellent works are not likely existed for a while.12 Despite efforts of concerned sexolo- to be available in smaller libraries. Some of the lesser gists to publish a book review periodical, financial consid- known works include Period from Volcano Press, for ado erations have so far prohibited the effort. All too many lescent girls about menstruation, or Signsfor Sexuality sexologists treat book reviews as trivial ephemera or as from Planned Parenthood of Seattle-Ring County (Wash- entertainment, and fail to understand how reviews play a ington) a guide to sex-related vocabulary in American crucial role for library purchases and hence for public Sign Language. Nowadays, however, this lack of balance education. in holdings is not a minor issue. It is crucial for educating A good case can be made for expanding, not restrict-’ all Americans that libraries adopt policies of acquiring and ing, sexological reviewing. At present many valuable openly disseminating all types of work on sexuality. works are left unreviewed and therefore vulnerable to the “Guardianship of Society” accusation of being “junk.” Book Selection and Defense of Quality Here, individual sexologists can offer concerned librarians Librarians and sexuality experts have a great deal to offer a great deal by making professional evaluations of books each other to achieve their mutual goals of public educa- on an ad hoc basis or by illustrating their value in other tion. The breadth and richness of sexological endeavor, ways, e.g., inclusion in bibliographies from SIECUS,

SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 12 Kinsey, and others. l3 In addition, the major sexological headline reports that “The world has sex 100 million times organizations - the Society for the Scientific Study of dZiilJT.“‘5 And with 100 million sexual encounters come Sex, the American Association of Sex Educators, Counsel- 100 million viewpoints, opinions, questions. As then ors, and Therapists, and SIECUS - will provide referrals President-elect Clinton remarked after being notified of to experts in various locations. Such people can supply his electoral victory: librarians with lists of ‘best” or “favorite” books and au- diovisuals, syllabi for courses, reading lists for clients, and We have become a diverse people of many colors a sympathetic ear for war stories about censorship. Li- and languages and beliefs. Now we have the ob- brarians should not feel shy about making such contacts ligation to insure that our diversity is a source of and taking full advantage of the experts’ knowledge. strength and pride to all of us here at home and around the world. . . . Now we have the oppor- tunity, the duty, and the imperative to see that we controversy and Censorship do not leave even one of [our diverse citizens] he- Because the “Guardianship of Society” ethos remains alive hind as we move toward the next century.i6 among conservative and traditional Americans, libraries are often seen as the last bastion of what is considered So it is for librarians and sexologists. Together we can good and right and proper. In a complicated political and ensure that none is left behind in the quest for sexual social world, factions seek to have their books on the knowledge. In this way, “For Sex: See Librarian” can be library’s shelves, as if by doing so they have won a sign& made into a p&t&e reality. cant moral victory. Such agendas are legitimate, provided no one seeks to remove the books containing other view- Martha Cornog has held a variety ofpositions in libraries points. When that occurs, controversy and censorship and in the information industry durtng tbepast 20 years. reign supreme. Her book, Libraries, Erotica and Pornography won the Eli In such situations, a controversial library book needs M. Oboler Awardfor intellectualj-eedom porn the Amert- more than a good review or two. A principle itself needs can Libra y Association. defending: it is the library’s right to have all books on all Timothy Perper 13 the author of Sex Signals: The Biology topics. For the censor, sexuality books are perceived as of Love and numerouspam andpresentations in ani- dangerous because they are said to create evil and lust mal ana’ human sexuality. He t3 the Associate hUtor and and are paradigms for social and moral breakdown. How Book Review EditorforThe Journal of Sex Research. can sexologists assist librarians in a public censorship battle? Above all, sexologists can help by pointing to the References value of books on sexuality. For many censors, modem l Woods, L.B. “For SM: Seelibrarian.” Library Journal 1 Sep- works on sex are merely “smut” peddled as academic tember 1978,pp. 1561-1566. truth or harmless entertainment. But this an educated z Sneyd,D. Cartoon. Playboy, October 1982,p. 105. sexologist can refute, by drawing calming parallels be- 3 Legman,G. “The Lure of the Forbidden.”In M. Comog (Ed.), tween sexuality education programs and the library’s Libraries,Emtica, and Pornography Phoenix: Oryx, 1991,pp. holdings. It is not a single book that counts but the total- 36-68. 4 Feipel, L.N. “QuestionableBooks in Public Libraries- I.” Li- ity of all views on all topics that educates. Only pluralism brary Journal October 15, 1922,pp. 857-862and Feipel, L.N. and democracy, not a monarchy of viewpoints, allow and “Questionablebooks in public libraries- II.” Library Journal stimulate responsible sexual education. November1, 1922, pp. 907-911. 5 Geller, E. ForbiddenBooks in American Public Libraries, Whatever Interests, Disturbs, or Enchants 18761939: A Study in Cultural Change. Westport, CT: Green- ‘What every librarian should advocate is information wood, 1984. seeking, about whatever interests, disturbs, or enchants 6 Ibid, p. 175. people,” write Gough and Greenblatt, authors of Gay ’ Bristol, R.P. “It takescourage to Stock ‘Taboos.“’ Library and Lesbiun Librav Service. I4 Once librarians served the Journal, February 15, 1949,pp. 261-263. tiny minority of the literate, a culturally homogeneous 8 SantaVicca,E.F. “AIDS in the Minds of Librarians:Opinion, Perception,and Misperception.” Library Journal, February 15, group with homogeneous needs, but no longer. “What 1987,pp. 113-115. every librarian must acknowledge,” the authors continue, g Sauer,J.L. Letter to the editor. RQSpring, 1992,p.455. “is the diversity of users’ background and interests.” To- lo Comog,M. “What HappensWhen LibrariesSubscribe to day every member of that diverse multitude needs sexual- Playboy?” In M. Comog (Ed.) Libraries,Emtica, and Pornog- ity information: the helping professions, businesses, par- raphy Phoenix: Oryx, 1991,pp. 14-165. ents, children, older people, gay men and lesbians, I1 Ibid, pp. 153, 152. singles, liberals, conservatives. The agendas may be dif- I2 Perper,T. “Brief Reviews.” i’beJournal of Sex Research 23, ferent, but everyone needs information. Librarians must 1987,pp.133-135. provide that information, supplementing their expertise l3 Comog,M. Op Cit, pp. 296-298and Comog,M. “Sexuality with that of sexologists. Both groups have an interest in Information,” In V. Bullough & B. Buliough(Eds.), Encyclope- maintaining open access to sexuality information against dia of Sexology, (In Press). I4 Gough, C., & Greenblatt,E. “Servicesto Gay and LesbianPa- those who would ban it, censor it, thrust it back into trons: Examiningthe Myths.” LibraryJournal, January, 1992,pp. hidden secrecy. 5963. The old Victorian silence is gone, and sex is out of the l5 SanFrancisco Chronicle, June 25, 1992,pp. Al, AI2. closet. Both sides on every sexual issue openly exchange I6 Clinton William “Transcriptof Clinton’sRemarks on White their views loudly, daily, and on television. A front-page- HouseTr&sition.” New York Times,November, 4, 1992,p. B2.

