Sexuality and Development

Sexuality and Development

BSHS/406

Meredith Sharp

Sexuality and Development

        In order for human service professionals to provide adequate care to clients, they must understand sexuality and development in the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. To understand how sexuality effects development and individuals within their lifecycle, an interview with an LGBT individual has been performed. The interview discusses the interviewee’s self-identity, how he view’s society’s perception of the LGBT community, and how same-sex marriage has effected the LGBT community and his own development.

Interviewee’s Self –Identity

        “Brad” is a 36 year old male who views himself as a gay man (personal communication, September 1, 2016). He has had quite a few opposite sex encounters and relationships but does not consider himself bi-sexual. He is currently in a relationship with his partner of 4 years, “Doug.” They are living together and considering getting married. They have discussed raising children, yet, are not considering any options at this time (personal communication, September 1, 2016).

        Brad grew up in a very small town in Illinois (personal communication, September 1, 2016). He officially came out after he moved to Chicago at the age of 28. He was finally able to be himself after meeting many individuals and becoming a member of a local group of LGBT members. He found growing up in a small town difficult being gay. He knew at 14 he was gay, yet, absolutely refused to allow anyone to know. He even dated girls in high school to appear normal so that no one would know his secret (personal communication, September 1, 2016).        

        Brad was always teased in school for being different (personal communication, September 1, 2016). He made friends easier with girls than with boys. He found boys excited him and he would get extremely nervous around them. In junior high at the onset of puberty, he knew he was attracted to boys. His own disgust at himself for being different made him unable to express himself and to experiment sexually like other kids his age. In high school, he continually asked girls to go out with him. One girl asked him if he was gay. He quickly denied it while she explained all the reasons why she knew he was. Brad was extremely frightened she would spread rumors or share his secret, yet, she never told anyone and still remains a close friend to this day (personal communication, September 1, 2016).

        Brad says that he was unable to develop at the same pace as other kids his age (personal communication, September 1, 2016). He said when he finally moved to Chicago, he was able to be himself and grow and develop as a gay man. He no longer had to hold himself back by pretending to be someone he was not (personal communication, September 1, 2016).

Brad’s Perception of Society’s Views

        Brad’s perception of society’s views on the LGBT community has been mostly negative (personal communication, September 1, 2016). From his experiences, society has demeaned his lifestyle from an early age. Although he admits things are changing, he still is discriminated, teased, and harassed for being gay. He has been denied employment, housing, and membership to churches and clubs when he openly admitted to being gay (personal communication, September 1, 2016).