YOUR PERSONAL SPACE
by Douglas J. Moore, Ph.D.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF LESBIAN IDENTITY
sex
There are numerous theories on the development of same preferences. Most theorists suggest the interaction of biological and environmental factors influence sexual preferences and behavior. Others hypothesize that lesbian feelings begin in a women's early contact with her mother.
Beata Chapman and JoAnn Brannock, from Chapman College, recently wrote about these theories and conducted a survey about lesbians' perception of their own identity. Eighty-two percent of the women believed they were always lesbians, even during early childhood, but did not have a name for their feelings. Not being able to label their feelings could have been related to never knowing a gay relative or discussing the subject at home, as reported by 86% and 70% of the women, respectively.
Chapman and Brannock have proposed five stages a woman goes through in labeling herself as a lesbian.
Stage One: Same Sex Orientation. During this stage, women feel connected to other girls/women. There is frequently no label for the feelings nor do they recognize their feelings to be different from nonlesbians.
Stage Two: Incongruence. This stage is when feelings toward girls/women are recognized to be different than nonlesbians' feelings. It may be accompanied by confusion about boys/men or isolation from nonlesbian peers.
Three:
Self-
Stage Questioning/Exploration. The next step is highlighted by strong emotional, physical, and/or sexual attractions toward girls/women. Thoughts such as,
333 In the Kitchen with Auntie Ray
The night was cold and it was frizzling. She waited in the alley as nstructed and listen for his footsteps. She heard them coming and stepped back into the shadows. He came quickly into the alley. Spotting her in he doorway, he shoved it into her hands. It was cold and heavy, and she now it would do the job. It was Killer Cheesecake.
FILLING
2 lb. Cream Cheese (room temp.)
1 1/2 C. Sugar
6 Large Eggs
1 Tablespoon Vanilla
Topping
16 oz. Sour Cream
1/2C. Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
Cream together the cream heese and the sugar. Add the eggs one at a time mixing well. Add the anilla, mix, and pour into a 9-inch pringform pan with a crust of your hoosing or into 2 8-inch ready crast. Bake 50 60 minutes in a 375F oven 35-50min. for the 8-inch) till a knife nserted into the center comes out lean. Remove from the oven, spread he topping evenly over the cheese cake nd bake an additional 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, cool for 60 ninutes, then chill for at least 12 hours n your refrigerator.
"I might be a lesbian" begin to emerge more prominently. Sexual experiences with both males and females are common to help sort out and accept the lesbian feelings.
Stage Four: Self-Identification. An affirmation of "I am a lesbian" marks this stage. Their self-concept as a lesbian becomes stronger and is accepted.
Stage Five: Choice of Lifestyle. During this stage lesbians decide to seek other women as long-term mates. There is a choice in how the lesbian self-concept may be expressed.
Although the these stages are rather simplistic, it is a beginning in our understanding of the development of lesbian identity. More research is needed to expand these concepts and determine to what percent of lesbians they are applicable.
A detailed article by Chapman and Brannock may be found in the Journal of Homosexuality, Vol 14, pgs. 69-80, 1987.
I welcome comments about the column or questions you may have. Please address them to the Chronicle.
Dr. Moore is a clinical psychologist in private practice. He also teaches, consults, and does research several institutions in Cleveland.
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Women riders meet
Women's Motorcycle Festival
'88 is set to be hosted at Camp Lakeland, in the Allegany Mountains Aug. 25-28.
Camp Lakeland, a facility situated just a little more than an hour south of Buffalo, New York, serves as an excellent starting point for group and individual rides. One ride already on the drawing board is a group excursion to Niagara Falls. Another ride will take bikers through Allegany State park renowned for its natural beauty and wildlife. The "Horsepower to Horsepower" ride is designed for the Flicka and Black Beauty fans interested in exchanging saddles for a time at a nearby stable.
Besides group rides there will be touring and technical workshops plus a lot of crazy, all in fun competitions. The Four Ring Circus will return along with the "Wheel of Fortune" Dice Run. Both events are designed for laughs and to allow
women further opportunities to ride and learn together. Die-hard, long distance bikers and bikers who like to customize their bikes will have chances to have their efforts recognized too. All in all, twenty-two trophies and eleven ribbons will be awarded in nine categories.
Veterans of the festival know that custom dictates one evening be set aside solely for women to entertain each other with their own special biker brand of humor. Past years have given witness to the now famous "Leather and Lace Fashion Shows." This year the concept of self-indulgence will be enlarged through a talent show entitled, "The Twisted Sisters All-Star Extravaganza."
Topping off the entertainment will be Alix Dobkin on Saturday. For more information write WMF, 7 Lent Ave., LeRoy, NY 14482 or call (716)768-6054. ▼
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Lesbian and Gay Community Service Center Report
The first annual Gay and Lesbian Community Fair filled the Center May 22. Organized by Linda Malicki at Another State of Mind, the fair drew over 300 participants, offered displays by over 20 local businesses and services, and featured entertainment by the Northcoast Men's Chorus, and other performers.
Jun. 11 saw a capacity house for the first Westside Women's coffeehouse, and on Jun. 19 the courtyard was humming with the NAMES PROJECT Picnic, followed by the Center membership meeting.
Buckeye Rainbow Society for the Deaf, ACT UP Cleveland, and Eleanor Roosevelt Political Club came on board as Center tenants. Seven groups now use the Art McDonald meeting room monthly, and we still have room for more.
The Western Reserve AIDS Foundation announced May 27 it was granting the Center $7,000 to help establish a recreational and holistic educational center for people with AIDS, called The Living Room. The Harry Ratner Foundation provided a mini-grant to send a Center volunteer to the National Gay/Lesbian Health Conference. Emmanuel MCC donated four new bulletin boards, and the Center window display (a photographic mural of historic lesbian/gay figures) will be underwritten by the Dignity/Chevrei Tikva cruise.
Over sixty volunteers now keep the Center programs running, but more are greatly needed. To volunteer, become a member, or find out other ways to help, just call the Center office, 522-1999, Tues-Sat, Eves.