A Recent History Of Lesbian And Gay Psychology

This ground-breaking text explores the contemporary history of how psychological research, practice, and theory has engaged with gay and lesbian movements in the United States and beyond, over the last 50 years. Peter Hegarty examines the main strands of research in lesbian and gay psychology that have emerged since the de-pathologizing of homosexuality in the 1970s that followed from the recognition of homophobia and societal prejudice. The author details the expansion of ‘lesbian and gay psychology’ to ‘LGB’ to ‘LGBT psychology’ via its paradigm shifts, legal activism, shifts in policy makers’ and mental health professionals’ goals in regard to sexual and gender minorities. For the first time, the origins of the concepts, debates, and major research programs that have made up the field of LGBT psychology have been drawn together in a single historical narrative, making this a unique resource. A case is made that psychology has only very lately come to consider the needs and issues of transgender and intersex people, and that LGB paradigms need to be critically interrogated to understand how they can be best brokered to bring about social change for such groups. A Recent History of Lesbian and Gay Psychology will serve as an advanced historical introduction to this field’s recent history and current concerns, and will inform both those who have been a part of this history and students who are new to the field.

This is a groundbreaking contemporary history of how psychological research, practice, theory, and legal activism engaged with the gay and lesbian movement in the United States over the past 50 years.

Gain insight into crucial British mental health approaches for LGB individuals There is very little collaborative literature between LGB-affirmative psychologists and psychotherapists in the United States and the United Kingdom. British Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Psychologies: Theory, Research, and Practice may well be a crucial beginning step in building dialogue between these two countries on important LGB psychotherapy developments. Leading authorities comprehensively examine the latest studies and effective therapies for LGB individuals in the United Kingdom. Practitioners will discover an extensive survey of the most current developments to supplement their own work, while educators and students will find diverse expert perspectives on which to consider and broaden their own viewpoints. This unique book offers an informative introduction to British psychosocial perspectives on theory, research, and practice. British Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Psychologies provides a critical exploration of the recent history of LGB psychology and psychotherapy in the United Kingdom, focusing on key publications and outlining the current terrain. Other chapters are organized into two thematic sections. The first section explores theoretical frameworks in United Kingdom therapeutic practice, while the second section examines sexual minority identities and their needs for support and community. Topics in British Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Psychologies include: similarities and differences between LGBT psychology and psychotherapy in the United States and United Kingdom gay affirmative therapy (GAT) as a positive framework existential-phenomenological approach to psychotherapy core issues in the anxiety about whether or not to “come out” object relations theory exploring homo-negativity in the therapeutic process aspects of psychotherapy that lesbians and gay men find helpful research into how the mainstreaming of lesbian and gay culture has affected the lives of LGB individuals a study into LGB youth issues difficulties of gay men with learning disabilities—with suggestions on how to offer the best psychological service a study on gay athletes’ experiences of coming out in a heterosexist world British Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Psychologies takes a needed step toward sharing valuable psychosocial perspectives between countries. This useful, enlightening text is perfect for educators, students, psychologists, psychotherapists, and counselors working in the field of sexuality.

More than ever before, heated public policy debates over sexual orientation point to a critical need for a clearer understanding of lesbians and gay men. Empirically rich and intellectually rigorous, Lesbian and Gay Psychology presents innovative empirical studies that explore the children of lesbians, internalized homophobia, lesbian and gay development, and aspects of relationship quality of cohabitating couples. Theoretical analyses of physical appearance, issues of sexual pride and shame in lesbians, impact of the feminist political movement, and heterosexual attitudes are also provided. A chapter on boundary issues in a lesbian therapist/client relationship adds to the diversity of perspectives contained in this volume. The accessible format and clear writing style contribute to making Lesbian and Gay Psychology an ideal resource for practitioners, interns, social service professionals and students. Anyone interested in seeking a deeper level of understanding into the complexities and subtleties of the lesbian and gay community will also find this volume an invaluable resource. "Using a `lesbigay′ affirmative perspective, this book takes us successfully toward the goal of building a theoretical and empirical knowledge base for understanding and improving the lives of lesbians and gay men. . . . I appreciated the variety of styles, approaches, and topics that the editors chose for this volume because it is this variety, as well as the content, that provokes the discussion and the evaluation of the concepts and research. This reviewer will be waiting and looking forward to future annual volumes." --Affilia "All of the contributors have broken ground in one way or another with their work, and this volume helpfully brings them together while also pointing us further ahead conceptually." --The Lesbian Review of Books

There has been a recent explosion of interest in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Perspective Psychology amongst students and academics, and this interest is predicted to continue to rise. Recent media debates on subjects such as same-sex marriage have fuelled interest in LGBTQ perspectives. This edited collection showcases the latest thinking in LGBTQ psychology. The book has 21 chapters covering subjects such as same sex parenting, outing, young LGBTQ people, sport, learning disabilities, lesbian and gay identities etc. The book has an international focus, with contributors from UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