13 SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 TRANSEXUALITY, IDENTITY, AND A View from the Front Lines

Barbara E. Warrein, Psy.D. Director of Mental Health and Social Services, Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center of New York

It is a Thursday night support group. Luis’ is talking acrossthis spectrum can range from occasional cross- about adjusting to being back in school. He is anxious dressing (wearing clothes that are socially designated as about exams and making new friends. A survivor belonging to the opposite gender); to living part- or full- of foster homes, psychiatric institutions, and drug addic- time in the gender “opposite” of one’s sexual anatomy; to tion, Luis - at the age of nineteen - is turning his life taking hormone therapy and ultimately undergoing sex around. He’s clean and sober, in a good relationship with reassignmentsurgery. Transexuality is differentiated from his girlfriend, and getting his GED. The group gives him transvestitism (the Latinate word for cross-dressing)in that encouragement and support to stay in school. transvestites maintain an inner identity that is consistent At thirty-six, Karen* is also back in school. In her with their sexual anatomy. For them, cross-dressing Wednesday night support group she sharesfears about is related to fantasy fulfillment, erotic stimulation, succeeding in her new career while juggling school and and stress release. family responsibilities. Here again, the group provides Technically, once has support and encouragement for her coping with stress been accomplished, and a person’s sexual anatomy and hanging on to her aspirations. has been surgically corrected to match his or her gen- In addition to dealing with life transitions and stresses der identity, he or she is no longer transexual. How- - the kind with which anyone might identify - Luis and ever, many who have had the transexual experience, Karen share another, less-commonexperience. They are male and , use the term on a continuing basis transexuals who participate in support groups at the as a way to own and to describe their unique experi- Gender Identity Project (GIP) of ’s Lesbian ence. Sometimes the abbreviation “TS” is used as a and Gay Community Services Center. Luis is a female-to- noun. Additionally, the dropping of one of the male transexual man and Karen is a male-to-female second 3” from the traditional spelling of the word transexual woman. “” was initiated by some members of the transexual community to articulate the concept of an A Rose Ry Any Other Name ongoing identity beyond the transition phase. As a Transexuality and (discomfort with member of a transexual women’s support group one’s identity as male or female) are not modern experi- describes it: ences. Instead they are modem terms for experiences that have existed and been recorded cross-culturally Many of us cameinto [the supportgroup1 wilh what throughout history. For example, Native Americans of the we have come to view as a skewed vocabulary. We Northern Plains described those with both male and fe- referred to non- transarual women as “real.” If they male characteristics as “the people-in-between” and re- were “real”, what did that make us - %nreal vered them as shamans1 In Ancient Rome, there was so- women?” So we tried “biological women.” That cial acceptance for males who castrated themselves to didn’t work much better. Again, what did it make us? “Unbiological woman?” [And] ‘Genetic women” left adopt female identities. Despite its long history and place us as “non-genetic women.” We always seemed to in other cultures, transexuality has received a great deal of be stuck as “non-somethings” when we wanted to af- publicity in recent years but very little real understanding. fnm our identity and experience. So we tried to turn Transexuals are people who find their gender identity it around. Suppose we, being us, defined ourselves (the inner senseof self as male or female) in conflict with asus, and defined them as not-us. This yielded their sexual anatomy. Transexuality is part of a spectrum immediate and practical results. They simply became of experience related to gender dysphoria. Manifestations “non-transexuals!“*

SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 14 Lesb3an,Gay,Bisexual,Transexual program told me I could never live as a gay man, Transexuality is often confused with homosexuality. it looks like I’m going to die like one.4 Sexual orientation, a separate aspect of identity from transexuality, refers to one’s sexual, romantic, and commufdty Bldldjng affectional attraction to others. Although gay men and Many gays and lesbians recognize the commonality of ex- lesbians may challenge traditional, socially-accepted gen- perience between transexuals and homosexuals in the der roles by exhibiting dress and behaviors that are asso- prejudice and exclusion that both face in the larger soci- ciated with their “opposite” gender, their gender identities ety. In this respect the Gender Identity Project (GIP) fits in remain congruent with their sexual anatomy. Contrary to with Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center’s over- the belief that all true male-to-female transexual women all mission to protect and preserve lesbian and gay rights are sexually attracted to men3 approximately fifty percent and culture. The GIP mirrors the Center’s mission in its ef- of male-to-female transexual women who participate in forts to enable transexuals to develop a positive, affirmed the Center’s GIP report an affectional, to identity in an environment of support and self-accep- women. These transexuals then describe themselves as tance. To this end, the GIP has developed as primarily a lesbians. Male-to-female transexual women who are at- peer-support, peer-driven project that relies on tracted to men see themselves as heterosexual in sexual transexuals to help other transexuals to articulate and to orientation and describe themselves as heterosexual then meet the needs of the transexual population. women. There are also female-to-male transexual men Transexual volunteers, some of whom are human ser- who in their sexual attraction to men, identify as gay men, vices professionals,and non-transexual Center staff and as well as female-to-male transexuals who are attracted to volunteers work together to deliver relevant services. The women and identify as heterosexual men. Sexual orienta- GIP offers individual short-term peer-counseling which tion then is accurately described in relation to one’s gen- for many recipients, is the first time they encounter a der identity and not in relation to one’s sexual anatomy. peer, someone who not only sharestheir experience but For many transexuals it is part of the evolution of un- is also a role model for the successful resolution of the derstanding their transexuality to have attempted to re- gender identity crisis. solve gender dysphoria by trying on a gay or lesbian identity. For example, many female-to-male transexuals Barriersandlssues attracted to women go through a period of identifying as However, even with acceptance and support from the les- lesbians, but the inner sense of themselves as men per- bian and gay community, transexuals still face many barri- sists. Sandy,* a female-to-male transexual man, went into ers in the society at large in their quest for dignity and an a lesbian support group at age fifteen. His counselors integrated identity. The prevailing assumption that the saw Sandy’s gender dysphoria as an inability to accept be- understanding of anatomy is unambiguous - either ing lesbian. Unfortunately, his experience in the group wholly male or wholly female - is challenged by was probably similar to that of any adolescent hetero- transexuality and raisesa primal anxiety in most people sexual boy put into a group of homosexual adolescent and in our society. Society’s messageserves to produce girls. He could not and did not fit in. This increased his shame, secrecy, depression, and fear in many transexuals. sense of isolation and despair. After leaving the lesbian The result of this societal prejudice is increased isolation youth program, his drug use escalated. In contrast, four and for some, even suicide. years later, Sandy’s initial experience in the GIP support In addition, the reluctance of most physicians and group for transexual men was one of intense identifica- mental health professionals to treat transexuals contrib- tion and feelings of relief and hope. utes to the senseof hopelessnessmany transexuals feel Transexuals who identify as lesbian or gay often face a about ever fmding help for gender identity conflict. To double stigma. They may find themselves being rejected date, medicine lacks valid and reliable, detectable biologi- by gay and lesbian society as illegitimate or unauthentic. cal markers for transexuality. Subsequently there are con- At the same time they may be reviled by heterosexual so- troversies about proper diagnosis upon which to base ciety for being both transexual and gay. One of the most treatment decisions. Many professionalslack training and visible and well known female-to-male transexuals in re- experience in this area as it not a routine part of graduate cent times was the late Louis Sullivan, journalist and au- education. Therefore, many professionalsdo not approve thor. As a female-to-male who identified as a gay or implement irreversible sex reassignmentsurgeries. The transexual man and an activist on behalf of sexual diver- incredibly high cost of hormone therapy, psychological sity, he spoke poignantly of his struggle for acceptance as evaluation, and sex reassignmentsurgery - not to men- a gay man: tion the costs of related cosmetic surgeries, electrolysis, and legal fees - also serve to prevent many transexuals In my experience of living as a homosexual man, from accessto the medical, psychological, and legal re- I have found the gay men’scommunity very ac- sources that do exist. Insurance companies and Medicaid cepting and have enjoyed the companionshipof generally refuse to pay for these services. An ongoing two long-term malelovers. However, alongwith the good comesthe bad. Ironically, I have been frustration for the peer counselors at the GIP is the difh- diagnosedwith AIDS, still seen as a gay man’sdis- culty in securing any competent and affordable treatment ease. But somehow it seems like just one more services for many of their counselees. hassle with a body that’s never cooperated with The predominant psychological model of transexuality me much anyhow. I took a certain pleasure in in- also serves to further the societal view of transexuals, and forming the gender clinic that even though their subsequently transexuals’ views of themselves, as sick

15 SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 people for whom there is no “cure.” Derived from psy- of wanting to act, or more often being expected to act, choanalytic and object relations theory, this model views somewhat macho; to be perceived as masculine; and to fit transexuality as psychopathology related to insufficient in with the guys. For many, these feelings conflict with identification with the same gender parent and/or over- sensibilitiesand sensitivities developed over a lifetime of identification with the “opposite” gender parent, during being perceived of and socialized as women. Many infancy and early childhood.5 This model advocates psy- transexual men value the qualities associatedwith being chotherapy to remediate transexuality by “restoring” female in our culture and seek to integrate such qualities congruency with sexual anatomy. This theory fails to ex- into their identities as heterosexual men. plain: all of the people with similar childhood histories The emphasisthat the Gender Identity Project puts on who are not and never have been gender dysphoric; the empowerment counters the conventional advice given to many transexuals whose childhood experiences do not fit transexuals by many professionals, and some other this model; why gender dysphoria is notoriously impervi- transexuals, on the best way to achieve post-transition ad- ous to psychotherapy and therefore has a poor prognosis justment. The traditional approach was to start over, in the for change through psychotherapy. “new” identity, and to somehow forget or close off one’s former existence and thereby be reborn. This not only Empowerment proves impossible for most transexuals to achieve but un- Even when transexuals receive professional support to dermines attempts to develop an integrated and affirma- live fully in their gender identities as men or women, a tive senseof identity. The need to heal from internalized common experience for many is the persistence of inter- shame demands coming to terms with one’s past, includ- nalized shame and feelings of unauthentic@ that can ing the transexual experience, and incorporating it as haunt their attempts to affirm themselves. The emphasis meaningful and special. Elaine,* a peer counselor for GIP, of the community-based, model serves to expressesher experience with this process as follows: move transexuals, regardless of their stage of develop- ment, away from a shame-basedor pathological self-con- I am not a man who became a woman. I was cept and toward a senseof empowerment within a never a man. I was always a woman. My experi- unique identity. This necessary support is well illustrated ence of developing my identity as a woman diners, in the response to the issue of passing written by of course, from the experiences of non-transexual transexual women who are members of a self-help sup- women but is just as female and just as valid. To- day, after surgery and with lots of support, I look port group called Survivors of Transexuality Anonymous back on all of my experiences as being part of who (Passingrefers to transexuals being perceived of by others I am including my transexuality. The problems I as “real” men and women.): faced made me stronger and I am sensitive to the issues that all of us face, as men, as women, gay . . . It’s not about passing. “Passing” entails attempt- and straight. Because of my transexuality I feel I ing to fool non-transexuals into believing we are am a better person, a more whole person and life, something we are not. Often we want to pass as although not perfect, is pretty good. non-transexuals because of an unexpressed convic- tion that only non-transexual women define female- There has been an overwhelming response to the ness, and, therefore, the best we can do is imitate Gender Identity Project in its two years of existence as them and work for their acceptance. For many of us this meant that our tfansexual femaleness, in its part of the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center, own God-given form was somehow not enough, not only in the New York metropolitan area, but via tele- “less-than”. . . [As one of our members described it] I phone and written requests for information and assistance used to say, ‘Well sometimes I still sound like a from around the country. This outpouring confirms that man. And then it occurred to me. I don’t sound like there is a tremendous need for a non-judgemental, edu- a man. I sound just exactly and precisely like a cated, affiiming and community-based response to the txuxexual woman . I used to feel embarrassed needs of so many people in our society who are experi- because I had “man’s hands” or a “man’s build.” encing gender identity conflict. But I don’t. I have the hands and build of a tmnsexual woman. I stopped defiig myself in terms of other people’s categories and started de% Barbara Warren b apsychologht, a consultant, and diver- ing myself in terms of me. sity trainer. Shespecializes in issuesof addiction.

