Bakgrund: I arbetet som barnmorska är det viktigt att bemöta alla på samma sätt utifrån deras individuella behov, oavsett deras sexuella läggning och familjekonstellation. Med tanke på den heteronormativitet som genomsyrar samhället kan man tänka sig att det även visar sig inom mödra- och förlossningsvård. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att belysa hur gravida och födande homosexuella kvinnor upplever barnmorskornas bemötande under graviditeten och efter barnafödandet. Metod: En kvalitativ metod och en kvalitativ innehållsanalys med induktiv ansats användes, Semistrukturerade intervjuer genomfördes med tolv homosexuella kvinnor som varit eller var gravida. Resultat: I resultatet framkommer det vad homosexuella kvinnor ser som ett gott respektive ett dåligt bemötande. Resultatet behandlar även barnmorskans bemötande gentemot medföräldern. Konklusion: De homosexuella kvinnorna i studien uppgav att ett gott bemötande från barnmorskor kunde vara att de bemöttes med respekt och att barnmorskorna fokuserade på graviditeten istället för på den samkönade relationen. Barnmorskors bemötande uppfattas som bättre om könsneutrala uttryck används. Medförälderns delaktighet i graviditet, förlossning och eftervård är något barnmorskor ska beakta och uppmuntra. / Background: In the work as a midwife it’s important to respond to everyone the same way based on their individual needs, regardless their sexual orientation and family constellation. Given the heteronormativity that permeates society, one can imagine that it also proves to maternity and obstetric care. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore how pregnant and birthing lesbian women experience midwifes response during pregnancy and after childbirth. Method: A qualitative approach and content analysis with inductive approach was used, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve lesbian women who had been or where pregnant. Results: The result shows what lesbian women see as a good or a bad response. The result also addresses the midwife’s attitude towards the co-parent. Conclusion: The lesbian women in the study said that a good response could be that they where responded to with respect and that midwifes are focused on the pregnancy, instead of the same-sex relationship. Midwifes response is perceived as better if gender-neutral terms are used. The co-parents involvement in pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care is something midwifes should consider and encourage.

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This thesis examines the important role of female same-sex relationships in nineteenth-century literature and culture. Whilst drawing directly upon Sharon Marcus's recent book, Between Women: Friendship, Desire, and Marriage in Victorian England, a revisionary queer reading of inter-dependent same-sex female intimacy and mainstream middle-class heteronormative ideals, my own study extends the parameters of Marcus's work by focussing on alternative contexts and previously overlooked same-sex female relationships. This thesis argues that the culturally endorsed model of Victorian female homosociality identified by Marcus was subject to disruption and transformation both within and beyond the institutions of marriage and the family. It concludes that various forms (rather than one definitive model) of homosocial desire shaped nineteenth-century female bonding. In the first chapter I explore the unstable social status of working middle-class women, and identify instances of employer/employee female intimacy organised upon a disturbance or reversal of social hierarchy. In the second chapter I demonstrate how the ideal of female amity was inevitably undermined in the literary marketplace, and that whilst women writers were engaged in constructing and disseminating this ideal in their novels, they were also embroiled in a series of professional jealousies with one another which served to undo the very ideal they were promoting. In the second part of this chapter I highlight the pluralism of mainstream homoerotic femininity by examining Dinah Mulock Craik's fictional representation of homoerotic surveillance manifest in a culturally endorsed adolescent female gaze. In the third chapter I challenge Marcus's claim that well-known independent nineteenth-century lesbians were fully accommodated into mainstream 'respectable' society by demonstrating that some of these women informed Eliza Lynn Linton's homophobic portrait of radical feminist separatism. I also explore in this chapter Linton's fictional representation of sororal eroticism, and argue that (notwithstanding mother/daughter bonds) Linton, like many of her contemporaries, regarded sisterhood as the primary bond between women. I also evidence in this chapter that Linton's portrait of 'sororophobia' is comparable with cultural ideals regarding the important function that female friends had in facilitating one another's marriage.

