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

SugarMagnoliaMom · Jul 20, 2004

NurseMike?

Bravo! I really enjoyed reading your message. I have been thinking about this thread a bit, and strongly agree with your points.

I think the majority of special interest organizations serve an excellent purpose. I think a GLB Nurses Association would create not only an excellent support network for its members, but offer a platform for the further education of the special issues medically that face GLB patients (as well as, I mentioned before - legal concerns facing medical situations for domestic partners vs. blood family).

I see such a great opportunity here for education.

For instance, a lot of people are not aware of their own stereotypes. I have a relative who recently adopted a new religion. Through conversations with her, and other experiences I have been shocked to see how many stereotypes exist directed at her religion. If there is no one to point out these concerns, how can we become aware of them?

I hope what I say is clear.

I do understand a lot of people see concerns regarding a "separation" of different organizations and special groups. But look past that, and you can see a real opportunity for growth and education.

Imagine how much it helps to know a cancer survivor, many cancer survivor groups have education opportunities for lectures or learning.

What about women's/womyn's organizations that have developed platforms to further women's issues?

I really don't see the harm in a GLB organization of any sort.

I hope I am not crossing into any crosshairs, but I really don't see the harm. And as several posters pointed out, there are personal and medical concerns relating to the GLB community which a heterosexual person may not be aware of. This is very important for patient care, and why not offer an organization who may be interested in furthering the education of these issues?

Okay, I should go to bed. I would like to note that statistically there are many organizations available for the average white american. Just look at the college Greek system. (I am not attacking any sorority/fraternity members!! Just research shows, unless a Greek organization is design for a specific ethnic group, it is primarily WASP/or white membership).

But, thanks Mike, I really enjoyed your post.

leslie :-D · Jul 20, 2004

Oh, and on the honkey (honky? honkie?) nurses thing, could we find some other name? I'm really trying not to be a pig, but it makes me think of hooters. (Honk, honk.)

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jul 20, 2004

I've said it before and I'll say it again: If you are that worried about who someone else is having sex with, you aren't having enough of it yourself. I see no other reason to be so obsessed with someone else's relationships.

I think that's the problem with the so-called Defense of Marriage Amendment as well: too many people who seem to have too little to do, and instead of getting a life, they obsess over other peoples'. The Senate was right to throw that one out with the garbage........I'm not really sure yet how to feel about same-sex 'marriage' (although I have absolutely NO problem with civil unions where the spouses have full rights and benefits), but that certainly doesn't necessitate tinkering with the Constitution of the United States, nor does it mean the end of civilization as we know it. :stone

leslie :-D · Jul 20, 2004

but marla, what's wrong with amending the Constitution? i'm asking it as a gen'l question and not specific to gay marriages...

fergus51 · Jul 20, 2004

I think that's the problem with the so-called Defense of Marriage Amendment as well: too many people who seem to have too little to do, and instead of getting a life, they obsess over other peoples'. The Senate was right to throw that one out with the garbage........I'm not really sure yet how to feel about same-sex 'marriage' (although I have absolutely NO problem with civil unions where the spouses have full rights and benefits), but that certainly doesn't necessitate tinkering with the Constitution of the United States, nor does it mean the end of civilization as we know it. :stone

I'm with you. I could care less if gay people marry personally and I am now the proud mother of a completely gay dog (he just isn't interested in the females and it looks like we are going to have to go the route of artificial insemination to breed him. He does hump every male dog he can! LOL!).

My honest opinion is that the homophobes out there have their minds warped by taking one phrase in the Bible and granting it completely ridiculous importance in order to have more sinners out there for them to save. Saving the sinners is just too important a part of their culture for them to let go of this one. (never mind all of the other things the Bible tells us, btw. When was the last time you saw 'em stone someone to death for working on the Sabbath?). One of the reasons I could NEVER belong to any fundamentalist Christian group is their reaction to homosexuality.

RN92 · Jul 20, 2004

"i'm with you. i could care less if gay people marry personally and i am now the proud mother of a completely gay dog (he just isn't interested in the females and it looks like we are going to have to go the route of artificial insemination to breed him. he does hump every male dog he can! "lol!).
that is tooo funny!! :rotfl: i, too am the proud owner of a gay dog. we've had to put our other male dog into counseling and he's on paxil for his depression. anyway, cant we all agree to disagree. this is like sweeping a dirt floor! there is no right or wrong answer and we're all going to say things we cant take back. how can we discuss other things on the board if we're all upset with each other. stop. cant we just all get along?!!!!!!

LydiaNN · Jul 20, 2004

Seems like in my hospital as I am a white female, I am the minority. So how would you feel if I started up the "Honkey Nurses association?" I use to always think it was extremely idiotic when I was in college the black associations, hispanic, the gay and lesbian associations- but god forbid I have a honky girl association, then "I" would be a racist.
You are allowed to celebrate who you are as long as you are not white and straight. How about the "we're not gay association"- do you think that would alienate the gay people?
How about us nurses just stick together? Otherwise I think my Honky Nurses association perhaps may have a chance.

"Honky girl"? I think maybe its time you turn off the Jeffersons marathon and join the rest of us here in the 21st century!

CametoitlateTexan · Jul 20, 2004

I think it's relevant to consider the effects of such groups. Do they provide a voice for those who are unheard, or do they merely divide an already increasingly fractured society. One merely has to read the entire thread to head towards a conclusion.

Too often people seek validation in groups. If you are true to youself in your sexual orientation, isn't that enough?

leslie :-D · Jul 20, 2004

I think it's relevant to consider the effects of such groups. Do they provide a voice for those who are unheard, or do they merely divide an already increasingly fractured society. One merely has to read the entire thread to head towards a conclusion.
Too often people seek validation in groups. If you are true to youself in your sexual orientation, isn't that enough?

i don't know what conclusion you've drawn but i'm thinking it's to provide a place of camraderie, acceptance and to exchange various issues. furthermore, living in a highly scrutinizing and judgemental society can greatly exacerbate the isolation already experienced. there's still so many that don't come out, fearing the rejection and disgusted glares that are still very much pervasive today. so in answer to your question, staying true to yourself is one thing. but living it alone is unnecessary.

leslie

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2004

Too often people seek validation in groups. If you are true to youself in your sexual orientation, isn't that enough?

No it isn't.

I'm a gay man. I bowl in an all-gay bowling league, used to attend regularly a predominantly gay church, have primarily gay friends, and belong to another all gay organization. (Don't go to gay bars though). That is enough for me. For other's that don't have that kind of contact, then perhaps I should reconsider and realize there might be a need for a Lesbigay Nurse's Association.

We live and work in a heterosexual society. It isn't enough to be true to yourself in your sexual orientation. Associating with other gay and lesbians is very very very very important to us.

edited. I just read Leslie's very thoughtful response above. She says it well, as always. :)

Headhurt, ADN · Jul 20, 2004

honky nurses association doesn't work for me, needs a little more pizzaz, something to draw the people in. that is so 1970s sounding. very tacky actually.

i think the more trendy term for us pasty white folks is cracker. yes, we can be the pasty cracker nurses society.

kmchugh · Jul 20, 2004

but marla, what's wrong with amending the Constitution? i'm asking it as a gen'l question and not specific to gay marriages...

In itself, there is nothing wrong with amending the constitution. That's part of what makes it a vital, living document. However, the proposed amendment was the first attempt in the history of the US where one group tried to use the constitution as a vehicle to deny rights to another group. Can't be done. Those who proposed it and supported it need to take a remedial civics class.

Kevin McHugh