Gains and lossesin social power based on gender is Author’s Notes an issuethat confronts many transexuals. For male-to-fe- ’ Most of the names in this article are fictionalized, as indicated male transexual women, it is adjusting to the loss of social by an asterisk. power that occurs when they move from being perceived ’ Bolin, A. In Search of Em Transexual Rites of Passage. New of as male to being perceived of as female. It often York: Bergin & Garvey, 1988. 2 Qu&ions Many of Us Ask. New York: Survivors of comes as a shock to male-to-female transexual women to Transexuality Anonymous., 1990. be sexually harassedby men, or to find that their earning 3 Benjamin, H. 7F5e Transexual Phenomenon. New York: Julian power as women in the same occupations they held as Press, 1966. “men” has decreaseddrastically. Giving up male power, 4 Sullivan, L. “Sullivan’s Travels.” 7heAdmcate, June 1989, pp. even if it was not particularly valued in the first place, is 69-71. often experienced as loss. 5 Dotter, R.F. Transvestites and Transsexuuk: Toward a i%eory Female-to-male transexual men often express feelings of Cmss-Gender Behavior. New York: Plenum Press, 1990.

SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 16 WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE RAINBOW NOW?

carolyllPatierno Director, National AIDS Initiative, SIECUS

I n 1989, the New York City Central School Board unani- ing list, the following titles were included: Girls Can Be mously voted to create a teacher’s guide outlining Anything, Mothers Can Do Anything, My Dad Takes Care multicultural education in response primarily to racial un- of Me, and My Is a Nurse. Interestingly, parents at rest in the area. However, the original intention of creat- various community forums objected to providing students ing this teacher’s guide has become obscured by a fire with examples of gender representation that strayed from storm of controversy fueled by homophobia and sexism. traditional female roles. At one particular meeting, a While a media spectacle has ensued concerning the woman was shouted down when she expressed her hope teacher’s guide, which three years after the original vote that with the implementation of the teacher’s guide her was distributed to the school community as the “Children niece might receive a balanced message about career op- of the Rainbow” guide, the city-wide dispute has raised tions for women. some important questions about when (and to some But not surprisingly - and not unrelated to the sexist people, z$ children should receive information concern- responses (see Suzanne Pharr’s article in this issue) - the ing sexuality in the classroom. most volatile part of the controversy was the presentation of information about the existence of gay and lesbian Racial Hatred Leads to “Children of the Rainbow” lives in a lesson on families at the first grade level. The The first incident leading to the boards unanimous deci- lesson was limited to encouraging teachers to respect all sion to write a multicultural education guide was the ra- configurations of families, including those that are headed cially-motivated murder of a black man in Howard Beach, by gay and lesbian parents. The suggested reading list for Queens. The Howard Beach Incident was the result of ha- this lesson included books like Heather has Two Mom- tred and suspicion based in racism. A young black man mies. Obviously; nothing sexually explicit in nature was was murdered by a horde of bat-wielding white youth. intended. However, parents who opposed the implemen- The second incident was similarly hate- and racially moti- tation of these guidelines accused then Chancellor Joseph vated and led to the death of another young black man at Femandez of teaching their children the “how-to’s of sod- the hands of white youth in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. At the omy.” Tactics by these opponents ranged from handing same time, then Chancellor Richard Green was being made out gay pornography at community meetings as if they aware of the escalating gay-related violence in schools, es- were components of the lesson plan to demonstration pecially in New York City junior high schools. Students, chants of “ Joe” aimed at Chancellor Femandez. perceived to be gay or lesbian, were being attacked and In fact, since the writing of this article, Joseph Fernandez’s beaten at an alarming rate by their classmates. contract as chancellor was not renewed. A lack of mutual compassion and peaceful co-exist- Unfortunately, not only did opponents of the Rainbow ence among young people in most New York City com- Curricula resort to such misguided tactics, but prop- munities was quite evident to the school board represen- nents and advocates also fell prey to fearful resistance. In tatives. The realization moved the central school board to fact, quite often, the defense given on behalf of “Children request the development of a teacher’s guide. Unfortu- of the Rainbow” guide was, “This is not a sex education nately, such honorable intentions have not stood up program!” Unfortunately, what was lost to all in these m- against the ensuing response which has ranged from pa- bid debates was the fact that this guide offers learning op rental concern, to political maneuvering, to a backlash of portunities for young people concerning human develop hatred and bigotry. The introduction of “Children of the ment, relationships, personal skills, health, communities, Rainbow” backfired with fighting and faction rather than and culture. These topics are the key components of the achieving a peaceful coming-together. Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education, pub- lished by SIECUS. The Controversy The guide addressed a number of important issues to- Missing the Vital Connections ward debunking racism, sexism, and homophobia. For The most disheartening part of these event is that the vital instance, the teachers guide made a concerted effort to connection between multicultural education and compre- deconstruct gender stereotyping. On the suggested read- hensive sexuality education was missed by all. The

17 SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education directly in every school, classroom, and language; pro- address the topic of diversity. The ill effects of discrimi- vide teachers with training materials and ongoing nation that result from difference are described at length. support to deal sensitively with issues of race, For example, developmental messages at all levels, in- ethnic@, gender, and sexual orientation; reach out to our city’s many communities to explain the clude: facts and purpose of implementing a fully inclu- sive multicultural program in all schools for all l “Discrimination can lead to lower self-esteem, un- children; and infuse the entire curriculum with ap- equal opportunities, and physical and emotional propriate instruction to foster greater appreciation problems. ” for the diversity which makes us a strong city, na- tion, and world.

l “Discrimina tion limits a society’s ability to use the full capabilities of its members.” These organizations and individuals supported the principle that all people, regardlessof race, ethnicity, gen-

l “People should speak up when they encounter dis- der, disability, socio-economic status, and sexual orienta- crimination.” tion deserve to be treated with respect. All individuals deserve to be safe from physical or verbal abuse based on

l “‘Peopleshould tty to understandand celebratediversity.” who they are or who members of their family may be.

