Is there/should there be a gay/lesbian nurses association?

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I am studying transcultural nursing and am focusing on health care needs of gays/lesbians/bisexuals/transgender patients, and a question has come up that I would like more nursing opinions/info about. Does anyone know of a gay/lesbian nurses association? Should there be one? There is a Gay and Lesbian Medical Association.

Thanks, any input will be appreciated.

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I pulled the most relevant portions of your post and wanted to address your question. I presume the analogy is made because there are similarities. Homosexual people have been looked upon as inferior, pedophiles, and abominations. They have been legally discriminated against. And they have been killed for being homosexual - no other reason. Many have killed themselves rather than continue to endure the shame and abuse foisted upon them by society.

As far as whether any specific subset of the larger nursing group should make a new organization to address their specific concerns, I leave that to others to argue. I'm not sure nursing as a whole is well-served by further dividing us, but I'm not opposed to the notion.

treading very lightly here, :uhoh21: but i think many (NOT ALL) african americans sometimes get a bit annoyed with the comparison because skin color is something that you can't hide. Your sexuality really is your choice whether you wish to reveal it and deal with the problems that may go along with it. Even if you are openly gay, i as a passerby don't know that, i as a potential employer probably won't know that, i as a real estate agent won't necessarily know that and on and on. If you are black, asian, hispanic etc... you can be seen coming a "mile away" and the preconcieved notions about you start the minute people lay eyes on you, whereas, again, you wouldn't necessarily know a persons sexual orientation unless they decide to make it obvious to you. If people who are prejudiced against homosexuals get a chance to know you before they find out your preference, then you have a chance to show them that their ideas are ridiculous. (not saying this should have to be done) A person of color doesn't get this benefit. Skin color is obvious and there is no choice in whether or not you get to deal with the "wonderful world of prejudice". I think that there are definite similarities, between the struggles of gay americans and racial minorities, but when it comes down to it you can't make a true comparison here. Having said all that i'm not necessarily for ANY group segregating themselves, but feel that it should be community dependent, meaning if there are issues that need to be addressed regarding a specific group of people, then maybe they do need a specialized group to cater to those issues.

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As a minority, I have been faced with a lot of discrimnation/prejudice issues, due to the color of my skin, I don't go around wanting people to feel sorry for me, I am a excellent nurse and that is what counts, I have to put in my two cents because you are coming down pretty hard on the previous posts that's why I feel this thread shoud be closed because GAY/LESBIAN is a CONTROVERSY it was a choice by you to live this lifestyle so live with it, you knew the consequences before you came out of the closet... come on this is AMERICA!!!! it appears you all want everyone to feel sorry for you because of your preference well whoopty do who cares if you are gay, do your job as a trained nurse, if you want an organization (which I feel you shouldn't have one) support what you believe in and stop wasting your energy trying to get others to believe in what you believe in --it will not happen this is the land of IN GOD WE TRUST stop arguing and face the facts. :rolleyes:

i don't see where anyone is feeling sorry for themselves here. their needs are reasonable and quite valid. why do you sound so hostile?

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Well, I am sorry if I left the impression that I was trying to stir a pot.. I was really just curious if there was an association and what people think about that.
Hey, Don't apologize. I saw nothing wrong with the question either. I've known plenty of gay/lesbian nurses in my 20+ years of nursing. I think you see rather less discrimination against homosexuals in nursing. Mostly we just care if they are good nurses. I haven't known any that even seemed interested in such an organization, but I can't attest that they weren't. Probably, like the rest of us, they were/are just more interested in living our lives.
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Specializes in Case Manager, LTC,Staff Dev/NAT Instr.
This is America? No, sounds more like backwoods Southern talk.

It's ok, I love it down here but I always tell people that if you are gay and you want to live down here, you'll have to learn to tolerate a lot of that kind of talk.

I can't believe that in this day and age that people still refer to it as a "lifestyle." Like becoming a vegetarian or a nudist.

And why shut this thread down?

It's a lot more interesting talking about controversial things than some of the other boring topics brought up here.

Obviously you are interested in it or you wouldn't be here reading and commenting on it.

What do you mean that kind of talk? and backwood Southern talk? The reason I said it should be closed is because no one including yourself is not answering what is asked on this subject, this will only be a debate of straight vs gay/ religion vs non-religion I see you like to stir up trouble so talk about something worthwhile, I am glad I am a Southerner, we have that Southern Hospitality. And YES this is AMERICA have you been paying attention to the news? I didn't respond to this post to start trouble this is what I believe and I'm not afraid to speak in what I believe and please before anyone post anything read the ENTIRE thread, you will get a better understanding of some of the responses.
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this is the land of IN GOD WE TRUST stop arguing and face the facts. :rolleyes:

Reallllllllly? Whose God is that? As revealed by what? Is that your God, as revealed by the King James version of the Bible? Or would that be John Doe's God, as revealed by the New American Standard bible? Or maybe that would be someone else's Allah, as revealed by the Koran. Or even another person's Budda, as revealed by......get the point?

This isn't the land of IN GOD WE TRUST, no matter what you might think. This is a land of Constitutionally recognized freedoms. Including freedom of and freedom FROM religion.

I suppose since you are a minority, who has felt the sting of prejudice, you feel somehow justified in being prejudiced towards another segment of the population. Just remember, prejudice is nothing more than the crutch leaned on by those without self esteem, desperately looking for some way. any way to feel superior to someone else. Kind of sad when you look at it that way, isn't it?

