<p> Relationships are about the people in them. Choosing a partner that provides the right balance can alter the value of any relationship. After briefly surveying the history of marriage in the United States, this thesis will examine five long-term same-sex couples illustrating how same-sex unions are quite similar to opposite sex unions. Each couple faces challenges in the home, in the work place, and in their personal lives; each weathers the same struggles that opposite sex couples encounter. The differences between heterosexual and homosexual unions are negligible, and mandate a redefinition of marriage in society. </p>

This dissertation explores attitudes toward and perceptions of gay male varieties of American English, or Gay American English (GAE). Building on language attitude research in folk dialectology and social psychology, I use both quantitative and qualitative techniques to analyze interview data, an attitude and perception study, and two focus groups. I also adapt methodologies from social network theory to examine how gay men's individual attitudes toward and usage of GAE are influenced by their connectedness to (1) family of origin and created kinship networks, (2) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer (LGBTQ) networks and practices, and (3) the American South. / My results show a conflicting image of GAE's social status, which seems to lie somewhere between the traditional categories of standard and nonstandard. According to my results, GAE speakers receive positive assessments in status characteristics (e.g., intelligence), consistent with standard language varieties. They also receive positive assessments in solidarity characteristics (e.g., friendliness), consistent with many nonstandard varieties. However, GAE is often associated with "effeminacy," which is negatively evaluated by the participants in my study. As a result, unlike other varieties of English that utilize standard language features, GAE may hinder a speaker's chances of upward social mobility. / Less surprisingly, the data show that connectedness to LGBTQ networks and practices is positively correlated with attitudes toward/usage of GAE. The strongest correlation found is the association between connectedness to created kinship networks and attitudes toward/usage of GAE. Additionally, the data show that weak family of origin ties increase the likelihood that a gay man will have positive attitudes toward GAE and use it. These findings suggest that for gay men who have built kinship networks within LGBTQ communities, created kinship networks may be more influential than family of origin networks in terms of language practices. Finally, my analysis of gay men's connectedness to the South reveals that gay men's attitudes toward/usage of GAE are complicated by ideologies of class, gender, and rurality -- ideologies, which are also linked together in complex ways.

<p> This meta-analysis explores many contributing risk factors and adversities in older gay men, as well as contributing factors such as coping and survival strategies to reach positive mental health well-being. The meta-analysis reviews 35 studies within the last 10 years, and analyzes these studies for content. Results in this meta-analysis indicate that discrimination, stigmatization, bullying, living away from the city, and lack of education and understanding about the LGBT population were factors that affected the lives of many older gay men throughout their lives. Older gay men faced many adversities and ways of discrimination that led to mental health disorders in their lives. Findings indicate that some older gay men were able to cope with the adversities; some were not, leading to substance abuse and risky behaviors isolating them from reality. Research shows that many older gay men have isolated themselves from society in general due to discrimination factors and even from the LGBT community due to discrimination within the LGBT population (i.e., negative dynamics and negative statements between younger and older gay men). Implications for social work and multicultural social work practice, future research, and social policy on the LGBT were also discussed. </p>

<p> The abstract is not available for copy and paste.</p>

<p> The purpose of this grant proposal is to obtain funding for the creation of an after school program for at-risk youth of underserved populations. The literature review increased knowledge about the problem behaviors exhibited by at-risk youth that may interfere with positive behaviors, academic achievement, and overall well-being. The problem behaviors are, but not limited to, risky sexual behaviors at a premature age, drug use, aggressiveness, defiance, detachment from school, lack of supervision, and behaviors that may be linked to mental health issues. An extensive search for a potential funder resulted in the Annenberg Foundation. The Annenberg Foundation has funded many projects that involve the education and development of youth. A grant proposal was written to support the population served by Olive Crest, a non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of abused or neglected children.</p>

<p> The purpose of this project was to design a program, identify a potential funding source, and write a grant proposal to fund a summer camp and mentorship program for lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ} foster youth. A review of literature provided knowledge regarding what services would provide support for the LGBTQ foster youth population. The objectives of the program was to create an opportunity for participating youth to build a long-lasting relationship with an adult mentor, to network and form encouraging relationships with other LGBTQ foster youth, to build upon their ability to cope with issues facing LGBTQ foster youth and to improve attitudes about their future. A grant was written to financially support a summer camp and mentorship program for LGBTQ foster youth. Actual submission of this grant was not required for successful completion of this thesis.</p>

<p> Social workers are responsible for providing the majority of mental health and substance abuse services in the United States in the role of direct service. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LBG) individuals utilize these services at rates that are believed to be higher than other populations. The field of social work embraces social justice as one of its core principles. This cross-sectional survey of 220 BSW and/or MSW social workers investigates two questions: what is the relationship among key aspects of social worker critical consciousness, i.e., attitudes about social justice, change agency, and awareness of heterosexism; and in what ways does critical consciousness influence practice (promising practices) with LGB clients in behavioral health programs. Findings suggest that social workers who have greater critical consciousness have greater self-reported skills and knowledge scores and engage in more LGB promising practices. Specifically, respondents with more consciousness as evidenced by awareness of heterosexism, positive attitudes towards LGB persons, and greater engagement in social justice activity in their personal and professional lives, including their encouragement of client engagement in social justice activity, have higher skills and knowledge scores and utilize more LGB promising practices. Implications for social work practice and education are discussed and areas for future research are presented.</p>

<p> The purpose of this project was to write a grant proposal to fund adequate training for mentors of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender (LGBT) adolescents at The Center of Long Beach, California, create educational training for LGBT adolescents, and identify funding sources. A comprehensive review of the literature found that LGBT experience higher rates of suicide, discrimination, isolation, physical violence, and verbal harassment. This writer also found an effective intervention strategy such as mentoring as an attempt to shield the negative experiences of LGBT youth. Relationship building and communication skills are enhanced, creating a safe space for adolescents to share their feelings, experiences, and identities without fear of judgment or rejection. The proposed training workshop aimed at elevating competence, improving the quality of life of LGBT adolescents. The David Bohnett Foundation was selected as a potential funding source. Actual submission and/or funding of the grant were not requirements for completion of this project.</p>

<p> The purpose of this proposal was to seek funding to help The American Civil Liberties Union LGBTQ Student Rights Project provide a sensitivity training to the Los Angeles County School District school professionals who work with LGBTQ youth who are being bullied or at risk of bullying. School bullying has been a new issue identified to society. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth are specific targets to bullying. Bullying in those who identify as LGBTQ may face life-threatening consequences such as depression and suicide. The grant writer selected The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation as a funding source for the proposed project. Actual submission and/or funding of this grant were not required for successful completion of this thesis project.</p>

<p> The purpose of this project was to write a grant proposal for funds to develop a substance abuse program for GLBT adolescents at the Gay and Lesbian Center of Greater Long Beach, CA. (GLCGLB).</p><p> Consultations with the GLCGLB staff and findings from the literature review highlighted the need for a substance abuse program for GLBT adolescents due to their risk and the little attention received in regards to treatment. The proposed program offers culturally relevant psychoeducation, prevention and treatment groups for GLBT adolescents. The goal of the proposed program is to decrease substance use among GLBT adolescents in Long Beach and dispel the stigma around addiction and treatment as well as help GLBT adolescents to recover from substance use-related illnesses. The identified funding source is the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation Inc. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant were not a requirement for the successful completion of the project.</p>