The Cost of Exclusion: from Fiction to Fact in the LGBTQ+ Community
Wednesday 22nd May 2024, 2:00pm
The Cost of Exclusion: from Fiction to Fact in the LGBTQ+ Community
Talk by Dr Brian Pickering
Senior Research Fellow and Cyberpsychologist, School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton
Summary:
The 1957 Wolfenden Report, and despite the personal misgivings of its lead author, called for the decriminalisation of male homosexuality, and included the bold statement: “homosexuality cannot legitimately be regarded as a disease”. This led to the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality for gay men in 1965. Nevertheless, it took until 1973 for the APA to vote to remove it from the DSM. Further, with the AIDS crisis as an excuse, the Thatcher Government introduced Section 28 as part of the Local Government Act 1988 effectively outlawing sources of information and clarification for gay, lesbian and gender-questioning young people thereby depriving a generation of much-needed support at a time of identity confusion. Since then, of course, whereas figures of authority (politicians and the police) championed an assumed cause against gays, celebrities have now taken up the charge, bickering amongst themselves about trans identity and validity.
This apolitical mixed-methods study looks at two different sub cohorts from the LGBTQ+ community within the context of two traditional social psychological models, using empirical and creative media review. In the first looking at transgender identity formation online, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of small-story narratives leads to a Self-Determination Theory perspective on the importance of virtual group connection in the development of prosocially beneficial self-efficacy. The second, based around Agnew’s General Strain Theory, uses qualitative review of the depiction of a “gay lifestyle” beyond sexual behaviour through creative media in defiance of Section 28 to demonstrate both the danger of failing to acknowledge and yet the social advantages of the acceptance of sexual differences.
Despite limitations, the work reported here encourages debate and engagement beyond gender identity and sexual orientation to acknowledge the potential social benefit from inclusion. In so doing, it may add to an EDI debate which calls for understanding and permits self-determination rather than conflict.
Biography:
Brian is a Senior Research Fellow and Cyberpsychologist in ECS. His research focuses mainly on the adoption of technology, but also extending to end-user perceptions of security and privacy, and the ethics of technology introduction into healthcare.
Brian grew up in a multicultural city where neither race nor religion were particular issues. There were obvious challenges (Enoch Powell’s Rivers of Blood; and the Troubles in Northern Ireland), but that was distant and did not become institutionalised. Sexuality (or ‘effeminacy’) was different though. It was ridiculed and publicly vilified. A narrative which eventually led to Thatcher’s Section 28 at a time when his first son was born. Now, for the first time, he was faced with institutionalised prejudice and motivated to make sure that society should be a safe and accepting place for all not least his own children. But in addition, for those in STEM subjects, to witness the treatment of Alan Turing depriving the nation of a significant intellect is unacceptable. This has led to particular interest and support for LGBTQ+ issues within the broader scope of EDI. He wants his children and all of our children to be accepted anywhere and everywhere for who they are and what they have to offer not for any possibly minority characteristic.
For more details about the speaker, visit https://www.southampton.ac.uk/people/5x7ypn/doctor-brian-pickering
Details
| Location: | Building 100, Lecture Theatre A |
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