In Cameroon, as in many other African countries, there is a law prohibiting same-sex relationships. The relevant provision, Article 347bis of the Cameroonian Penal Code (Law No 65-LF-24 of 12 November and Law No 67-LF-1 of 12 June 1967), states as follows: “Whoever has sexual relations with a person of the same-sex shall be punished with imprisonment for from six months to five years and fine from 20 000 to 200 000 francs.” This study assesses the law criminalizing same-sex relationships in Cameroon as being discriminatory and encouraging a homophobic society and as contributing to the stigmatization and marginalization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Both State and non-State actors in Cameroon do not accept the practice of homosexuality due to the conservative nature of traditional cultural values and religious beliefs. Consequently, presumed LGBT people are frequently harassed, persecuted and arbitrarily arrested on suspicion of their sexual identity. Moreover, the rejection and denial of LGBT people make them live in fear and hiding. It also exposes them to the greatest risk of HIV infection. It is argued in this study that the criminalisation of consensual same-sex conducts violates the rights to privacy, equality, fair trial, human dignity and the principle of non-discrimination enshrined in the Cameroon Constitution and the various international human rights instruments that Cameroon has ratified. It also deprives LGBT people of their rights to education and health merely on the basis of them being who they are. The finding from this study indicates that the law alone is not enough to make a social change. Perspective and inputs from other disciplines such as Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology and Science of Education need to enhance the arguments for the decriminalisation of same-sex conduct. This study also shows the harmful impact that the law criminalising same-sex behaviour has on LGBT people as well as the society as a whole. Thus, it is very important for the Cameroonian government to take the first step towards decriminalisation of same-sex relationships in order to respect its obligation to respect, promote, protect and fulfil everyone‟s human rights without distinction of any, according to its international commitments and agreements. The government should also take a great and dynamic initiative regarding the educational aspect because education is a vital key for significant progress and change. / Dissertation (LLM)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Centre for Human Rights / unrestricted

Background. Intimate partner violence is a recognized public health issue, in which violence in same-sex relationships is included. Despite intimate partner violence in same-sex relationships being a somewhat growing area of research, we are still lacking knowledge about this problem.Aim. The overall aim was to investigate how Swedish police students perceive intimate partner violence in same-sex relationships.Method. 248 police students (69% males and 31% females) who were currently enrolled in the police education in Växjö read a vignette and answered a questionnaire. The vignettes portrayed an intimate relationship between two people and were available in four versions with the sex of the offender and victim being alternated. The questionnaire consisted of the instrument Opinions of Domestic Violence Scale, and additional questions constructed for this study. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to make comparisons between groups.Results. Same-sex IPV was perceived as less serious than victimization of a heterosexual female, but the case with a same-sex relationship with a female victim was perceived as more serious than victimization of a heterosexual male. Police intervention was not found to be needed to the same extent in the cases of same-sex IPV as in the case with a heterosexual female victim.Discussion. The perceptions of same-sex IPV as less serious and not in as much need of police intervention as a case involving a heterosexual female victim, may have implications for how these victims are handled by the police. The perceptions of who constitutes a true victim of intimate partner violence may be of importance when decisions are made by police officers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; 2012) reported that intimate partner violence (IPV) affects approximately 4.8 million females and 2.8 million males in their intimate relationships each year. Past research (e.g., Fanslow, Robinson, Crengle, & Perese, 2010; Foshee et al., 1996; Foshee et al., 2009) on IPV solely evaluated prevalence rates and factors within opposite-sex relationships; however, IPV within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals' relationships exists at equal, if not higher, rates compared to their heterosexual counterparts (Alexander, 2008; McKenry, Serovich, Mason, & Mosak, 2006). Subsequently, a gap in research existed on violence in LGBTQ individuals' samesex relationships and the need existed for further exploration of IPV within same-sex couples (McKenry et al., 2006; Turell, 2000). The purpose of this study was an examination of the relationships among victimization rates (Victimization in Dating Relationships [VDR] and Safe Dates-Psychological Abuse Victimization [SD-PAV]), perpetration rates (Perpetration in Dating Relationships [PDR] and Safe Dates-Psychological Abuse Perpetration [SD-PAP]), and attitudinal acceptance of IPV (Acceptance of Couple Violence [ACV]) among LGBTQ college students. The specific goals of the study were to (a) identify the IPV victimization rates and perpetration rates among LGBTQ college students, and (b) examine the attitudinal acceptance of IPV in LGBTQ college students. The statistical analyses used to examine the four research questions and seven subsequent hypotheses included (a) Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and (b) Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). The results identified that significant mean differences (p < .01; ŋ 2 P = .16) existed