These simple statements apply directly to Call for a Powerful Partnership multicultural education. Certainly the proponents of comprehensive sexuality edu- SIECUS staff have heard the echoes of the Rainbow cation and multicultural education could and should cre- conflict from different cities acrossthe country. We have ate a powerful partnership. Since both movements are assistedcommunities in every part of the United States based on the value and dignity owed to every individual, who are fighting this same battle, most often in the the strategiesfor implementing important education pro- name of comprehensive sexuality education, but some in grams can and must be shared and strengthened. the name of , as well. Unfortunately, resistance to both kinds of education is based in fear of difference.

Les!3onsLearned CALL, FOR SUBMISSIONS!!! Nonetheless, there are strategic lessonsto be re-learned Following is a schedule of upcoming themes for from this situation. It is not an insignificant reminder that the SIECUSRepoti, to be published in the coming homophobia, racism, and sexism are all alive and well in year (Volume 21). If you are interested in submit- America. Secondly, the New York City Board of Educa- ting an article, related book or video review, or a tion erred gravely by not initially including in the plan- critical analysisof the issues,send a draft manu- _ ning process for the guides the community of parents, script, by the dates specified, to SIECUS Editorial teachers, students, and administrators. In presenting a Office, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY new and progressive program such as the “Children of 10036. the Rainbow” guide, as is the case for comprehensive sexuality education, community involvement is impera- SIECUS Report, Jun/Jull993 tive. In fact, it seemed the process of sharing the guide- Sexuality and Aging lines was not well coordinated. It was nearly impossible Deadline: 3/25 to obtain a copy of the 463-paged “Children of the Rain- bow” teacher’s guide. SIECUS Report, Aug/Sep 1993 In one sensethe controversy was hurtful and demoral- Workplace Issues,including sexual izing for advocates of multicultural education, sexuality harassment,gender roles and HIV/AIDS education, and the gay and lesbian communities alike. In Deadline: 5/l another sense- as is ideally the case with challenging situations - the controversy brought people of diverse backgrounds with common interests to band together in support of a principle. An organization called People NEW STAFF About Changing Education (PACE) spear-headedan effort SIECUSwelcomes Mary Beth Caschetta, the to rally support for the guidelines. Over 1,000 organiza- new Editor-in-Chief of the SIECUSReport. Mary tions and individuals signed on to a statement in support Beth, formerly the editor of Treatment Issues,the of multicultural education. These collective voices would experimental HIV/AIDS therapies newsletter, have made a resounding impact on the fate of the Rain- published by Gay Men’s Health Crisis,joined the bow guide had they been heard prior to the guideline’s staff in January. A health activist and writer and a release and over the din of controversy. The statement graduate student of medical sociology and femi- urged the Board of Education to: nist theory, Mary Beth brings to the SIECUSReport a range of experience and view points. We look involve parentsand teachers in a joint compre- forward to having her aboard. hensiveeffort to promoteacceptance of diversity

SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 18 SZECUS Fact Sheet On Comprehensive Sexuality Education SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND IDENTITY

SIECUS believes that an individuals sexual orientation - deplores all forms of prejudice and discrimination against whether bisexual, homosexual, or heterosexual - is an people based on sexual orientation. essential part of sexual health and personality. SIECUS Recentpublic debates on homosexuality have been dis- strongly supports the right of each individual to accept, torted by homophobia, misinform&on, and stereotypes acknowledge, and live in accordance with his or her ori- about sex& orientatkwa and identity. T&s fact sheet has entation. SIECUS advocates laws guaranteeing civil rights been prepared by SLKXJS staff to provide current, accurate and protection to all people of all sexual orientations and facts to inform a more intelligent debate.

Dczfhitions of !3enm&y extremely important to individual identity and sexual heal&L4 l Sexual orientation is one’s erotic, romantic, and

affectional attraction to the same gender (sex), to the l The American Psychiatric Association removed horn- opposite gender (sex), or to both. sexuality from its list of disorders in 1973.

l Sexual identity is an inner-sense of oneself as a l There are no current U.S. population research studies sexual being, including how one identifies in terms of on sexual behavior, identity or orientation. gender and sexual orientation, l A common false allegation leveled against many gay l is a term once used to describe men and lesbians is that they are child-molesters. In sexual orientation - , homosexuality and fact, 95% of all reported incidents of child sexual heterosexuality - which is now outdated because abuse are committed by heterosexual men.5 sexual orientation is no longer commonly considered to be one’s conscious individual preference or choice, CivilLiberties &D-on but is instead thought to be formed by a complicated l Only six states in the U.S. have legislation protecting network of social, cultural, biological, economic, and lesbian and gay people against discrimination based political factors. on sexual orientation. l Homophobia is the irrational hatred and fear of les- l In 1992, Colorado voters approved a constitutional bian and gay people that is produced by institutional- amendment prohibiting civil rights protection on the ized in a society or culture. basis of sexual orientation, a measure which effectively l Several studies indicate that exposure to truthful in- invalidated the laws in several Colorado cities that did formation about lesbians and gay men often leads to extend equal rights to lesbian and gay citizens. a reduction in homophobia.i l Seven states have laws banning the practice of certain l Heterosexism is the institutional and societal rein- sexual acts between adults of the same gender.6 forcement of heterosexuality as the privileged and l Sixteen other states plus the District of Columbia have powerful norm. laws banning the practice of certain sexual acts by l Neither the term heterosexuality nor the term homo- homosexual and heterosexual couples. 7 sexuality existed before 1890. l Lesbians and gay men are the most frequent victims of Origins and Characteristics of Sexual Orientation hate crimes and are at least seven times more likely to be crime victims than heterosexual people.8 l No single scientific theory about what causes sexual orientation has been suitably substantiated. Studies l At least 75% of crimes against lesbians and gay men to associate sexual orientation with genetic, hor- are not reported to anyone.9 monal, and environmental factors have so far been l In a 1991 study of five metropolitan areas including inconclusive.2 Boston, , Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York City, and San Francisco, there were 1,833 incidents of l Many interventions aimed at changing the sexual ori- entation of lesbians and gay men have succeeded anti-gay and anti-lesbian crimes, which is a 31% in- only in reducing sexual behavior and self-esteem crease over the previous year.lO

rather than in creating or increasing attractions to the l According to a 1986 survey conducted in Seattle, other gender (sexX3 Washington, 40% of homeless youth identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual.‘l l It is considered ethically questionable by the profes-

sional psychological COITUIIU~~~~ to seek to alter l Half of all lesbian and gay youth report that their par- through therapy a trait that is not a disorder and is ents reject them due to their sexual orientation.12

