Being Gay and a Male Nursing Student

Nursing Students Male Students

Published

I'm aware that the words 'Gay' and 'Nursing' may somehow go hand-and-hand for some, and others may find it comical, but I've found it quite uncomfortable being gay and a male, nursing student simply because people tend to treat you differently-whether that is not being taken seriously or socially treated like one of the women nurses and/or techs.

Although I keep my personal and work life separate and I have a passion for nursing, but many people still seem to pick up that "vibe" then judge me accordingly. Sometimes I feel like I have to work harder than the other students simply because many people tend to associate gay men with a long list of stereotypical humor and cruelty.

If there are any other gay, male nursing students OR Nurses out there, share your coping mechanisms while in class and/or on the job.

Specializes in ER/ICU.
\ said:

I just had to address this one because it has always bothered me. When other nurses are talking about their families, go ahead and bring yours up. We're just as interested (or not) in your family as we are in anyone else's. I don't want to hear about your sex life -- or anyone else's, for that matter -- but I'm sure your dog is just as cute as mine, your kids are just as smart and your partner is just as wonderful. I honestly think most of your colleagues would LIKE to hear the story about how your partner cooked the most marvelous meal or got a promotion or whatever. That means you want to be part of the team.

I completely agree!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
cazman said:
Glad I am non flamboyant. I may be gay, but I don't broadcast it.

I'm not flamboyant neither but what does that have to do with anything. That statement sounds so ignorant and the reason why people discriminate. I respect everyone's culture, religion , and race no matter what. That's why I became a nurse because I care about people and show empathy. Who cares if a persons feminine as long as they provide great care.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think some of the reactions that you may get from coworkers may be from lack of knowledge that gay men are still men. The best example I can give is this. My BIL is gay and has a partner and children. I've heard people make comments that he's "the little woman" in the relationship and things like that. He is a lot more flamboyant than his partner, but as far as being a guy, he is very much a "dude". They raise their children like men, but hey, they are men. My advise is that you have clear boundaries that remind your coworkers that you are a guy and don't want to be treated like one of the girls. I agree with Rubyvee, I think there will be people interested in you because they like who you are and not what you may or may not represent. Then there will always be those people you have to just ignore.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
GonnaBanRN2 said:
My one hang up about nursing is the vast majority of women in the field (I'm a woman by the way!) as a general rule we tend to breed cattiness and gossip when we're in large numbers. I'm very excited about the idea of having men on the floor with me too just to break it up! It absolutely doesn't matter gay or straight... A guy is a guy!! ?

And here we go with the misogyny again.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Misogynist: a person who hates women. (according to websters dictionary)

Tell me how stating that women tend to be more dramatic makes me HATE my own gender?! A bit over the top don't you think?! Then again you are a woman right? I Should have known... I rest my case

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

My one hang up about nursing is the vast majority of women in the field (I'm a woman by the way!) as a general rule we tend to breed cattiness and gossip when we're in large numbers. I'm very excited about the idea of having men on the floor with me too just to break it up! It absolutely doesn't matter gay or straight... A guy is a guy!!

?

Quote

Statements attributing negative stereotypes such as cattiness and and gossip to one gender above the other tend to be biased. And since you're biased against women, they're misogynistic. Unfortunately, misogyny is pretty prevalent on this website, despite the fact that the majority of users are probably female.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well I say that we can agree to disagree, i see what you are saying and while i disagree with your sentiment you have the right to your own opinion. I do not think that saying women tend to be dramatic and catty (any one who has been around some women in large groups would agree with that, unless they have had better luck than i have) makes me a misogynistic woman, i see it as seeing women as flawed just like men. But feel free to judge all youd like, i dont mind. I also wont be messaging back and forth on here like this because id rather not fill the mens forum with drama...Have a good night!!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

This thread is about being Gay and being a nursing student....let's remember to stick to the topic.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCRN, ED, Unit Manager.

I find it odd that gay dudes have a hard time in nursing or get treated differently. I'd think it'd remove the awkwardness of being outnumbered 4:1 or 5:1 with potential mates, lol. As a straight guy sometimes I feel like the red carpet is being rolled out for me for unprofessional reasons... and other times the rug is being pulled out from under me for unprofessional reasons. I'd hope for the sake of you guys that being gay would alleviate some of that.

That being said, it doesn't matter what your worldview is or your personal characteristics as long as you can exhibit professionalism.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't see a lot gay bashing in my community. Stay focused and become a nurse. Too much effort is wasted when you worry about what others think.....invest the time into learning.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey, there. ? I'm Austin and I'm a pre-nursing student with anywhere between a day and a week before I get my nursing acceptance letter. It's so close that I can feel my blood racing lol. I've been looking around at the different threads and I was looking for different information for and from male nurses and with my being gay, this one snagged my attention.

In my personal experience, I have been in classes with a healthcare-focus for my entire upper education. I was never really in a situation where sharing my sexual orientation to someone was necessary until I started to get close to my classmates. Most were fine with it, but others INSTANTLY repelled me like the plague. My physiology-lab partner of over 7 months literally told me I was disgusting and moved her seat across the room and never spoke to me again lol. My blood was boiling, but I thought it was hilarious. One of the issues with healthcare is that the providers are often religious (not that being religious is an issue, but more of the fact that the two being intertwined can impact the care we provide). Her religion told her to run away from me lol. Obviously everyone is different, but I have never been treated like that by an instructor or mentor. I have to deal with my peers more often than anyone else. The higher up you get, management cares about your care, not your personal life. ?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have nothing against gay nurses as long as they are doing there job accordingly. Professionalism must be observed in the work area so that the balance and respect is there.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment