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Cultural Immersion Project
Jennifer Finegan
Lamar University
Identification and Description of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Population
For my Cultural Immersion Project, I chose to study the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (hereafter referred to as LGBT) population. An obvious difference between myself and this population is sexual orientation. I am heterosexual and cannot personally relate to the feelings and challenges that a homosexual individual might face. Another difference between myself and the LGBT population that is not so obvious is the lifestyle to which they lead. Homosexuals are criticized and discriminated against merely for the lifestyle to which they are comfortable and accustomed. I will discuss each of these difference throughout the course of this paper.
Lesbians are defined as females with a same-sex orientation. Gays are defined as males with a same-sex orientation. Bisexual individuals are those who have the sexual orientation to love and sexually desire both same- and other-gendered individuals. Transgender people are described as individuals who self-identify as to something other than their birth sex (Baruth and Manning, p. 273, 2012). These descriptors are consistent with what I learned regarding this culture growing up. However, where I grew up being "gay" was viewed as something not "normal" or unnatural. I feel this was due, in part, to the demographics of where I grew up. I lived in a very rural area where the majority of the population were European Americans that were involved in heterosexual relationships. The people were not as accepting to cultures and populations in their society that was different from their own.
LGBT individuals are found across the lifespan. They are represented in children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. They live in urban areas, as well as rural areas and are spread out across the United States. Growing up I can remember having the misconception that homosexuals were more oriented in urban areas - larger cities such as Houston, Austin, and Dallas. I cannot be sure as to where this misconception originated. I am only to assume it came from the idea that in urban areas, people might be more understanding of diversity since more diversity exists in such large geographic areas. Smaller, rural communities, such as the one I grew up in, may not be as developed into mainstream, modernized ways of thinking and may be more reluctant to view different worldviews and cultures with open minds.
Acceptance of the LGBT population has increased over the last two decades, due in part to the number of individuals that have come out regarding their sexual orientation. However, many are still afraid to come out because of fear of discrimination, harassment, and inequality (Baruth and Manning, p. 275, 2012). This occurs at all levels and across the lifespan with families, schools, the workplace, and in society. When I was growing up, coming out with one's homosexuality was not well accepted within our country. Individuals risked job stability, family disowning them, as well as humiliation by making the choice to come out. Same-sex marriages were not legal and being a homosexual in the military could have you dishonorably discharged. Although "gay rights" have come a long way, some of these same inequalities among homosexuals still exist today. It is still not legal in all states for same-sex marriages. Homosexuals still risk the chance of loss of job and family rejection by making the choice to come out; and discrimination, humiliation, and hate are still very much present in this culture.
Reflection on Immersion Observations
For my immersion observations, I attended a baseball game put on by the Montrose Softball League (MSL); and I attended a gay/lesbian club and bar in Houston - The Meteor Lounge. My impression of the softball game was very much similar to my impressions of a heterosexual softball game. The ideas behind it appeared to be very similar. All of the people there claimed to enjoy playing the sport, and they played for just simple fun and exercise. I have included the mission statement of the MSL and it follows as such:
The Montrose Softball League (MSL) is dedicated to the promotion of amateur softball for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, religion, sex, or national origin, with special emphasis placed on the participation of members of the gay community of Greater Houston. The goal of the league is to provide a sports outlet for individuals as a way to meet and interact with like-minded people in the spirit of friendly competition in an environment that promotes good health and fitness (Montrose, 2012).
Whereas, the mission states that MSL is dedicated to promoting softball for all persons regardless of sex, it appeared that most of the participants were homosexual. The age range of the players did vary. Most players were between the ages of mid-20's up to their 40's. Although I was in attendance for a male softball game, there were female teams as well. None, however, appeared to be co-ed teams.
