New study suggests that same-sex parents are judged more harshly than heterosexual parents

BINGHAMTON, N.Y.,---- Is there a double standard for gay parents? A new study published this month by a Binghamton University research team suggests that gay parents are being judged more harshly than straight parents.

Members of Binghamton University's Interdisciplinary Research Group for the Study of Sexuality and Gender conducted a study of people's reactions to the parenting behaviors of gay and straight parents. Their results showed a clear pattern of negative reactions from study participants towards a gay couple engaging in exactly the same negative parenting behaviors as a straight couple.

Research Associate Professor Sean Massey and Instructor Ann Merriwether of Binghamton, and Justin Garcia from The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, published the results of their study earlier this month in the Journal of GLBT Family Studies.

"We noted that when parents displayed favorable parenting behaviors like comforting an upset child, gay and straight parents were judged in a similar, positive manner," said Massey.  "However, if parents got frustrated - raised their voice or slapped their child on the hand, the gay parents were judged more negatively than the straight parents."

Massey says this marked difference in the study groups' reactions is significant.  While no parent is perfect, the researchers believe that holding gay parents to a different standard adds additional stress to the already stressful job of parenthood. It can also negatively affect their chances of adopting or becoming foster parents.

"We feel that it is very important for social workers and adoption counselors to be made aware of the effects of modern anti-gay prejudices and they need to educate themselves and develop policies that help protect against these potential biases," said Massey.

There is a serious shortage of people stepping up to foster or adopt the hundreds of thousands of children who are in the system waiting to find a new foster family or adopted family.  The gay community is a resource for many of these children but this study indicates that if judged more harshly than their straight counterparts, gay parents are at a disadvantage.

"Raising awareness of these attitudes is a critical step in being able to utilize a potentially valuable pool of prospective adoptive and foster parents," said Massey, "but it is also vital to improving the day to day lives of our families and our children."

On Thursday, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement supporting same-sex marriage and reiterating its support for the adoption of children by gay families.  The researchers say that with strong support for gay marriage coming from the medical and psychological professional organizations, and with increasing support among the general public (58% of whom now support same-sex marriage), the next frontier for gay rights may be same-sex parenting.  Massey says although overt and hostile prejudice may indeed be diminishing, modern, subtle prejudice continues to affect the lives of lesbians, gay men, and their families.

"Prejudicial judgments, however subtle, that serve to limit access of these families to potential support and resources, ultimately harm today's youths," says Massey.

The researchers strongly encourage the continued exploration of the effect this subtle prejudice has on the wellbeing of same-sex families and how best to work toward its elimination.

The study was published in this month's issue of the Journal of GLBT Family Studies and can be viewed through the journal's website:www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1550428X.2013.765257.

Requiescat in Pace: The Right Rev. Coleman McGehee, Jr.

From the Walking With Integrity blog:

Integrity regrets to share news of the death of the Right Rev. H. Coleman McGehee,Jr., Eighth Bishop of Michigan, on March 14th. He was 89. Bishop McGehee was a very staunch supporter of Integrity's work beginning at a time when it was not politically expedient, but this was very much in keeping with a lifetime commitment to human rights.

"In 1973, when I with trepidation and hope approached the newly-installed Bishop McGehee about supporting the entire spectrum of sexual orientations, he immediately put me at ease by saying, 'Absolutely!' He spoke out passionately for all of us for 40 years, as a fearless advocate for justice and peace," said Jim Toy, Secretary of Integrity's Proud PartnerOASIS TBLG Outreach Ministry of the Diocese of Michigan.

Bishop McGehee served in the U.S. Army in World War II and then in the Army Corps of Engineers, achieving the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1947 and then obtained a law degree from the University of Richmond, serving for a time as the Deputy Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Ministry called, however. In 1957, he graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary and took the rectorship of Immanuel-on-the-Hill in Alexandria, ministering to the late President & Betty Ford.

In May of 1973, McGehee was elected bishop in Michigan, assuming -- after two years as coadjuter -- the seat occupied by Rt. Rev. Richard S. Emrichsince 1948. His ministry was marked by a strong commitment to human rights. He ordained the diocese's first female priest in 1977 and lived up to his promise to the LGBT community. 

"He was a man of great courage and faith. He was among the first to ordain women as deacons and priests and he bravely ordained gay people to the priesthood when it was a highly controversial thing to do," the Rev. Rod Reinhart told PrideSource. "Bishop McGehee ordained me in 1984 and I was one of the very first openly gay people to be ordained in the Episcopal Church."

In 1980, Bishop McGehee, Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas Gumbletonand the late Rabbi Richard Hertz founded the Michigan Human Rights Coalition, a grassroots organization which brought a religious context to numerous social issues including apartheid. He also was an advid supporter of organized labor and held peace liturgies on Good Friday outside the gates of the Williams missile factory.

Jim Toy, who feels blessed to have served as crucifer at one of those services, points out that Bishop McGehee was not without humor:

"At Bishop McGehee's last diocesan convention before his retirement, he fervently and often exhorted the tellers to finish their ballot-counting speedily.

Finally one of the clergy requested 'a point of privilege.' 

'You may speak, Canon Chau!' 

'Bishop, is this really your last Convention as bishop?'

'Yes, I have said so!' 

'Then I would respectfully urge that at next year's Convention you serve as a teller!'

The ensuing merriment was general and vociferous--a wild gale of laughter. . . ."

Bishop McGehee participated in the life of church and social justice, long into his retirement.  Two years ago, he began experiencing symptoms of dementia and withdrew from public life, but remained physically active until he fell ill several months ago.  He was remembered at a Requiem Eucharist on Saturday, March 23rd at St. Paul's Cathedral in Detroit, and a memorialis available on the diocesan web site.

May our Brother Coleman's memory be blessed and may his family be supported in their grief with our prayers of thanksgiving for his life.

"Lead him onward, upward to the holy place,
where thy saints made perfect gaze upon thy face."

 - With special thanks to Jim Toy for contributing to this article. Jim is a stalwart in the LGBT movement in Michigan, having been instrumental in the founding and life of numerous social action, political advocacy and educational groups.  The Jim Toy Community Center in Ann Arbor is named for him. 

--
Posted By Christian Paolino to Walking With Integrity at 3/21/2013 11:58:00 PM 

FROM THE DRAGON'S MOUTH: Ten True Stories that Unveil the Real China

FROM THE DRAGON'S MOUTH: Ten True Stories that Unveil the Real China  is an exquisitely intimate look into theChina of the 21st century as seen through the eyes of its people. This is the first time that a book of this type combines the voices of everyday Chinese people from so many different layers of society, including:

• The indulgent world of Ferraris and night clubs of the fu er dai, the second generation of Chinese millionaires
• A peasant-turned-prostitute to pay for her son's upscale education
• A woman who married her gay friend to escape from social pressure, like an estimated 16 million other women, called tongqi ("wife of a homosexual")
• A venerable Kung Fu master unable to train outdoors because of the hazardous pollution
• The daughter of two Communist Party officials getting rich coaching Chinese entrepreneurs in the ways of Capitalism
• And more...

"It wasn't easy to gain their trust; some had never spoken to a foreigner before. The key was to interview them myself in Mandarin, because most refused to allow another Chinese person to hear their stories, either out of fear or embarrassment," says Fuentes. "After months of conversation, long walks, and one instance of police persecution, they all talked to me openly about their goals, dreams and frustrations."

China is a land many believe they know from movies portraying majestic shots of the countryside, news stories decrying Communist activities through the years, or glimpses of fans in the crowds of rare events like the Olympics. This book shatters those stereotypes.

"Ana interviewed hundreds of people from all rungs of the socioeconomic ladder, who gave her the keys to better understanding where China was coming from, and where it was heading," says Erik Riesenberg, Associate Publisher of C.A. Press. "She made some wonderful friendships, and witnessed some repulsive injustices."

