title: Combating heterosexism: implications for nursing.
abstract: Gays and lesbians are becoming increasingly visible to the healthcare professional as a result of the AIDS epidemic and the growing number of lesbian mothers. Ethical practice requires that nurses have an understanding of diverse cultures but focus has historically been on racial and ethnic minorities; little research exists on those with minority sexual or affectional preferences. Heterosexism, the promotion of a heterosexual orientation as the only viable option, has much the same effect as racism. Individuals experience feelings of shame, self-hatred, and lowered self-esteem. The purpose of this article is (1) to present the current state of knowledge regarding individual identity formation and couple development in the gay and lesbian community and (2) to describe the impact of heterosexism. Implications for nursing practice and research will be explored.
authors.affiliation: CNS program, Rutgers University College of Nursing, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Walpin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D018452:Homosexuality, Female; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009732:Nursing Care; D011287:Prejudice; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013240:Stereotyping