The nature of the relationship between the players varied as well. At times there were serious interactions when playing the game, and at other times the players were playful and almost child-like. You could tell there was a sense of closeness and sincere appreciation among this group of men. Even though I did not grow up in a place where homosexuality was common or accepted by many, I felt very comfortable and welcome among this group of people. It was very liberating to experience a culture very different from my own, yet feel so at ease.
As part of another observation and one that was initiated as a result of the softball game, I was invited to attend a gay/lesbian club called the Meteor Lounge. It is located in Houston, and they have a bar, a Dj for dancing, as well as a Drag Queen show. Whereas, I was not completely uncomfortable with this interaction, it did take me more time to feel a sense of ease. The interaction and relationships between people at the bar were much more intense and intimate. I can't say I was bothered with the interaction between the groups of people, but I was definitely in an environment for which I have no experience or background. I think the difference between the two environments was that of a public and private nature. At the bar, it was a more private scene and a place for people to relax and be themselves without fear of discrimination or harassment. In the beginning when I wasn't sure what to think or how to react, I began to ask myself those types of questions: How is this any different from how heterosexual people go dancing, drink together, and have a good time?; Is the real reason for such hate and discrimination because of what people aren't familiar with or have not been a part of?; Why should this culture not have the right to live their lives in the same manner for which heterosexual individuals do? What I learned that surprisingly had not seen before is that yes homosexuals are different from heterosexuals in the sense of their sexual orientation, but they too just want to be a part of affection, love, and acceptance.
Immersion Dialogue
My immersion dialogue came after my immersion observations, so by this point I felt very comfortable during our visit. It was also more one on one interaction versus trying to assimilate within a culture with an entire group of people at one time. During my observations, I was allowed to grasp only a general picture into the lifestyles of the LGBT culture. The observations only allowed me to see this culture in times of fun and relaxation. They did not, however, reveal to me the very real challenges that some individuals from this culture have faced and still must face even today. Whereas during my dialogue, Lisa was extremely open and honest regarding her life, the challenges she had faced, as well as challenges she had overcome due to discrimination and inequalities.
Lisa is a lesbian that has had the same partner for over ten years. She shared that she had been in a couple of heterosexual relationships during adolescence, but she also stated that she has always known she had "different" feelings since she was a child. Lisa made the decision to "come out" in her college years, even though she stated that she felt like her family always knew. Lisa says that she feels lucky in the sense that she has a very supportive family, along with many friends and colleagues that support her.
Lisa and her partner have recently adopted a baby boy a little over a year ago. She shared her struggles and challenges with that experience in her life. Lisa stated that they could not adopt through a state agency because they do not recognize same-sex marriages and will not adopt to same-sex couples. Therefore, they had to pay an enormous amount of money to go through a private adoption agency. In the end, she feels it was worth it as having a child had been a goal of she and her partner's for some time. She described the experience of adopting a baby and that of her relationship with her partner as an up and down rollercoaster. At times things seem to go the way she envisioned life would lead her; and at other times, she feels overwhelmed by inequalities and discrimination that she and her partner sometimes face. Lisa describes her family and close friends as a strong support system that have stood by their side through all the challenges life has thrown them.
I feel like I am similar to Lisa in that I want to have a loving relationship with someone that is committed to me and my ideals in life. We are also similar in the sense that we both wanted children and that we both want to raise our children in a loving, stable, Christian environment. That was a surprise to me when I learned of Lisa and her partner's Christianity. I suppose that was another misconception that I grew up with believing that homosexuals could not and were not Christians. It was eye-opening to discover such a discrimination that I myself had one time believed in. One of the main ways that Lisa and I are different is that she still must face discrimination and inequalities of her civil rights merely because she shares a life with another woman. She is not less educated that I. She has a high standard of moral and ethical reasoning. She works hard and helps to support her family. She contributes to society. Yet, she is still discriminated against for living her life as the person she is. This was truly a humbling experience.
