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Transcript of 23 chad smithnov1
Exploring the Impact of Homophobic Violence & Discrimination on the Lives of Out Gay Men
-Chad Smith, MSWRainbow Resource Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba
“The Experience of Being Gay Bashed: Making Sense of the Senseless”
My own experience of being gay bashed Participant’s understandings of their
experiences Systemic responses to gay bashing &
recommendations (Social Work, Healthcare, Policing, Education, Community)
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Seven men were recruited & interviewed about their experiences of homophobia with one dropping out
The definition of gay bashing was left open for participants to define, thus it could include verbal harassment as well as physical violence
4 men experienced primarily physical violence, with 3 of these requiring hospitalization
1 of these 4 men also experienced ongoing verbal harassment as well as the physical violence;
2 men experienced ongoing verbal harassment
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Kevin
Mid-40s Identifies as “black” Grew up in northern MB, came to Winnipeg at 18 Worked in the sex trade on and off HIV+ since late 90s Bashed in 1997 while cruising Stabbed Hospitalization extended time
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Rick
Early 30s Identifies as Aboriginal Bashed in 2000 while waiting for a friend on
the street Severe injuries Hospitalization
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Dan
Mid 40s Caucasian Grew up in rural Manitoba “obviously gay” Repeatedly bashed, harassed at school, on way
home Medical treatment required at various times Family sent him away for “fresh start”
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Todd
Late 40s at the time of interview Caucasian Drag queen; ambassador HIV+ Bashed in 1987 Walking home in an area known for cruising,
bashing—crossed the street for safety Extended hospitalization Has since passed away
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Jeff
Mid 30s Caucasian Harassed/threatened two seperate occassions
that he cited, in 2002 Both incidences walking with his boyfriend, one
instance holding hands, the other just walking together
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Matt
Late 30s Caucasian Repeated in-direct harassment/homophobia
while teaching in rural MB Mental breakdown Left teaching profession
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Qualitative research study
Anti-Oppressive Practice approach
Interviews analyzed using Grounded Theory
Data & research findings were first presented to an outside member checking panel made up of three members of the LGBTTQ community in Winnipeg with experience working with & knowledge of the community and experience working with men that have experienced homophobia/gay bashing
Findings then defended to thesis committee
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
QUESTION: How do various types of homophobia experienced by gay men affect them and what is the process that occurs:
Within their own personal lives In understanding & viewing their place in
society; & In how they combat homophobia?
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Total of Eight Themes Arose from the Data 1. Personal Experiences of Homophobia2. Fighting Back3. Heteronormativity4. Identity & Identity Change5. Reaching Out—Disclosure & Support 6. Isolation7. Power, Powerlessness, & Privilege8. Creating Change
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Personal Experiences of Homophobia Homophobia is a common occurrence Multiple attackers—usually male Physical violence—extreme
◦ Also included verbal harassment ◦ Weapons◦ Unprovoked
Intentional Homophobia & Violence◦ 5 out of 6 men—Intentional towards them◦ 6th man experienced indirect homophobia,
intention
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Fighting Back
Verbally
Physically
Responsiveness to the incident afterwards◦ Community awareness◦ Cruising grounds◦ Drag
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Heteronormativity
Use of time & space
Messages delivered—from attackers & supporters
Victim blaming/internalized responsibility
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Identity & Identity Change
Out Identity
Awareness
Mental Health
Racism
Behaviour Changes
Relationship impacts
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Reaching Out: Disclosure & Support Disclosure decision making
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Reaching Out: Disclosure & Support
Disclosure decision making
Coping methods
Shared experiences
Concrete & helpful
Re-experiencing homophobia
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Isolation
Feeling alone
Self isolating
Unable to leave their home/take public transportation
Used as a coping method as well
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Power, Powerlessness & Privilege
Power over
Language—homophobic; racist; degrading
Violence
Awareness to privilege; use of privilege; who has
Resiliency of the men—use of power within
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Creating Change
Active change◦ Careers◦ Volunteerism◦ Community
Ideas on change◦ Anti-homophobia education at large◦ Anti-homophobia education within the school systems◦ Diversity promotion within the family
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Findings
Verbal harassment versus physical violence◦ Not that different ◦ Sense of self; identity; out
Mental health concerns/PTSD◦ Anxiety; depression; bi-polar ◦ PTSD
Resiliency in survivors
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Learning From Their Experiences
Connecting with others
Concrete supports
Creating a sense of trust in service delivery
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Recommendations
Social work◦ Beginning with education◦ Continuing in training & professional development
Medical & healthcare◦ Education & training◦ More inclusive, developed training & curriculum ◦ Use of community knowledge & expertise
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Recommendations
Policing
◦ Training
◦ Development of a more open & accepting work environment
◦ Connection to community—Pride; Resource Centre; Community events
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Recommendations School systems
◦ Better policies & practices implemented for dealing with verbal homophobia
◦ Development of a more open & accepting work environment where staff can be out
◦ Freedom to discuss issues by school social workers, teachers, guidance counsellors
◦ Development & support of GSA’s (Gay-Straight Alliances) within school systems
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Recommendations Our community
◦ Better responsiveness—blaming◦ Better support ◦ Changing our reaction from normalization to
outrage◦ Dialogue
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless
Thank you!
Chad Smith, MSWRainbow Resource Centre170 Scott StreetWinnipeg, MB R3L 0L3(204) 474-0212 extension 208
Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless