A Contextual Model of GLBT Human Development: Seeing the Many Related Layers of Complexity

By:
Dr. Milt Ford
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This presentation explores a model of many interrelating factors in the life experience of transgender, bisexual, lesbian and gay individuals. First are the stages that people with sexually diverse lives are likely to experience, beginning with the point at which a person becomes aware of being “different” from most others, then moving through possible stages of resistance, exploration and others in the direction of establishing an authentic life. The accordion structure of this part of the model indicates that these stages may be of varying length in duration for different individuals. The model shows that these stages may occur at different points in the human life cycle in different people’s experience with them. But wherever they occur, the model indicates that they have significant effect on a person’s identity, relationships, and goals for accomplishment. And finally, the model places all of the above experience within the shaping power of the social and historical circumstances in which a person lives. From the perspective of an individual transgender, bisexual, lesbian or gay person’s life experience, the process of coming out and developing an authentic life is essential and complex. And to anyone who is interested in understanding and supporting persons of sexual diversity, understanding this process is basic.


Keywords: Coming Out, Sexual Diversity, Social Context, Developmental Model, Human Development Background
Stream: Gender and Sexuality
Presentation Type: 30 minute Paper Presentation in English
Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Dr. Milt Ford

Professor of Liberal Studies and Coordination of GLBT Resources, Liberal Studies Department and
Dean of Students Office, Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan, UNITED STATES

My initial academic interests were literature and theology, leading to the M.Div. in theology and the Ph.D. in English. After many years of teaching English, including a course I developed called "Life Journey" that looks at literature in the context of the stages of human development, I came out as a gay man and turned my academic interest to Gender Studies. I have just completed book-length, interview-based study of gay men and straight marriage. My professional time is now divided between teaching GLBT courses in my home department and in the Women and Gender Studies program and serving as Coordinator of GLBT Resources for our university, including being faculty advisor to our student gay/straight alliance. I also work with our Allies and Advocates organizaiton which trains faculty and staff in ways to support GLBT students.

Ref: D07P0296