by Nancy Lorraine
page 1-9
The issue of self-disclosure is explored from an historical and sociopolitical perspective. "Coming out" literature and theory developed during the 1975-1985 Gay liberation era provide a focus for considering the sociopolitical implications of the "closet" during disparate eras, including the McCarthy era in the United States and the Nazi era in Germany. Concerns regarding "closeted" lifestyles and public service are reviewed by considering the impact of self-disclosure upon the legacy of famous "closeted" figures, including J Edgar Hoover, Eleanor Roosevelt, and George Eliot. Concerns regarding self-disclosure are juxtaposed against the larger limitations imposed by the minority experience.
by Robert C Fish
page 11-24
Mental health professionals are increasingly called upon to provide consultation and treatment in settings different from the traditional outpatient and hospital inpatient settings. This paper provides an overview of the unique problems posed when considering self-disclosure by gay or lesbian mental health professionals working with institutionalized populations. A review of literature concerning self-disclosure to patients in outpatient settings is provided and applied to institutionalized settings. Benefits of, as well as cautionary notes regarding self-disclosure of homosexuality by mental health staff are reviewed.
by Kirk Bragg
page 25-38
Differing styles and ranges of self-disclosure are highlighted through interviews with lesbian and gay clinical staff at an inpatient setting in the Midwest. Each staff, three men and one woman aged 44 to 62, is presented through a psychosocial history concerning religious, martial, and coming out issues. Participants are interviewed about their style and degree of disclosure of homosexuality to staff, clients and family. The author concludes that degree of "coming out" correlates with positive adjustment to sexual orientation for the interviewees more than with fears about job loss or personal reprisal.
by Anonymous
page 39-53
Overview of Catholic doctrine and interpretation of Catholic teachings pertaining to homosexuals and homosexual practice are reviewed by two "closeted" homosexual priests. The paper considers the role of the clergy and expectations of the Church regarding pastoral ministry to homosexuals. Case studies highlighting unique contributions by "closeted" and "open" homosexual clergy to pastoral care of homosexual parishioners are presented. The authors discuss personal and professional dilemmas facing homosexual clergy including "coming out", homosexual bonding within religious communities, and the wide range of attitudes among Catholics, lay and religious, concerning homosexual Catholics.
by Richard Rouilard
page 55-59
The author discusses the situation of closeted professionals whose "private" lives inadvertently cross paths with homosexual students or clients. Personal vignettes highlight the dangers of encounters with "closeted" professionals for homosexual clients and students. Particular attention is given to the long-term impact upon clients and students, who are viewed as more vulnerable than professionals. Reflections upon sociopolitical implications of the "closet" are noted, especially recent retrenchment of media concern for homosexual issues as professionals have retreated to the "closet."
by Frances Thompson
page 61-69
Reflections noted in the provocative paper by Rouilard elsewhere in this volume are reconsidered from a variety of professional and client perspectives. Among these viewpoints is a discussion regarding the boundaries of disclosure of sexual orientation. Public or professional responsibilities concerning disclosure are considered in light of the right to privacy of lesbian and gay helping professionals. The impact of disclosure upon lesbian or gay clients as is relates to the age of the client and of the service being provided is considered. Some political implications of "coming out" versus remaining "closeted" are also discussed.
by Lara Rollins
page 71-82
Options of "coming out" in differing therapeutic modalities are considered. Modalities considered include traditional psychotherapy, alternative therapies, and managed care systems. Therapist disclosure situations are discussed from the viewpoint of both client and practitioner. Vignettes describing therapy experiences of adult lesbian and gay clients in a variety of clinical settings are presented. Clinical issues pertaining to therapist disclosure of sexual orientation receive consideration in terms of client self-determination as well as in terms of the options or limitations imposed by different modalities. Distinctions are drawn between disclosure in predominately lesbian and gay practice settings and disclosure in predominately heterosexual settings.
by Teresa DeCrescenzo
page 83-87
Concepts presented throughout the text are integrated in this conversation with Malcolm Boyd, Episcopal priest, and his partner, gay activist Mark Thompson, The complexities of decision about the "closet" are noted and a list of specific conclusions from this collection of papers are noted. Boyd and Thompson discuss varying degrees of "coming out" as well as the nature of professional contribution, whether from inside or outside the "closet." Despite legitimate constraining circumstances which result in "closet" lifestyles, the most evolved, rewarding option for homosexuals appears to be the fully disclosed status.
Transcribed by Kirsty A Smith
3 November 1997