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Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services

Volume 21, Issue 4, 2009

An Academic Course That Teaches Heterosexual Students to be Allies to LGBT Communities: A Qualitative Analysis

An Academic Course That Teaches Heterosexual Students to be Allies to LGBT Communities: A Qualitative Analysis

DOI:
10.1080/10538720802690001
Peter Jia, Steve N. Du Boisa & Patrick Finnessyb

pages 402-429

Available online: 02 Nov 2009

Abstract

A theory of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) ally identity development integrated the following theories—multicultural counseling theory (MCT), self-concept formation theory (SCFT), and social identity theory (SIT)—to design a course to train heterosexual students to be allies to LGBT communities. Students participated in interviews and activities with LGBT persons, presented seminars on LGBT topics, and wrote papers about these experiences. An analysis of their reactions suggested that initially, students perceived themselves as lacking credibility to be allies. After interacting with LGBT communities, students gained the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they needed to be confident in supporting and advocating for LGBT persons.

KEYWORDS

 

Details

  • Available online: 02 Nov 2009

Author affiliations

  • a Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
  • b Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

Librarians

Taylor & Francis Group