Kevin McHugh

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you know kevin, i was thinking along the same lines, as the op stated she has been a victim of prejudices herself...i would think that would make one more sympathetic to the situation. i don't understand all the anger.

leslie

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let me remind you that people have been beaten and killed and enslaved for many other reasons-including sexual orientation and religion.African Americans don't corner the market on suffering -but you can start educating yourself by reading about the Holocaust) ....Why is an organization for gay and lesbian nursing professionals so repugnant to some of you when these organizations exist for every other race,creed,nationality and what have you...I believe that if you are comfortable with your own sexual prefernces and appetites then others sex-lives shouldn't bother you.....One's name tag need not announce any personal info at all for a patient to protest being cared for by a "queer" or an "inser racial epithet here"....It HAPPENS and we have talked about it at length on this very board....In this damn country if you aren't middle of the road whitebread you get prejudice at every turn.It does not have to be a cross burning on your lawn,either...

I made the comment regarding African-Americans because that was the race the previous poster referred to and because I've heard that comparison many times. It was not my intent to "corner the market" for African-Americans, nor did I say or infer that an organization for gays would be repugnant. My point is that there are already organizations in place for gays to ensure that their rights are not encroached upon. Why is it necessary to start a gay nursing association? Don't all nurses have generally the same concerns and issues without separating them out by sexual orientation? It just seems very unnecessary. But if that's what is wanted an needed by some so be it. All those who are so gung ho for it should get off their tush and put their money where there mouth is.

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Specializes in Case Manager, LTC,Staff Dev/NAT Instr.
Reallllllllly? Whose God is that? As revealed by what? Is that your God, as revealed by the King James version of the Bible? Or would that be John Doe's God, as revealed by the New American Standard bible? Or maybe that would be someone else's Allah, as revealed by the Koran. Or even another person's Budda, as revealed by......get the point?

This isn't the land of IN GOD WE TRUST, no matter what you might think. This is a land of Constitutionally recognized freedoms. Including freedom of and freedom FROM religion.

I suppose since you are a minority, who has felt the sting of prejudice, you feel somehow justified in being prejudiced towards another segment of the population. Just remember, prejudice is nothing more than the crutch leaned on by those without self esteem, desperately looking for some way. any way to feel superior to someone else. Kind of sad when you look at it that way, isn't it?

Kevin McHugh

You know I will say this and leave because I knew it would happen, I believe in Jesus I DO! I DO! as for as my skin color I wouldn't changed it for nothing, I have no control over that, because I LOVE who I am, as your gender why change something you was born with???? Changing your gender is a choice that you can control. I am not being prejudice towards gay/lesbians I just wonder why we put so much energy into arguing over issues that is beyond our control and start facing issues WE as nurses can control.....because when the times come to vote for these rights half of you will not even consider voting need I say more...I go in peace say what you want the fact still remains.
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What do you mean that kind of talk? and backwood Southern talk?

You know exactly what I mean.

Like I stated earlier, I love living down here too and woudn't live anywhere else in the country.

But as far as your Southern pride and Southern hospitality goes, does it extend to your gay patients as well? It worries me how you might treat them under your care with your attitude being so negative toward them.

Or are you under the impression that there aren't any gay people in your town or hospital you work at?

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You know I will say this and leave because I knew it would happen, I believe in Jesus I DO! I DO! as for as my skin color I wouldn't changed it for nothing, I have no control over that, because I LOVE who I am, as your gender why change something you was born with???? Changing your gender is a choice that you can control. I am not being prejudice towards gay/lesbians I just wonder why we put so much energy into arguing over issues that is beyond our control and start facing issues WE as nurses can control.....because when the times come to vote for these rights half of you will not even consider voting need I say more...I go in peace say what you want the fact still remains.

you know lisa, i saw your 1st post before you edited it and you stated that you can't change the color of your skin but you can change your "gender"...so what this basically amounts to is your fear of homosexuality. furthermore, homosexuality is not about a choice "oh, i think i'll be gay"....it is far more gutteral and internal then anyone truly understands. but it IS, whether anyone likes it or not. to deprive someone of an intimate, loving relationship because of these perceived 'choices' would go against everything should nursing represents.

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Originally Posted by lisadlpn2brn

I feel this thread shoud be closed because GAY/LESBIAN is a CONTROVERSY it was a choice by you to live this lifestyle so live with it, you knew the consequences before you came out of the closet... come on this is AMERICA!!!! ......it will not happen this is the land of IN GOD WE TRUST stop arguing and face the facts.

And guess who has the honor of being the first person on my ingnore list. :)

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
Reallllllllly? Whose God is that? As revealed by what? Is that your God, as revealed by the King James version of the Bible? Or would that be John Doe's God, as revealed by the New American Standard bible? Or maybe that would be someone else's Allah, as revealed by the Koran. Or even another person's Budda, as revealed by......get the point?

This isn't the land of IN GOD WE TRUST, no matter what you might think. This is a land of Constitutionally recognized freedoms. Including freedom of and freedom FROM religion.

I suppose since you are a minority, who has felt the sting of prejudice, you feel somehow justified in being prejudiced towards another segment of the population. Just remember, prejudice is nothing more than the crutch leaned on by those without self esteem, desperately looking for some way. any way to feel superior to someone else. Kind of sad when you look at it that way, isn't it?

Kevin McHugh

Beautifully said, Kevin.......I've read through this entire thread and yours, as usual, is the one that cuts through all the bull**** and gets right to the heart of the matter. Well done!

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