Dr. Dennis Flores’ first study looked into the circumstances that contributed to the recent HIV infection of young gay men in Atlanta. This was done with an awareness of the personal and contextual factors that increase sexual and gender diverse individuals’ vulnerability for HIV/STI infection and poor care-related outcomes. His subsequent HIV/STI prevention work, which includes community education in both urban and rural areas, serving as the national spokesperson for HIV testing campaigns, and workforce development with about 1400 nurses across three continents, has been inspired by that study. Serving in numerous leadership positions for the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care is only one example of the man’s career-long dedication to nursing leadership and HIV/AIDS care. Dr Gaggino and Dr. Flores talk about his work over the years in the community and the Social Stigma of LGBTQ+ and its Effects.
Heteronormative: * adjective
denoting or relating to a world view that promotes heterosexuality as the normal or
preferred sexual orientation.
“This is believed to stem from heteronormative and patriarchal setups of
traditional heterosexual relationships”
Cisgender * adjective
denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender
corresponds with their birth sex.
“If you were born a male and you identify yourself as a male, you are considered
cisgender.”
[00:30 -12:36] Opening Segment
- Dr. Gaggino introduces us to Dennis Flores, PhD, ACRN
- Dennis’ passion is facilitating conversations between the LGBTQ+ child and the parent
- The US has a different way of looking at sexuality vs the rest of the world.
- Removing stigma around sexuality is the first step
- Don’t let fear of the myth that just talking about sex with your child will make them want to have sex
[12:37 – 24:58] Is Gatekeeping an American trait?
- Insecurity is magnified even more when they don’t see representation in the media.
- A parent that provides a supportive , accepting and inclusive context is the most that you can do
- Media is finally coming around regarding depictions of LGBTQ+ in commercials, movies, TV shows
- Dennis’ talk about his in depth research on LGBTQ+ youth and the relationship they have with their parents
- Establish open lines of communication during those elementary years.
[24:59 -32:26] Resources that clinicians can offer parents
- Construct these conversations over a period of several years; personal space, permission, consent, etc.
- Clinicians can facilitate these conversations
- Be open to perhaps the parent isn’t ALWAYS the expert
[32:27 -44:53] Normalize the LGBTQ+ conversations
- A TV show can initiate “difficult” conversations.
- Watching shows together lightens the mood and makes it so much easier to talk
- Capitalize on teachable moments
- Advice for clinicians: language / visual cues to establish a welcoming atmosphere (a “safe place”)
44:54 – 49:22] Closing segment Takeaway
You can reach Dalmacio Dennis Flores, PhD, ACRN
Facebook: Dalmacio Dennis Flores III | Facebook
Twitter: @dfloresrn
Pronouns: he, him, his
Resources:
Other episodes you may like:
Episode #15 https://cutt.ly/15-CaringForTransgenderYouth
Books Mentioned in the Episode
“Everybody Poops” by Justine Avery, Olga Zhuravlova
“And Tango Makes Three” (about the penguins) by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell
“This is How it Always Is” by Laurie Frankel, Gabra Zackman
“Sex is a Funny Word” by Cory Silverberg, Fiona Smyth
TV
Netflix – Big Mouth
Netflix – Sex Education
Hulu/Prime- Schitt’s Creek
Key quotes for Twitter:
“Majority of parents are straight heterosexual and cisgender, and so how do you transmit that kind of background to your child who happens to be LGBTQ+ ?”… Dr. Dennis Flores
“When a child is watching with his dad or his mom and something affirming but funny comes up [on TV] and then the mom is giddy or clapping or is also rooting for the underdog who happens to be LGBTQ+. Those are powerful messages in the moment”.. Dr. Dennis Flores
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