C.A. Press/Penguin Group | 9780142427385 | $16.95 | Trade Paperback

WATCH: Alfredo's Fire Sheds Light on Sexuality, Scandal, and Suppression in the Vatican

A gay writer burns himself alive at the Vatican. He wanted his sacrifice to change the world. Can it make a difference?

Our project was recently featured in The Advocate & The Huffington Post! 

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THEY NEED YOUR HELP: Pope Francis says equal rights for gays is "a destructive pretension against the plan of God...a machination of the Father of Lies that seeks to confuse and deceive the children of God."

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About the film

ALFREDO'S FIRE is a powerful and timely documentary that tells the untold story of Alfredo Ormando, a gay Italian writer who set himself on fire at the Vatican to protest the Church's condemnation of homosexuality. 

Shaped by Alfredo's own writings, as well as rich cinematography, and provocative interviews with his family, friends and intimate companions, the film reveals Alfredo's longing and struggle to reconcile his faith and sexuality.

More details: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/openeyepictures/alfredos-fire 

Teaching Tolerance Guide Provides Educators with Steps for Creating Welcoming Schools for LGBT Students

Guide Includes Advice for Combating Anti-LGBT Bullying

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Though lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students are harassed at twice the rate of other students, a few purposeful steps can help transform a school into a safer place for all students, according to a guide released today by the Southern Poverty Law Center's Teaching Tolerance project.

Best Practices: Creating an LGBT-inclusive School Climate offers advice ranging from ensuring that a school's anti-bullying policy explicitly prohibits anti-LGBT bullying to recognizing staff members who promote an inclusive school environment.

The guide – available at www.tolerance.org – also offers advice regarding dress codes, gay-straight alliances and ensuring that LGBT students are not excluded from school events.

"This best practices guide is about creating schools where all students feel safe and supported," Teaching Tolerance Director Maureen Costello said. "Every student has a right to attend school without harassment. This guide shows how a few steps can make all the difference."

Studies have shown that creating a supportive environment for LGBT students improves educational outcomes for all students. A recent Human Rights Campaign survey also underscored how the failure to create an inclusive environment harms LGBT students. These students reported being harassed at school – verbally and physically – at twice the rate of non-LGBT youth.

LGBT students also cited trouble at school/bullying as one of the most difficult problems they currently face, according to the survey. They reported hearing negative messages about being LGBT most often at school and from peers. LGBT students also were more likely to report that they do not have an adult they can talk to about personal problems.

The best practices guide is being released a year after the SPLC reached a settlement agreement to address rampant anti-LGBT bullying in Minnesota's largest school district, the Anoka-Hennepin School District. A key issue in the SPLC lawsuit was a district policy that required staff to be neutral on issues relating to sexual orientation – hampering effective responses to bullying. That policy is no longer in effect.

"As the Anoka-Hennepin case demonstrates, educators and school policies set the tone," said Sam Wolfe, an SPLC attorney representing the students in the case. "Through relatively simple measures, whether you're a superintendent, teacher or serve lunches, you can make a real difference toward a better school climate."

The Southern Poverty Law Center, based in Alabama with offices in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, is a nonprofit civil rights organization dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry, and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society. For more information, see www.splcenter.org.

Orthodox Jewish activist tries to sway Supreme Court

An Orthodox Jewish activist has filed papers requesting the nation's highest court strike down all the same-sex marriage laws in the U.S. as a violation of the Constitution's protection of free speech and association.

By arguing argues that the act of forming and maintaining a marriage is essentially an act of free speech warranting Constitutional protection, Dovid Z. Schwartz, thinks he is "[t]urning the tables on advocates for same-sex marriage.

"The brief argues that marriage declares to the world that a man and a woman have dedicated themselves to each other, and sends the message, with public announcements and wedding rings, that the married partners are not available to others," Schwartz said in a news release.

