Description:

The emotional mystique between gay sons and their mothers has long been unexplored, but now new evidence suggests that a mother’s response to her son’s sexuality isn’t the only factor in his future success. How she nurtures him based on his interests, rather than his sexual preferences, is key, especially in a society with narrow definitions of masculinity. A mother’s indirect acceptance can be more powerful than heroic measures and is a principal source of her son’s self-esteem, using an Ericksonian approach without her knowing it!

This workshop provides a strength-based perspective of hope for mothers and sons, including theory, research and anecdotal learning from video interviews. Woven in a historical timeline of gay rights are the interpersonal interactions between mothers and sons throughout various eras. Interviews will highlight various struggles based on religion, culture and ethnicity.

Educational Objectives:

1. Recite how the bond between gay sons and mothers is crucial for the sons’ psychological development.
2. Differentiate cultural implications of acceptance for African Americans, Latinos, and Caucasian men.
3. Identify significant events in gay history that have that have contributed to increased freedom.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*