Pedigree

Self Assessment

Before taking the self assessment, consider where you think you stand on the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender continuum (McAuliffe, 2005).

Condemnation involves viewing GLBT persons as inferior and immoral. A person who condemns same-sex attraction believes it goes against nature and supports any action to change a person back to a heterosexual sexual orientation. At this stage your feelings are preventing you from accepting and being supportive of GLBT persons. When someone recognizes GLBT persons without taking actions to include them as an equal part of society he or she is considered to be tolerant. Acceptance of GLBT persons allows for equal rights in society, but still debases homosexuality. At the acceptance stage, you are minimally supportive of GLBT persons. A supportive person may be slightly uncomfortable with homosexuality, but this person works actively to maintain equal rights and acknowledges the current injustices in society.  Admiration includes people who realize the strength that it often takes to live as a GLBT person; they examine and adjust their own personal attitudes/biases to be inclusive. At this point you are ready to be an effective supporter of GLBT persons. Lastly, when you appreciate homosexuality, you work to reduce injustice and bias in society, you believe that GLBT persons are an important part of the community, and you have affection towards GLBT persons. When you achieve appreciation, you can be a strong and willing advocate for GLBT persons.

Take another self-assessment, the Gay Affirmative Practice Scale (GAP), by Crisp, 2006.

While there are many self-assessment measures available, we have included two. The first self-assessment tool asks you to honestly define where you stand on the continuum. After taking the GAP self assessment, go back to the first self-assessment.

  • Did your perspectives on where you stand on the continuum change?
  • Did you realize you were less accepting, more appreciative, or similar to where you originally placed yourself?

If you admire GLBT persons, but you simply have not had a lot of experience with this culture, you may want to review the resources listed at the end of this case for more information regarding GLBT persons, current legal updates, and suggestions for showing your support.

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