19 SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 l Gay adolescents are two to three times more likely to charges. In addition, the Navy Secretary, H. attempt suicide than male heterosexual adolescents. Lawrence Garrett, resigned his position.

It is estimated that up to 30% of reported youth sui- l Sexual harassment in the military is prohibited and cides each year are committed by lesbian and gay regulated by codes of conduct. young people.13 l The Pentagon has not raised efforts to investigate or Lesbians and Gay Men in the Military discharge male sexual harassers. The Pentagon has not made public the number and cost of male mili- l The ban against homosexuals in the military was tary personnel who are yearly discharged for sexual codified into law in 1982 by a directive of the Reagan assaultor harassmentof female military personnel. Administration, which reads: “Homosexuality is in- compatible with military service. The presence in the military environment of persons who engage in ho- References mosexual conduct or who, by their statements, dem- 1Herek, GM “Beyond Homophobia: A Social Psychological Per- spective on Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men. Journal of onstrate a propensity to engage in homosexual con- Homosexuality 10 (l/2) 1-21, 1984. duct, seriously impairs the accomplishment of the * Gooren L, Fliers E & Courtney K. “Biological Determinants of military mission.” SexualOrientation” Annual Review of Sex Research 1:175-196, 1-O; and Bailey,JM., PillaredRC. “A GeneticStudy of Male Sexual l As a result of this Department of Defense (DOD) Di- Orientation”Arch Gen Psvchiatn, Vol 148. Dec. 1991. rective (1332.14 section H.l), military personnel 3 Haldeman, DC. “Sexual ~Orien&ion for Gay found to be homosexual or suspected of homosexual men and Lesbians:A ScientificExamination.” In J.C. Gonsiorek& behavior are dismissed or discharged from their post. J.D. Welnrich(Eds.) Homosexuality Research Implications for Pub- lic Policy Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications, 1991, pp. 49-160; l The Uniform Code of Military Justice criminalize pri- and Martin, AD “Psychotherapeutic Implications of Internalized vate oral and anal sexual acts - both homosexual Homophobia in Gay Men.” In J.C. Gonsiorek (Ed.) Homosexuality and heterosexual - among consenting adult mem- andpsychotherapy: A Practitioners Handbook of Aflrmutive Models New York: Haworth Press, 1984, pp. 59-69. bers of the U.S. armed forces. *Davidson G. “Constructionism and Morality in Therapy for Homo- l The Pentagon estimates that from 1980 to 1990, it sexualitv. “ In I.C. Gonsiorek Kr I.D. Weinrich (Eds.) Homosexual- spent $500 million alone replacing discharged gay ity Research Zhplications for Piblic Policy. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications, 1991, pp. 137-148; Maylon A. “Psychotherapeutic and lesbian members of the armed forces. The total Implicationsof InternalizedHomophobia in Gay Men.” In J.C. amount spent - including investigation, out-process- Gonsiorek (Ed.) Homosexuality and Psychotherapy: A Practitioners ing and court costs - has not been released. Handbook of A$irmative Model. New York: Haworth Press, 1982, pp. 59-69; and Silverstein C. “Psychological and Medical Treatment l The military dismisses approximately 1,500 members of Homosexuality” In J.C. Gonsiorek & J.D. Weir&h (Ed%) Homo- each year because they are lesbian or gay.** sexuality: Research Implications for Public Policy .Newbury Park,

l Women are eight times more likely than men to be CA: Sage Publicationq‘l991, pp. 137-148 . 5Russell D. 7he Secret Trauma: Incest in the Lives of Girls and dismissed from the Marine Corps for being homo- Women. New York: Basic Books, 1986. sexual.15 6Hunter ND et al. Rights of Lesbians and Gay Men 3rd Edition, Southern Illinois University Press, 1992, pp.149-175. l A 1989 military study concluded that gay men and ‘See also Haffner D. “1992 Report Card on the States Sexual Rights lesbians demonstrated “preservice suitability-related in America” SIECUS Report Vol 20. No. 3, February/March 1992. adjustment that is as good or better than the average *Personal Communication. Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, heterosexual.“16 February 1993. 9 National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute Report, l A Gallup survey of a cross section of the American 1984: (Copies can be attained by writing to 1734 14th Street, NW, population of adults aged 18 and over showed that Washington, DC.) 57% of those interviewed felt that homosexuals lo National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute Report, should be allowed to serve in the armed forces.” 1991: (Copies can be attained by writing to 1734 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC.) l According to a poll, 45% of *i Orion Center, Suwey of Street Youth, 1986 (Copies can be ob- Americans approve of allowing openly homosexual tained by writing tk Seattle, WA.) men and women in the armed forces.‘8 I2 Remafedi, G. “Male Homosexuality: The Adolescent’s Perspec- tive,” Pediattics,79:326-330, 1987. . According to a Yankelovich Partners, Inc. study, 57% I3 Gibson P, LCSW. “Gay Male and Lesbian Youth Suicide,” Report of people polled thought that gay men and lesbians of the Secretay’s Tak Force on Youth Suicide, U.S. Department of should not be banned from the military.19 Health and Human Services, 1989. I4 United States General Accounting Office Report to Congressional Heterosexual Men in the Mihry Requesters. “Defense Force Management: DOD’s Policy on Homo- sexuality,” June 1992. . As many as 50 female Navy and Marine personnel I5House of Representatives correspondence to Jean Appleby, Defense were sexually assaultedin public by a dozen male of- Advisory Committee on Women in the Servioe, April 24,1992. ficers at a convention of the Tailhook Association, an I6 PRESEREC. Preservice Adjustment of Homosexual and Hetero- sexual Military Accessions: Implications for Security Clearance Suit- official military gathering. ability, January 1989. l Two senior Navy admirals were forced into early re- “Hugick L. “Public Opinion Divided on Gay Rights.” Gallup Poll tirement and one was reassignedwhen it was cliscov- Monthly, June 1992, P. 3. I8“Opinion Poll Chart.”Los Angeles Times, January28th 1993. ered that they had deliberately undermined the initial I9Yankelovich Partners, Inc. [for Time Magazine and CNNIJanuary investigation of the Tailhook assaultsto protect fellow 14,1993: (Copies can be obtained by writing to 2033 M Street, NW, Navy officers from embarrassment and criminal Suite900, Washington, DC 20036.)

SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 20 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

GIVE BIRTH AGAIN TO THE DREAM

Debra Haf’her, MPH Executive Director, SIECUS

1 have been thinking a lot about symbols lately. I am claim that the Bible is to be taken literally in today’s world joyfully expecting a second child, and in the past few must have a great deal of difficulty reconciling the contra- weeks have begun to look undeniably pregnant. I’ve no- dictions in the text. For instance, which of the two cre- ticed that pregnant women seem to have a special mean- ation stones should be taught as true? Should men with ing for many people. Strangers smile at me, strike up infertile wives have a child by another woman as conversations, and - on a few disconcerting occasions Abraham preached? Is it preferable to give one’s young - lean over to touch my burgeoning stomach. To some, daughter to a hoard of men instead of turning out two I have become a visible symbol for motherhood, fertility, male visitors? Should we take seriously the law that “any- renewal, and life. one who curseshis father or mother must die?” Progres- Recently I was invited to speak in a community that is sive people who understand metaphors and parables can struggling with a sexuality education controversy. A man take the messagesand translate them into todays world. who opposes sexuality education in schools said to me, “I I am optimistic that we are reclaiming America. On am surprised to see that you are pregnant.” I was January 20, we closed the SIECUS office for several hours stunned. His implication was that pro-choice women do in order to watch the inauguration together as a staff. not have children or families. I choked out a response, “I Many of us felt a renewed senseof optimism, patriotism, suppose you’d be surprised to know that I go to church and pride in being a part of America. We cheered and every Sunday, too.” became teary-eyed as President Clinton talked about the For too long, the far right has appropriated such im- need to renew America, and Maya Angelou asked us to portant cultural symbols as motherhood, families, religion, “lift up your eyes upon this day breaking for you. Give and the Bible. It is time for progressives to vociferously birth again to the dream.” It felt to us like so many steps take these symbols back. toward a new commitment to pluralism and diversity. As I have written in these pages before, we need to Nonetheless, the last few weeks of public debates speak out for the true version of family values. We need about gays and lesbian in the military have dramatically to celebrate our own families and the wonderful diversity illustrated how far we have to go. I am stunned each of families in this country. We need to support and dig- time I hear a public figure spew hatred and bigotry. Ho- nify all families. We need to make it our goal that all chil- mosexuality may be the last bastion of this kind of blatant dren grow up in communities that educate, affirm, and bigotry in American life. Misinformation and stereotypes nurture them. of gay and lesbian people abound even in the liberal It is time for us to reclaim God, religion, and the Bible. press. Z&e New York Times,for instance, talks about I still cringe every time I hear a representative from the sexual preference, rather than identity or orientation, and Far Right say that he or she represents “Gods will.” I re- “avowed homosexuals.” (Can someone be an avowed sent the names of such organizations as the Christian Coa- heterosexual?) During the next several months as the lift- lition and the National Coalition of Christian Educators be- ing of the ban is debated, SIECUS is committed to educat- cause I know they do not speak on behalf of the Chris- ing the public about sexual orientation and identity. This tian community. Jesus’ teachings in such parables as the issueof the SIECUSReport is just one step in a long edu- Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan are clarion calls for cational process. understanding, charity, and tolerance. Those of us who President Clinton ended his inaugural addresswith belong to an organized religion or who practice our faith these words: individually must be willing to proclaim our faith and talk about how our religion and spirituality positively informs From this joyful mountaintopof celebration,we our understanding of human sexuality. We need to claim hear a call to service in the valley. We have that right for our own integrity in the name of acceptance heard the trumpets. We have changedthe guard. for all people. An now, each in our own way, and with God’s I participate in a Bible study group and am just begin- help, we must answerthe call. ning to understand that many of the stones in the Bible are - as my minister says - “about us today.” The Bible We must reclaim America, families, and religion, as we is a type of for our own issuesand con- stand and work together for tolerance, respect, diversity, cerns. It is also clear to me that the fundamentalists who and pluralism.

21 SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 PUBLIC POLICY UPDAm “Change is in the Air”

Betsy Wader and Alan E. Gambrell Director of Public Policy and Washington, DC Representative, SIECUS

EcEcuTIvEoBDEBs President Clinton’s recommendation to lift the ban com- within the first few days of his administration, President pletely on gay men and lesbians in the armed forces may Bill Clinton issued the following key executive orders: undermine ‘discipline and morale,” making recruitment more difficult. Therefore, Clinton has decided to suspend l Repeal of the Gag Rule, which prohibited pregnancy his repeal of the ban for six months. During this time, he counseling from including abortion as an option for will consult with high-ranking officials in the Pentagon patients in federally-funded clinics. and the IO3rd Congress. If consensuson the policy is reached, an order lifting the ban will be issued from the

