An experimental study regarding group guidance counseling on dealing with homophobia

In this research a "Group Guidance for Dealing with Homophobia (GGDH)" program was applied to teachers. The effects of the GGDH program on the attitudes of teachers towards homosexual students was examined. An 8 session "Group Guidance for Dealing with Homophobia" program was applied to the 8 teachers that were in the research group. Nothing was applied to the control group. Research group teachers attended 8 sessions, once per week, 120 minutes each. The data of the research was collected by the "Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale". The mentioned scale was applied as a preliminary test and obversation to 1. research and 1. control group teachers; and a final test and obversation to 2. research and 2. control group teachers. SPSS 17 pack program was used to analyze the quantitative data of the research. When the findings were examined, it was seen that the program reduced the homophobic attitude points of the teachers and this was continued long term effect. In light of these results, it is recommended that this program is applied in every institution that trains or employs teachers. It is thought that reducing the negative approach of teachers towards homosexuals and improving the heterosexist and homonegative relationships and changing it to a wam and unconditioned dialogue would benefit heterosexual students as much as LGBT students. Keywords: Homophobia, group guidance program to deal with homophobia, teachers, LGBT, homosexual students.