Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services

Index

Volume 5 Number 1 1996

Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services
Volume 5, Number 1: 1996
ISSN: 1053-8720

    HEALTH CARE FOR LESBIANS AND GAY MEN: CONFRONTING HOMOPHOBIA AND
                              HETEROSEXISM

Foreward
  by Dean Pierce................................................xv-xviii

Preface: Developing the Context: The Impact of Homophobia and Heterosexism
on the Health Care of Gay and Lesbian People
  by K Jean Peterson, DSW.......................................xix-xxii

Lesbian and Gay Youth in a Straight World: Implications for Health Care
Workers
  by Harvey L Gochros and Robert Bidwell........................1-17
Abstract: Many homosexually oriented youth remain invisible, caught up in
the struggle between their same sex attractions and need for peer group
approval. This article discusses the sub-populations among gay and lesbian
youth, as well as the psychological risks, interpersonal stresses, and
health risks experienced by this group. Health care providers have a unique
opportunity to recognize the special needs of their gay and lesbian
patients, but face formidable barriers to providing these services.
However, there are also enormous opportunities for developing innovative
and early intervention programs on behalf of gay and lesbian youth. Special
issues which need to be considered in developing these programs are
discussed.

Gay Men and the Health Care System
  by Martin Schwartz............................................19-32
Abstract: Because of the homophobia manifested by health care providers,
gay men have had to exercise extra prudence in the selection of their
physician to avoid "second class" medical care. The persistence of negative
attitudes of caretakers towards gay men is evident in the interaction
between the physician and her/his gay male patient. These negative
attitudes are manifested in a range of behaviors, from overt rejection to
benign neglect. To avoid this deliterious experience, some gay men will
withold pertinent information which subsequently interferes with the
physician's ability to make an appropriate diagnosis. The AIDS epidemic has
led to confrontation of the health system by gay activists and AIDS service
organizations, ushering in the start of more positive attitudes and
behaviors towards gay men with HIV or AIDS. Possible solutions to these
shameful occurences with the health system are discussed.

Lesbians and the Health Care System
  by K Jean Peterson and Mary Bricker-Jenkins...................33-47
Abstract: Lesbians remain invisible within the health care system and have
fewer contacts with health care providers. This article reviews the limited
research available on health care for lesbians, including the research on
the attitudes of health care providers towards lesbians, and the barriers
lesbians encounter in seeking care. The experience of lesbians with breast
cancer is used to exemplify these issues. Social workers must evaluate and
challenge their own attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors if they are to work
with, and advocate for, lesbians within the health care system.
Recommendations for practice are discussed.

Reproductive Issues for Lesbians
  by Eileen F Levy..............................................49-58
Abstract: Lesbian families are often invisible within the national
statistics describing family structure and subsequently they may struggle
with the question of their own legitimacy. While lesbian families have
historically been created through adoption by one parent or children from a
previous marriage, it is becoming more common for lesbian couples to create
their own families through artificial insemination. However, the homophobia
and heterosexism within the health care system deny the legitimacy of this
family form. Pregnant lesbians may feel that they have to choose between
inclusion of their partners or adequate care. This article reviews many of
the issues faced by lesbians as they struggle with the question of becoming
mothers, and how social workers can help their lesbian clients address
these issues.

Substance Abuse and Dependency in Gay Men and Lesbians
  by Sandra C Anderson..........................................59-76
Abstract: Research on the incidence, etiology and treatment needs of gay
men and lesbians who abuse alcohol and drugs is limited. Recent studies
challenge earlier beliefs that the incidence of substance abuse is higher
among gay men and lesbians than in the general population. However, a
substantial number of this population drink problematically. This article
reviews the literature on the etiology of substance abuse among gay men and
lesbians, and details important assessment and treatment issues unique to
this population. The strengths and limitations of gay-specific treatment
programs are discussed. Recommendations are made about how social workers
can respond more appropriately to their gay and lesbian clients.

Long-Term Care and Hospice: The Special Needs of Older Gay Men and Lesbians
  by Lora Connolly..............................................77-91
Abstract: The health care needs of older gay men and lesbians are not
unique to this population, but the psychosocial impact and legal issues not
related to declining health are very different for lesbian and gay elders
when compared with their heterosexual peers. This article explores the
unique issues of older gay men and lesbians, and discusses how social
workers and other health care professionals can help protect the integrity
of homosexual couples facing declining health and death. Health care
providers must be sensitive to societal and familial homophobia which gay
and lesbian couples encounter, and be proactive in helping these couples
develop the legal protection needed to insure self-determination and the
integrity of their relationships.

Legal Issues in Health Care for Lesbains and Gay Men
  by Paula L Ettelbrick.........................................93-109
Abstract: The legal system in the United States is based on heterosexist
assumptions which place gay men and lesbians in a precarious position when
they face ill health or medical crisis. This article discusses a number of
these heterosexist assumptions and reviews some of the legal documents
available to gay men and lesbians as a means to provide legal protection.
While these legal documents are critical, they do not ensure that the wishes
of gay men and lesbians will be honored if these wishes are challenged by
family members. However, executing these legal documents is an important
first step in honoring the wishes of gay men and lesbians. Changes in the
law which validate same sex relationships and give lesbian and gay couples
the same legal protection and privilege as heterosexual marriages are
mandatory.

You can obtain copies of the above articles; or subscribe, from The Haworth
Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580, USA.
Single or multiple copies of all articles are available from The Haworth
Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (EST).
You can also obtain sample copies of any Haworth Press titles from the
address above.

Transcribed by Angus Nicolson
18th October 1996


Submitted by: j.gold  (cijs27@ccsun.strath.ac.uk)
               Fri, 18 Oct 1996 17:30:29 +0100 (BST)