How Homophobia Hurts Children: Nurturing Diversity at Home, at School and in the Community

How Homophobia Hurts Children: Nurturing Diversity at Home, at School and in the Community by Jean M. Baker, Binghamton, NY, The Haworth Press, Inc., 2002, 224 pp, $24.95. This is a good primer for the family member, clinician, educator, administrator, or policy-maker beginning to search for information about how to support the growth and development of homosexual children and adolescents. Although an eye-opener for some audiences, those familiar with work in this field are probably searching elsewhere for answers to the questions this book raises. Personal stories from individuals growing up to be homosexual or in the process of discovering their sexuality support the text. Homophobia is defined and presented in its milieus. Contributing factors are discussed along a contextual model, from attitudes of family members to federal and state policies. Illustrating homophobic roots, there is a de rigueur “myths and fallacies list chapter.” Readers familiar with the topic may opt to skip this part. Although helpful for novice readers, writers overstating themselves in this area risk being seen as defensive. As the author herself emphasizes, the focus should now be on confirming which factors are protective for homosexual individuals, despite—and maybe because of—negative societal attitudes. Dr. Baker discusses the developmental trajectories of individuals growing up to be homosexual, as proposed by other works. Although she noted that Erikson wrote of homosexuality in pathological terms, his model is used in describing how attitudes and stereotypes about gender roles interfere with children's development. Other models regarding developmental trajectories of homosexual individuals are also described. A chapter is devoted to coming out—the gradual recognition of a homosexual identity by the individual to the self and others. The corresponding trajectories for parents and families are also presented, drawing on the works of others as well. Almost cathartic, the author includes her personal story as a parent of gay children. One important take-home message: “(It is of) no use to tell yourself that you could not possibly have a child who is growing up gay or lesbian because you simply do not know.” Even nonparents who work with children and adolescents should take heed. The discussion shifts milieus first to the school: the intimidation homosexual individuals receive at school, the violence surrounding and stemming from hostile attitudes, and the cultural permission for this harassment. The presented research regarding attitudes of children and teens toward homosexuals is especially telling. Suggestions from students about curbing school violence are presented, as are suggestions for individual teachers, counselors, and administrators. Some guidance regarding setting up gay-straight alliances in schools is given. Significant text is dedicated to professionals who work with children and adolescents. Health and mental health providers are urged to educate themselves about homosexuality, inappropriate therapy, the policies of national professional organizations, and resources in their own communities. Practitioners are encouraged to use their inherent power to shape public opinion and influence peer practices. The discussion moves to the macrosystem level, enumerating archaic legal and social policies that further remind homosexual individuals of the challenges they face in society. More extensive legal and policy obstacles are not mentioned here, but the list is adequate for the first-time reader. Transgenders—who they are and their developmental trajectories, place in the homosexual social movement, unique risk factors, conflicts, and possible protective factors—are discussed toward the end of the book. The small size of this population is portrayed as a major factor contributing to the prejudice directed at them and their marginalization, even by homosexuals. Nature versus nurture is revisited, and works of other authors on transgenders are briefly presented. The chapters on transgenders are a scant beginning, but encourage further reading. “The Tipping Point,” Dr. Baker's last chapter, defines that point at which suddenly homophobia and prejudice toward homosexuals is no longer acceptable. For some, the tipping point is utopian, betraying either naiveté or optimism. It is probably more useful to discuss this goal in terms of communities and individuals, as this author notes in an earlier chapter where a mayor's personal “tipping point” occurred, rather than a simultaneous moment for an entire nation. Interspersed throughout this work are personal stories from homosexual and/or transgender individuals, their families, friends, school and health workers, and the author's own personal experiences. The narrations are articulate and engaging, even if perhaps self-selected. When relevant, important studies and landmark works by other experts are presented. Support groups and contact and resource information mentioned throughout the book are especially helpful. Discussions of social policies and current events lend context to the experiences described. Major recurring themes abound: special attention for those at highest risk, the dangers of gender role “straight-jacketing,” suicide and mental health issues, and possible protective factors. The social-ecological approach in this volume is well appreciated. For first-time readers on the topic, this is a good read. Those who wish to have a deeper understanding should consult Dr. Baker's reference list. Overall, this is a highly useful work that stimulates further discovery.