l Repeal of the ban on fetal t&sue research from elective Oval Office. Meanwhile both support and opposition to abortions, which had effectively halted important sci- lifting the ban has come from members of both political entific research. parties. Democrats are scrambling to put a bill together that would effectively lift the ban by congressional 9 Repeal of the ban on U.S.&ndsfor internationalfam- measure. ilyplanningprograms. The entire controversy has brought into focus several false issues,and SIECUShas put together a question/an- 9 Repeal of tbeprobibition on abortions conducted in swer segment to help illuminate the matter: milita y hospitals. DO gays and lesbians in the armed forces put a l Repeal the ban on allowing RU-486, the abortion pill, potential strain on military spending? No. In fact, from being imported into the U.S. prohibiting investigations that hunt down gay and lesbian soldiers (mostly women, who are more likely to be dis- These orders, handed down on the twentieth anniver- charged for being homosexual) would cut spending sig- sary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court Decision that nificantly. The Pentagon estimates that last decade it made abortion legal in the United States, essentially re- spent nearly $500 million replacing gay and lesbian store women’s rights to doctor-patient confidentiality, armed forces personnel who had been dismissed. The open the door to life-saving medical research, enable the sad fact is that records show that many of the gay and les- U.S. to resume leadership in international family planning bian soldiers discharged had stellar military records and arenas, and demonstrate respect for the personal and were known to be excellent at their jobs. medical needs of U.S. military families and individuals in this country and abroad. Do gays and lesbians in the armed forces threaten of the military? No. Much of the unethi- TRIALBYFIRE cal sexual behavior in the military involves the harass- The volatile issue of lifting the ban on gays and lesbians ment, violence, and rape of female military personnel in the military is proving to be a trial by fire for the new and suspected gay and lesbian soldiers. An equal code administration. While the initial questioning of recruits as of sexual ethics for all people in the military - hetero- to whether or not they are homosexual has now been sexual and homosexual - would be extremely benefi- officially prohibited, Clinton has yet to put an official cial. Much of the debate around this issue is based on end to on-going and new investigations of gay and les- the false assumption that a gay or lesbian identity can be bian soldiers. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have claimed that reduced to sexual activity only and that gay and lesbian people are interested in “recruiting” heterosexuals to 1 a gay lifestyle. Only one openly gay member of the military has ever DO gays and lesbians in the armed forces endan- been burled in an official military ceremony - Air ger the lives of heterosexual soldiers because they Force Sergeant whose headstone carry HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS? The human in the reads: “When I was in immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that affects all hu- the military they gave me a medal for killing two men man beings. People become infected with the virus and a discharge for loving one.” through unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse or by

SIECUS Report, February/March 1993 22 sharing unclean needles, in other words, by behaviors tional office to express disapproval of their discriminatory that can be modified, and not by virtue of sexual identity stance. Write to the following address to register your or orientation. People do not become HIV-positive by disapproval: being gay or lesbian or by sharing a military quarters with someone who is gay or lesbian. Mr. Jere B. Ratcliffe Chief Scout Executive what do Americans think about gays and lesbians Boy Scouts Of America in the &tar-y? According to a Los Angeles Times poll, P.O. Box 152079 45% of Americans approved of allowing openly homo- Irving, TX 75015-2079. sexual men and women in the armed forces. According to a Yankelovich survey a majority, in fact, fifty-seven per- The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) (H.R 25, s. cent of those polled, thought that gays should not be 25): The first day of Congress, Representative Don banned from the military. Edwards (D-CA) and 15 co-sponsors reintroduced a mea- sure to codify the core principles of Roe V. Wade by es- On December 10, SIECUS sent a letter to then tablishing fundamental constitutional protection for a President-elect Bill Clinton urging a repeal of the ban on woman’s right to choose abortion. The following week gay and lesbian people and the establishment of an anti- Majority Leader George Mitchell (D-ME) and 39 co-spon- discrimination educational program for armed services sors introduced the same measure in the Senate. Both personnel. SIECUS also joined the Military Freedom bills are scheduled to move quickly. SIECUS has joined Project a coalition of national organizations calling for a the National Pro-Choice Coalition to mobilize support for repeal of the ban, education of service personnel on these measures. , the repeal of all uniform Code of Military Justice Laws which criminalize some private sexual be- The Reproductive Act (H.R 26): This haviors, like oral-genital and anal contact, among consent- bill, introduced by Representative Vie Fazio (D-CA), will ing adults in the military. ensure that women can obtain abortion services and care in a number of federally-funded programs, including: MOBRUING FOR CHANGE Medicaid, Health Care Programs for federal government While the Far Right is mobilizing against the very first and military personnel; District of Columbia residents; the winds of change, progressive leaders have kicked into ac- Peace Corps; Programs for federal penal and correctional tion with a strong commitment toward coalition and col- institutions; and Native Americans under federal medical laboration. On January 14, the People for the American care. Since the bill essential overturns federal funding re- Way convened over one-hundred progressive representa- strictions on abortion, a long appropriations process for tives to assess the political climate, including an in-depth each is likely to ensue. examination of the defeats and victories of both sides. Sexuality education, gay and lesbian rights, reproductive choice and other important topics were placed high on the agenda. A campaign to “shine the light” on the Far Right to beat extremism and tolerance emerged trium- phantly. Strategies that exemplify such exposure include HELPLlFTTHEBAN! the efforts to uncover the Far Right’s “San Diego Modei,” SIECUS urges a complete lifting of the ban against a plan by fundamentalist church voters in which candi- gay men and lesbians in the military. The Uniform dates for the school board were instructed to hide their Code of Military Justice Laws must be written to extremist affiliation in order to be elected. The meeting emphasize that military are expected to engage in also revealed that the mainstream faction of the Republi- private consensual, non-exploitative, equitable, and can Party seems to be fighting back for power. One rep responsible sexual acts only. Anti-discrimination resentative of the Republican Party claimed that many training and technical support must be available were eager to take back the party which had become em- throughout the military after the ban is lifted. braced by the Religious Right, , and Jerry Falwell after the 1970 Watergate Scandal. The meeting Individuals can register support for the lifting of expressed a renewed energy and faith in a long future of the ban and disapproval of homophobic policies by powerful organizing. calling the following committees and people:

Anti-Gay Scout Policy: The Boy Scouts of America Senate Switchboard (202)224-3207 has an unacceptable national policy which bans gay men House of Representatives from being Scout leaders and gay youth from becoming Switchboard (202) 225-6514 scouts. The dis criminatory statement claims that the orga- nization exists “to meet the needs of mainstream Ameri- Pentagon Opinion Line (202) 697-5737 can Families, to provide leadership skills, self-determina- White House Switchboard (202) 4561414 tion, and all the values and qualities that people have House Armed Services Committee (202) 225-4151 come to expect of the Boy Scouts.” SIECUS and some Senate Armed Services Committee (202) 224-3871 members of the National Coalition to Support Sexuality Education will be forwarding letters to the Boy Scouts’ na-

23 SIECUS Report, February/March 1993