between females and males in their reported levels of victimization and perpetration, suggesting a large effect size with biological sex accounting for 16% of the variance across the four victimization and perpetration variables. Specifically, females self-reported higher levels of psychological and emotional victimization compared to males (p < .01; ŋ 2 P = .05), suggesting that females in same-sex relationships reported greater psychological abuse from their female partners. In addition, results identified significant mean differences between males and females in their levels of attitudinal acceptance of IPV (p < .01; ŋ 2 P = .13), suggesting a medium effect size that biological sex accounted for 13% of the variance in attitudinal acceptance of IPV scores. In considering gender expression, results from the study identified that in females and males, those self-identifying with greater amounts of masculinity reported an increased amount of victimization and perpetration (p < .01; ŋ 2 P = .15). The results identified a large effect size in that 15% of the variance in victimization and perpetration rates were accounted for by the interaction of biological sex and gender expression. Furthermore, in females and males, those self-identifying with greater amounts of masculinity reported higher levels of attitudinal acceptance of IPV (p < .01; ŋ 2 P = .12). The results identified a medium effect size in that 12% of the variance in attitudinal acceptance of IPV was accounted for by the interaction of biological sex and gender expression. In regards to a history of childhood abuse and witnessing parental IPV, participants with a history of child abuse and a history of witnessing parental IPV did not differ in their levels of victimization, perpetration, or attitudinal acceptance of IPV from those without a history of childhood abuse and witnessing parental IPV. Finally, variables such as (a) biological sex, (b) gender expression, (c) past childhood abuse, (d) witnessing parental IPV, (e) v VDR, (f) SD-PAV, (g) PDR, and (h) SD-PAP predicted attitudinal acceptance of IPV in this LGBTQ college student sample. The results identified that linear composite of these eight predictor variables predicted 93% (R 2 = .93) of the overall variance in participants' attitudinal acceptance of IPV total score (p < .01). Overall, the results identified that females reported higher levels of psychological victimization meaning that a female LGBTQ college student potentially experiences more risk of becoming a victim in a relationship. In addition, results identified that LGBTQ college students identifying as masculine present a potentially greater risk for both victimization and perpetration in their same-sex relationships. Self-identifying masculine LGBTQ college students reported greater amounts of acceptance of same-sex IPV, which possibly explains the lack of IPV reports from these college students. Finally, the results identified that individual and family-of-origin factors do, in fact, predict LGBTQ college students' levels of attitudinal acceptance of IPV. In other words, an LGBTQ college students' biological sex, gender expression, past childhood experiences, victimization rates, and perpetration rates all relate to the prediction of their attitudes about IPV. Implications for future research included the need to further examine college students engaging either in an opposite-sex or same-sex relationship, exploring the relationships between masculinity and femininity in their reported levels of victimization, perpetration, and attitudinal acceptance of IPV. The need to replicate this study exists in order to ensure inclusiveness of individuals across all sexual orientations and gender identities in college students. In addition, several significant findings from this study further substantiate the need for continued research in the area of same-sex IPV, especially utilizing a sample of LGBTQ college students, to inform (a) clinical assessment in college counseling clinics and community agencies, (b) IPV protocol development, and (c) culturally sensitive, modified intervention based on the current findings.

The purpose of the study was to develop an understanding of how perceptions of same-sex relationships affect counselors'-in-training (CITs) identification of intimate partner violence. The researcher examined whether the sexual orientation of a client has an impact on CITs identification of violence, identification of victimization and perpetration and how homonegative attitudes shape perceptions of same-sex relationship violence. Data was collected via information questionnaires regarding demographic and professional background, experimental vignettes modified from Blasko, Winek, and Bieschke']s (2007) study, and the 10-item version of the Modern Homonegativity Scale (Morrison and Morrison, 2002; Morrison, Kenny, and Harrington, 2005). The sample included 203 master and doctoral students from CACREP-accredited counseling programs in the southern region of the United States. The results indicated that most respondents were able to appropriately identify intimate partner violence. The levels of agreement regarding types of violence varied between vignette types. An ANOVA revealed significant differences between relationship type and identification of mutual violence, victim, and perpetrator. Respondents attributed more responsibility for the violence to female victims when the perpetrator was also female. Findings suggest that gender of the initiator (perpetrator) and non-initiator (victim) of violence may impact identification of violence more than sexual orientation. The results also suggest that respondents' homonegative attitudes impact perceptions of violence in same-sex relationships, particularly female partnerships. More research is needed on counselor response to relationship violence and sexual orientation. Exploring how beliefs in heteronormative gender-roles and homonegative attitudes impact perceptions of same-sex intimate partner violence among CITs is crucial for competent and ethical practitioners. / Ph. D.

