by Millie M Charles
page xv-xvi
by James Donald Smith and Ronald J Mancoske
page xvii-xx
by Taryn Lindhorst
page 1-11
Lesbians and gay men experience discrimination and inappropriate treatment from social workers and other mental health professional because of their sexual orientation. The two largest social-work organizations - the National Association of Social Workers and the Council of Social Work Education - each have taken stands encouraging the protection of civil rights and prohibiting discrimination against gay men and lesbians. Research, however, has indicated that social workers, more so that other mental health professionals, have homophobic reactions to gay people. This article addresses the issues experienced by lesbians and gay men living in rural areas. The socio-cultural context of rural life and common issues of gay men and lesbians are explored. Implications for practice, including the need to take an affirmative stance when working with gay people, are discussed.
by James Donald Smith
page 13-21
To be productive citizens, lesbians and gay men must successfully live and work in communities and organizations. Definitions and structures of both gay communities and social communities are changing. In rural areas, gay people often remain socially and geographically isolated. The culture of organizations, which is played out through expected behaviors, makes it difficult for gay people to succeed. Social workers and other human service practitioners must work to empower gay people in order for them to become more socially engaged and successful in living and working in communities and organizations.
by Sandra Jean Foster
page 23-35
The author examines rural helping professionals' perceptions of gay consumers and the effects of their perceptions have on the provision of services to the population, including the tensions that results when helping professionals' perceptions hinder their acceptance of gay and lesbian consumers. This article uses reports from helping professionals to supplement the discussion. This article challenges helping professionals to evaluate their perceptions of gay and lesbian social service consumers which may hinder their accepting these consumers so that practitioners may gain full acceptance of their gay and lesbian service consumers.
by Ronald J Mancoske
page 37-52
The HIV pandemic persists into its second decade, with an untoward toll on rural gays which continues to generate suffering and loss. Rural HIV infections are increasing, and the unique problems of health and social services represent new challenges. Professional social services that would overcome barriers to care for rural gays and lesbians have been historically inadequate or non-existent. The HIV pandemic shows that services for HIV diseases must become part of efforts to strengthen the care delivery services for all in rural America, especially by fostering the power and resiliency of gays and lesbians. The empowerment of rural gays, bisexuals, lesbians and transgendered persons assumes that basic differences occur between those in rural and urban areas, and health and social services must build upon the unique strengths of these diverse groups.
by David Knapp Whittier
page 53-71
This qualitative study describes some of the disunity among homosexually interested men in a small(er) town in the southeastern United States. Before discussion of the data on disunity in Southern Town, the stage is set by describing the research, the town, and the study themes of connection and constraints that are employed in examining 'gay' life in a town in rural America.
by Lynn J Friedman
page 73-82
by Anthony M Haag and Franklin K Chang
page 83-94
This article addresses the impact of electronic networking on the lesbian and gay community. Electronic communications are impacting rural social services. The authors discuss the availability of resources and impact of electronic networking on the delivery of social services toward the next century. Examples of Internet resources are provided.
by Wendy M Mann
page 95-103
This article offers ten 'portraits' of existing national associations, collaborative efforts, social service programs, and mutual aid and self-help groups which have as their general purpose increasing the quality of living for individuals, loved ones, and family members of rural sexual minorities and rural people living with HIV/AIDS. These 'portraits' reflect potentials and existing capacities within rural communities. A resource list with contact information is provided.
by 105-107
by Joanne Scmidt
page 109-111
by Janet Watson and Tommy Ross
page 113-116
Transcribed by Angus Nicolson
8 April 1998