Critical Analysis
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender population are a culture all of their own. They are a minority living in a heterosexual society, and they are subjected to the same types of discrimination and inequalities that other minorities cultures must face. Their rights continue to be violated and cause challenges in all areas of their lives including with family members, in the workplace, in the school setting, and throughout society in general. One of the reasons that this culture is still so discriminated against is because of the misconception that homosexuals have a choice in who they are and what gender they decide to form relationships with. Although it is not exactly know what causes a person to be straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual, research suggests that it is based on biological factors that are already in place before birth. Even though sexual orientation appears to begin before birth, it seems to change over the course of a lifetime for some people. However, it is clear that sexual orientation is not something that people decide for themselves (Planned Parenthood).
Acceptance of the LGBT culture has risen, and the population continues to increase across the country. The exact demographics, however, are difficult to determine due to the challenges that this culture must face by "coming out". They continue to be met with avoidance, harassment, ridicule, violence, and violation of their rights because of their sexual orientation (Baruth and Manning, p. 274, 2012). Another reason that LGBT clients struggle with their identity development is due to inadequate support, lack of role models, lack of legal protection, and the loss of primary cultural identification (Baruth and Manning, p. 275, 2012).
I think that more people would be more accepting of this culture if they understood the culture more and worked to raise their awareness. There are several ways in which this can be accomplished. People can acquire knowledge on the LGBT culture and what challenges they face as a minority culture. People can stand up against discrimination and inequalities for LGBT individuals and fight to promote a safe and supportive environment in the workplace, schools, and society. People can also immerse themselves in the culture to learn first-hand of the expectations, values, and beliefs that this group of individuals adhere to, as well as the challenges that they must face.
One such organization commits their time and effort to supporting this cultures' beliefs, values, and liberties. They are known as the American Civil Liberties Union or ACLU. The role of this establishment is to fight to change laws and to convince Americans that gender discrimination is wrong. They do these things by fighting to provide equal opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in society; fighting restrictions on parenting, continuing to fight for legalized same-sex marriages in every state and at the federal level; to make public schools safe and bias free for kids and teachers; and to eliminate discrimination against transgender people (ACLU).
As a future counselor, I can support this culture by understanding that this population is a culture of their own and to recognize individual differences. I can also raise my awareness by increasing the counseling competencies regarding attitude, knowledge, and skills necessary for intervening with LGBT clients. It will also be important to use interventions that reflect my clients worldviews and same-sex orientation. Lastly, it is important that I make a commitment to not let my own sexual identity interfere with my clients that have a different sexual orientation (Baruth and Manning, p. 290). I must learn to put the needs of my clients first. Counselors must be aware of their own values, attitudes, belief, and behaviors and avoid imposing values that are inconsistent with counseling goals (ACA, 2005).
Glogster Poster
For my poster, I decided to base it on the theme, "Equality for All". This seemed fitting and appropriate due to the constant and ongoing discrimination against the LGBT cultures' rights. For my wall page, I chose a tradition rainbow theme as this is representative of this culture and their unified stand to ban discrimination and inequalities. I selected several different pictures that represent my immersion observations at the MSL softball game and the Meteor Lounge. I also included a photo from my immersion dialogue experience. It is of Lisa, my subject, and her newly adopted son Evan. I chose to include a video that raises awareness of same-sex relationships and advocates to legalize same-sex marriages. Other photos and attachments I included are representative of the culture and inspired me in some way. You make follow the link below to view my Glogster - Equality for All:
References
American Civil Liberties Union. Because Freedom Can't Protect Itself. Retrieved from
American Counseling Association (2005). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
Baruth, L. and Manning, M. (2012). Understanding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Clients. Multicultural Counseling and Psychotherapy. Upper Saddle River, NJ. Pearson Education, Inc.
Baruth, L. and Manning, M. (2012). Counseling Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Clients. Multicultural Counseling and Psychotherapy. Upper Saddle River, NJ. Pearson Education, Inc.
2012. Planned Parenthood. Sexual Orientation. Retrieved from orientation-26529.htm#