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

chads@rainbowresourcecentre.org

Gay Bashing: Making Sense of the Senseless