The purpose of this essay was to investigate the exposure to intimate partner violence among individuals in same-sex relationships, the consequences of such violence and the help-seeking process. The research focused on exploring the underlying causes, consequences of violence and what the help-seeking process looks like for individuals in same-sex relationships. Qualitative and quantitative studies were analyzed. Three perspectives: intersectionality, power, and heteronormativity were adopted to interpret the results. A qualitative content analysis revealed six themes: gender norms, minority stressors, physical and psychological violence, heteronormative expectations and help-seeking. Factors contributing to intimate partner violence in same-sex relationships included heteronormativity, societal perceptions of gender norms, minority stress, and internalized homophobia. Consequences of violence included isolation, poor physical and mental health. Power imbalances and the help-seeking process were linked to these outcomes. Conclusions of this essay highlighted the importance of understanding the complexity arising from a heteronormative perspective on intimate partner violence, affecting both perpetrators and victims. Additionally, the study emphasized the significance of support for victims in same-sex relationships, highlighting the current limitations in available support systems. / Syftet med denna uppsats var att undersöka utsattheten för våld i nära relation för individer i samkönade relationer, konsekvenserna av våldet samt hur hjälpsökande-processen ser ut. I fokus för uppsatsen hamnade forskningsfrågorna: Vilka är de bakomliggande orsakerna till våldsutsattheten för individer i samkönade relationer, vilka konsekvenser våldet kan leda till samt hur hjälpsökande-processen ser ut för individer i samkönade relationer. Kvalitativa och kvantitativa studier analyserades. Som utgångspunkt för att tolka resultaten antogs tre olika perspektiv: det intersektionella perspektivet, makt samt heteronormativitet. Genom en kvalitativ innehållsanalys framkom det sex teman: könsnormer, minoritetsstress, fysiskt och psykiskt våld, heteronormativa förväntningar samt hjälpsökande. De bakomliggande orsakerna till en utsatthet visade sig bland annat kunna vara heteronormativitet och samhällets uppfattning kring könsnormer, minoritetsstress och internaliserad homofobi. Konsekvenserna av våldet visade sig vara isolering, sämre fysisk och psykisk hälsa. Det framkom även att maktobalans och hjälpsökandeprocessen var kopplat till konsekvenserna. Slutsatser som kunde dras från denna uppsats var vikten att förstå komplexiteten som uppstår till följd av en heteronormativ syn på våld i nära relationer samt att denna syn påverkar både våldsutövare och våldsoffer. Ytterligare en slutsats var betydelsen av stöd till våldsoffer i samkönade relationer samt hur bristfälligt stödet är i dagsläget.

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Ett övergripande mål regeringen i Sverige har är att kvinnor och män ska ha samma makt att forma samhället och sitt eget liv, detta mål innefattar sex delmål. Delmål fyra handlar om en jämn fördelning av det obetalda hem och omsorgsarbetet. Tidigare forskning av Goldberg (2013) visar att kvinnor i samkönad relation är bättre på att skapa en känsla av jämlikhet i sina förhållanden och är mer flexibla i uppdelningen av hushållsarbete. Syftet med studien var att undersöka hur kvinnor i samkönade relationer fördelade ansvarsområdena och hur de upplevde att ansvarsfördelning påverkade deras relation. Sju kvinnor intervjuades med hjälp av semistrukturerade intervjuer för ökad förståelse av deras upplevelser. Intervjuerna analyserades med en tematisk analys och med hjälp av rollteori och social utbytesteori försökte författarna förstå hur informanterna fördelade ansvaret i sin relation och hur de upplevde ansvarsfördelningen. Resultatet visar att informanterna upplevde en relativt jämlik och rättvis fördelning. Resultatet visar vidare att fördelningen skapats genom kommunikation, struktur, intresse och förutsättningar. Informanterna beskrev att det var viktigt att fördelningen inte var ett krav utan en överenskommelse och att det fanns en respekt för varandras ansvar. Detta innebär att ansvarsfördelningen bidrar till graden av trygghet, jämlikhet och rättvisa i relationen. / An overall goal of the Swedish government is for women and men to have the same power to shape society and their own lives, this goal includes six sub-goals. Subsection four is about an even distribution of unpaid homes and care work. Previous research by Goldberg (2013) shows that same-sex women are better at creating a sense of equality in their relationships and are more flexible in the division of housework. The purpose of this study was to investigate how women in same-sex relationships divided their responsibilities and how they perceived that division of responsibilities affected their relationship. Seven women were interviewed using semi-structured interviews to increase the understanding of their experiences. The interviews were analyzed with a thematic analysis and with the help of role theory and social exchange theory the authors tried to understand how the informants divided responsibility in their relationship and how they experienced the division of responsibility. The result shows that the informants experienced a relatively equal and fair distribution. The result further shows that the distribution was created through communication, structure, interest and conditions. The informants described that it was important that the distribution was not a requirement but an agreement and that there was a respect for each other's responsibilities. This means that the division of responsibility contributes to the degree of security, equality and justice in the relationship.