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Abstract #159652
Audio (mp3) recordingChristopher M. Fisher, MA, Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7th St., HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, 812-855-0861, fishercm@indiana.edu
BACKGROUND: Researchers have yet to understand the health impacts of an abstinence-only sexuality education on same-sex attracted youth. This study explored the experiences of same-sex attracted male youth receiving an abstinence-only sexuality education. METHODS: Interviews with 8 men between the ages of 18 and 24 explored coming out experiences, narratives of in-school and out-of-school sexuality education, and opinions on how their health needs can be met in sexuality education. RESULTS: Participants described feelings of isolation, alienation, and exclusion resulting from their abstinence-only curriculum. Despite negative attitudes towards same-sex attracted individuals, culturally and within the curriculum, all participants developed resiliency skills which enabled them to survive and/or thrive. Resiliency was fueled by positive external messages from family, friends, church, and the media. The narratives suggested abstinence-only sexuality education impacts same-sex attracted men negatively vis-à-vis a reproduction of heteronormative discourses; in particular, there may be psychological implications for sexual identity development and strategies for maintaining sexual health. CONCLUSION: The curriculum left participants searching for models of a healthy sexuality inclusive of their lives. Resiliency provided a means for participants to counter in-school messages. However, abstinence-only sexuality education exacerbated negative outcomes for same-sex attracted men.
Learning Objectives:
- To articulate the impact of abstinence-only sexuality education on same-sex attracted male youth.
- To recognize those messages which reinforce homophobia and those messages which foster resiliency in non-heterosexual youth.
- To discuss alternative models of sexuality education which provide LGBT youth with opportunities to maintain their sexual health.
Keywords: School Health Educators, Gay Men
Awards: SHES Outstanding Student Research Abstract Award - Recipient
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.
The 135th APHA Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 3-7, 2007) of APHA