Autumn, 1998, Vol. 5, No. 1

Letter from the Editors...

"I was pulled this way and that for longer than I can remember. And my problem was that I always tried to go in everyone's way but my own. I have also been called one thing and then another while no one really wished to hear what I called myself. So after years of trying to adopt the opinions of others I finally rebelled." -- Ralph Ellison, The Invisible Man

Identity evolves. Forces- within and outside ourselves- merge into who we are. How we appear. What we feel. Who we call ourselves. Forged by individual choice and social construction, identity manifests itself in every moment, in every interaction. It may both free and constrain us. It may inspire and empower. Or, our identities may be used by others as a reason to hold us back.

Given the current political and social climate, many clients and communities with whom we work present unique issues and challenges. The intent of this issue of The Advocates' Forum is to increase our awareness and understanding of certain populations which have been historically invisible. In doing so, we will debunk the myth of dichotomy. No longer should our frameworks consist merely of dichotomous variables- those of male or female, black or white, gay or straight, disabled or able-bodied, minority or majority. Rather, we must begin to acknowledge and define identity as it exists on a continuum. Our hope is that in facilitating a dialogue, we will begin to shape interventions and policies that recognize and respect the diversity of these populations. We need to foster an environment that encourages people to define themselves and direct their own paths so that people no longer feel they are forced to Ago in everyone’s way but [their] own."

Jim Britton,Co-editor in Chief
Rebecca Randall,Co-editor in Chief

The Editorial Board

The Editorial Board would like to acknowledge the extensive contributions of Gary Grant to the Advocates' Forum throughout the past five years. Because of Gary's initiative and continued support, The Advocates' Forum has not only thrived, but also has become a permanent fixture at SSA. As he moves on to future endeavors, his guidance will be greatly missed.

In This Issue
Fall 1998 Volume 5, Issue 1

FEATURES
Who Am I?: Issues of Identity for an Asian Gay Male in America,
by Lisa C. Klein and Jody Michael

EnGENDERed Disparity:Males in Social Work
by Jim Britton and Mike Stoller

Transcending the Gender Paradigm,
by Arryn Hawthorne Jader

ESSAYS AND ARTICLES
The Deaf Identity Double-Bind: Culture Versus Disability,
by Jessie Cohen

The Myth of Homogeneity,
by Karen Lambeth May

The Effects of Identity on Residential Segregation,
by Aubrey Spriggs

The Development of Children of Lesbian Mothers: Toward a Comprehensive Perspective,
by Katherine Greene

Relevant Reserch

Racial Identity Development in Biracial Children: A Summary

By Elizabith Hopp

 

Body Image: Heterosexual Females and Gay Males

by Laurel Gideon

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