So we are left to wonder: if getting married is an expression of free speech and if all men and women have equal rights under the law, then how can gay and lesbian Americans be barred from exercising their right of free speech by getting married? Unless, of course, Schwartz means that his right of freely expressing his religion can be imposed on others to prevent them for exercising their rights. Which is not an argument I would think a religious person would want to make unless they were able to gut the Constitution and win the next few elections.

Gay African-American Youth Face Unique Challenges Coming Out to Families

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Coming out to one’s family can be stressful, but gay black males face a unique set of personal, familial and social challenges.

“Parents and youths alike worry that gay men cannot meet the rigid expectations of exaggerated masculinity maintained by their families and communities,” says Michael C. LaSala, director of the Master of Social Work program at Rutgers University School of Social Work. LaSala, an associate professor, recently completed an exploratory study of African American gay youth and their families from urban neighborhoods in New York City and Philadelphia.

The study, “African American Gay Youth and Their Families: Redefining Masculinity, Coping with Racism and Homophobia,” was published in the Journal of GLBT Family Studies and co-authored with Damien T. Frierson from Howard University. The research focused on gay black males, ages 19 to 25, and their families.

Gay black males struggle to cope with intersecting oppressions – racism, homophobia and sexism, says LaSala. They carry a “special stigma” that some straight black males may find particularly disturbing. “The world already sees you as less than others. By being gay, you’re further hurting the image of African-American men,” LaSala says was a common reaction among the male relatives of the black youth when they learned that their relative was gay.

“On a clinical level, targeted interventions, especially those that include the young man’s biological father or a father figure, can assist families to cope with what for many is an unexpected and troubling reality,” says LaSala, who works with gay youths and their families in private practice and outlines interventions for families in transition.

Child-rearing for the parents of a black son can be especially daunting, given the increased risk for poverty, HIV/AIDS and other illnesses and imprisonment faced by African- American men. Black parents often feel guilty when they learn their child is gay and many African-American gay youths before coming out distance themselves from their parents. In his study, LaSala observed that many parents found that having a confidante with whom they could share emotions, helped them realize that their sons’ sexual orientation was not caused by faulty parenting, and they risked losing their child if they could not accept his being gay.

Black parents may be less likely than whites to “mourn the loss of a normal life” for their gay sons, perhaps understanding that a normal life was less of a sure thing, according to LaSala, author of Coming Out, Coming Home: Helping Families Adjust to a Gay or Lesbian Child (Columbia University Press, 2010).

“I found that parents of African-American gay youth said, ‘You have everything going against you as a black man. This is one more strike against you.’ Conversely, parents of white gay youth stated, ‘You have everything going for you – and now this!’” LaSala said.

Gender role concerns are a repetitive theme for young African-American men and their families. One young man in the study described the African-American community as very strict when it comes to homosexuality. “It’s a masculinity thing,” he said.

LaSala points to existing research that calls upon black men to be hypermasculine, a trait characterized by the absence of overt emotions and the appearance of vulnerability, as well as a readiness to have sex at any time. When gay blacks realize they don’t fit the stereotype, they often develop a sense of alienation, loneliness and anxiety, not knowing where they fit in.

LaSala recalls the words of a black single mother in the study who worried about gender expectations in her community: “You are told to be a man … and being a man does not mean you sleep with other men,” she said. “Being a man means you have a woman and you procreate and continue the family name.”

LaSala calls for more research to identify the needs of this understudied population. Education is key to resolving the clash between homosexuality and male gender role expectations in the black community. Social workers, therapists and community leaders need to better understand the multiple pressures on gay black youth to help families build stronger bonds.

The involvement of a young gay man’s biological father or a father figure can be crucial to relationship building. Too many family therapists and social workers accept the mother’s explanation that their son’s father “isn’t in the picture,” which is too easy a way out, according to LaSala. “Family discussions can lead to expanded and more flexible views of masculinity, so clinicians must engage the youth’s father if at all possible,” he says. “A father is an essential part of the child’s history and can add a lot to the discussion.”