Alaskan Gay Males’ Couple Experiences of Societal Non-Support: Coping Through Families of Choice and Therapeutic Means

Abstract

Trends in the marriage and family therapy (MFT) field show that gay men access therapy at a rate two to four times greater than their heterosexual counterparts. Thus, MFTs must be prepared to meet the needs of such clientele. Little research has been conducted on male-male couple experiences and less has been conducted in Alaska. In this qualitative study involving eleven participants we explored societal experiences and coping strategies of Alaskan male-male couples. Themes demonstrated more non-supportive than supportive experiences, the use of families of choice as the primary means of coping, and mixed therapeutic experiences.

Shedding Light on Thirteen Years of Darkness: Content Analysis of Articles Pertaining to Transgender Issues In Marriage/Couple and Family Therapy Journals

“…Additionally, it would seem that therapists as persons in positions of power have influence to affect such change in the lives of our clients, their relational systems, and the society in which we all exist. Such change can help to ultimately foster a sense of empowerment for trans persons at all levels within our society (Blumer & Murphy, 2011; Twist, 2006; Twist et al., 2006). Because mental health practitioners hold such power, we contend that it is our professional responsibility to be equipped with the best knowledge of the trans experience.…”

“…Another area of difference between the sexual and gender orientation minority experience is related to level of societal and familial acceptance. There has been a growing body of literature indicating that gay men and lesbians are making gains in terms of their experiences with acceptance, normalization, and routinization on societal and familial levels (Herek, 1999; Martin, Hutson, Kazyak, & Scherrer, 2009; Seidman, 2002; Seidman, Meeks, & Traschen, 1999); however, undeniably sexual orientation minorities still face experiences of discrimination, marginalization, and stigmatization (Blumer & Murphy, 2011; Green et al., 2009; Twist, Murphy, Green, & Palmanteer, 2006). Scholarly literature available on like experiences for trans persons is sparse, but the general consensus is that such experiences are even more severe for the trans person (Barbachano, 2007; Israel & Tarver, 1997).…”

Prejuicio, discriminación y homofobia hacia las personas LGBTTTI desde el ámbito de la salud mental

“…La percepción de las familias homoparentales con relación a las intervenciones de los psicólogos que consultaron en diferentes espacios, concuerda con los resultados obtenidos en una investigación que se hizo con personas gays en Alaska. Algunos de los participantes relataron sus experiencias en terapia y comentaron que algunos terapeutas realizaron prácticas opresivas hacia ellos (Blumer y Murphy, 2011).…”

Same-Gender Marriage: Implications for Social Work Practitioners

“…Although intentional anti-gay behaviors are common, more common are unintentional anti-gay behaviors that some people engage in without conscious awareness. The impact of homophobia on gays and lesbians can be devastating, resulting in feelings of inadequacy, self-hatred, guilt, and a general lack of optimism (Blumer & Murphy, 2011). This is an important observation since it can impact social work practice, particularly if social workers or their homophobic clients hold such attitudes and unintentionally harm LGBT individuals.…”