A Family and Friend's Guide to Sexual Orientation: Bridging the Divide Between Gay and Straight

by Powers,Bob; Powers,Bob

• ISBN13: 9780415912761
• ISBN10: 0415912768
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 1996-06-12
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

When it comes to sexual orientation, most families operate in a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" environment.A Family and Friend's Guide to Sexual Orientationhelps individuals and families to bridge the divide between gay and straight, to heal the wounds that often accompany individuals and families negative feelings about lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgendered persons. Consisting of thirty stories by individuals who have come to accept (and who have embraced) their own sexuality, twelve of the stories are by heterosexuals who, in addition to talking about their own sexuality, speak of the homosexuality of a loved one. The stories focus on each individual's life history, the development of their negative attitudes toward differing sexual orientations, and how they moved beyond these attitudes. In addition, the book includes five stories from two families: A gay father, his ex-wife and daughter; and a father who is a Rabbi and his lesbian daughter. These stories offerstriking insights into the family dynamics relating to the homosexuality of a family member, and how families can work together to achieve a place of compassion and acceptance.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Getting Started: The Road from the Closet Door to the Magic Line	p. 1
Gaining Acceptance: Stories of Families and Friends	p. 13
Gaining Knowledge: Stories of A Diverse Community	p. 83
Deepening Knowledge: Stories from the Workplace and Stories of Spiritual and Religious Development	p. 155
Taking Action: 101 Steps on the Road to Acceptance	p. 223
Using Resources: Tools for the Trip	p. 235
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.