Concept Application – Abhi Shome

“Cultural adaptation is the long-term process of adjusting to and finally feeling comfortable in a new environment” (Martin & Nakayama 2013). Now while the book was referring to immigrants and refugees when it said this, I realized that it could also refer to the LGBT community. In this, I refer not to the LGBT people themselves but rather the people around them.

A recent article in USA today talks about how the LGBT community as a cultural group has become an accepted part of everyday culture and it is important for those who still do not accept them to learn to adapt. In this the article was mainly referring to the religious aspect of Christian groups who were ending their involvement in anti-homosexual events. “"We need to equip kids to live out biblical tolerance and grace," Exodus President Alan Chambers explained, "while treating their neighbors as they'd like to be treated, whether we agree with them or not"” (USA Today 2011).

Now while this is certainly not acceptance, it is a good sign for the LGBT community who have been fighting for their rights as a cultural group for a long time. So as the article points out, the transitioning of the LGBT community into everyday culture, rather than just a small group with no influence, has even their detractors adapting to the new environment, where it is no longer acceptable for people to look down upon homosexual people.

"The Church must learn to adapt to the gay culture" - Alan Chambers

In regards to collecting data, I have scheduled interviews with my gay friend and his straight roommates. I hope to see the viewpoints of both sides: both how it feels to be gay in college, and how similar or different it is to live with a gay roommate. A few of my planned questions to my gay friend:

1)    How hard was it for you to come out? When did you realize that you are gay?

2)    How have you been treated? Do your old friends treat you differently? Is that good or bad?

3)    Do you think that people are more accepting now than they’ve been a few years ago? Or do you think people just say that they “accept gay guys” and not really do anything about it?

4)    What do the words “gay rights” mean to you?

5)    Are there any real differences in communicating with people who are gay or straight?

6)    Acceptance or apathy, which would you prefer?

To his roommates:

1)    When did you figure out that he was gay?

2)    How has it been having a gay roommate?

3)    Has having a gay roommate changed the way you interact with him? Why?

4)    What are you general opinions about the LGBT community?

5)    What do the words “gay rights” mean to you?

6)    Do you unconsciously treat/ talk to people who are gay differently?

Works Cited

Martin, Judith N., and Thomas K. Nakayama. Intercultural Communication in Contexts. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2013. Print.

Krattenmaker, Tom. "On Gay Rights, Keep Fighting or Adapt?" USATODAY.COM. N.p., 15 Feb. 2011. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.