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Full-Text Articles in Social Work
Family Members Of Gays And Lesbians Attitudes Toward Homosexuality, Diane M. Jorgensen
Family Members Of Gays And Lesbians Attitudes Toward Homosexuality, Diane M. Jorgensen
Theses and Graduate Projects
Homophobic attitudes are detrimental to the safety and well-being of gays and lesbians. To determine how attitudes in family members of gays and lesbians are formed, how they change, and what effect having a gay or lesbian family member has on attitudes toward homosexuality, 10 Central Minnesota parents of gays and lesbians were interviewed. Results were related to theories of social deviance, social construction, and cognitive dissonance. Findings indicate parents' initial attitudes were influenced by societal institutions, parents changed their attitudes out of love for their children, and attitudes were changed through research and membership in parent support groups. As …
The Involvement Of Gay Men In The Lutheran Church, Mary E. Vorhes
The Involvement Of Gay Men In The Lutheran Church, Mary E. Vorhes
Theses and Graduate Projects
Gay men have varying degrees of involvement in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This exploratory, qualitative study looked at the participation of gay men in Reconciling-In-Chnst (RIC) Lutheran congregations, what has affected that participation, and how the participants feel about their involvement in the Lutheran Church. Five gay men between the ages of 40-60 were interviewed regarding how they feel about their participation in the Lutheran church. The findings indicate that some participants left the church at some time, that all participants are curently active in the Lutheran Church, and that all participants are dissatisfied with the ELCA …
Gay Men And The Process Of Becoming Authentic: An Exploratory Study, Thomas G. Wales
Gay Men And The Process Of Becoming Authentic: An Exploratory Study, Thomas G. Wales
Theses and Graduate Projects
The concept of authenticity has not been studied as it relates to the lives of gay men. Hence, the concept of authenticity was explored through the literature and qualitative research methods. *Participants were key informants, including ministers, psychologists, and social workers. The study findings revealed the oppressive and anxiety-provoking existential givens experienced by gay men. Also, the study findings revealed that some gay men seek to avoid suffering and succumb to dread, while others actively confront their suffering through courage, responsibility, love, faith, spontaneity, and creativity. The gay men who confront their suffering become more aware of their innate strengths …