This exciting and engaging textbook introduces students to the psychology of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer lives and experiences. It covers a broad range of topics including diversity, prejudice, health, relationships, parenting and lifespan experiences from youth to old age. The book includes 'key researcher' boxes, which outline the contributions of significant individuals and their motivations for conducting their research in their own words. Key issues and debates are discussed throughout the book, and questions for discussion and classroom exercises help students reflect critically and apply their learning. There are extensive links to further resources and information, as well as 'gaps and absences' sections, indicating major limitations of research in a particular area. This is the essential textbook for anyone studying LGBTQ psychology, psychology of sexuality or related courses. It is also a useful supplement to courses on gender and developmental psychology.

Does present important and relevant data on homosexuality that will help sensible professionals and lay people alike refute the specious arguments of....radical right politicians and religious leaders. --Book Reviews "John C. Gonsiorek and James D. Weinrich are skillful in their application of research to public policy . . . . This book is exceptionally readable. . . . [they] are to be particularly commended for their editorial expertise." --Contemporary Psychology "Gonsiorek and Weinrich′s book is a gem! It provides the most up-to-date discussions of all the crucial issues that anyone who deals with gay and lesbian issues must understand--the myths, prejudices, and the knotty issues of policy and the scientific research relevant to them. Whether one needs to know about ′child molestation,′ ′choice,′ ′role models,′ or any other ′old chestnut,′ this book provides a clear and scholarly treatment of the controversy and the research relevant to it. It is indispensable!" --Clinton Anderson, Officer for Gay and Lesbian Concerns American Psychological Association "Gonsiorek and Weinrich assemble a most distinguished group of contributors who, in turn, examine the most important issues regarding the subject of homosexuality from the perspective of psychological research. This book is an invaluable resource for forensic psychologists, lawyers and law makers. It offers a thorough exploration of the research necessary to formulate public policy on these issues. In addition, mental health service providers, instructors, and students alike will find that this book covers the basic issues in the psychology of lesbians and gay men with competence and care. A powerhouse of a book!" --Kristin Hancock, Ph.D., Past Chair, Association of Lesbian & Gay Psychologists and Past President, APA Division #44 "There are so many outstanding contributions to this book and so many reasons to get it. This work flies in the face of hearsay and shatters psychological myth with research. It clearly has many uses in the education and training of psychotherapists. It is the sort of work which would also prove to be an invaluable resource to those who need well-documented, clearly written reviews of available research on gay men and lesbians--whatever the reason." --American Psychological Association, Division #44 Newsletter Despite scientific study and scholarly research, homosexuality continues as the subject of an intense, and often bitter, debate. Current and concise, Homosexuality summarizes what science knows about homosexuality and its relevance for public policy. The chapters here focus on concerns that have been most central to current public policy debates about homosexuality, including: the nature and causes of sexual orientations; the reasons why homosexuality is not an illness; the ethics of various mental health approaches to homosexuality; the effects of social and legal discrimination; newer biological and psychological understandings of homosexuality; homosexual people as couples and parents; and the implications of the AIDS epidemic. Because the contributors hail from a variety of disciplines (social, clinical, and counseling psychology; law; psychiatry; social work; biology; nursing; and anthropology), this volume offers a balanced approach to an important--and controversial--issue. This intriguing and timely volume encourages readers to become discerning consumers of the scientific discourses on homosexuality--past, present, and future. As such, students, scholars, and professionals in psychology, sociology, counseling, and social work will use this volume time and again.

Debra A. Hope The Nebraska Symposium on Motivation is steeped in history and tradition. Over the years the series editors have striven to maintain the highest standards of a- demic excellence and to highlight some of the most important trends in psychology. Perusing the chapter titles in the first 53 volumes shows the shifting emphasis as the science of psychology developed in the latter half of the twentieth century. All of the most important topics are there — drive theory, social learning, the cognitive revolution, developing perspectives on understanding individual differences and the role of culture, and the increasing role of neuroscience. The key figures are there as well — Harry Harlow, Kenneth Spence, Raymond Cattell, George Kelly, Albert Bandura, Carl Rogers, Carroll Izard, Walter Mischel, Sandra Bem, Sandra Spence, Herbert Simon, David Barlow, and many others. In late 2004, I met with a group of interested graduate students, and together we developed a proposal to join this long and proud tradition with a volume on sexual orientation. Our motivation stemmed, in part, from the events around us. The same-sex m- riage debate was covered extensively in the media, reflecting a rapid and important discussion about sexual orientation that we were having (and are still having) as a society. Psychology and related fields have much to offer on many of the issues raised in this debate.