Introduction (Andi)
The focus of our observation is to capture and describe the interaction, message behaviors, and the communication practices between same-sexed/homosexual and bisexual individuals. These individuals can be lesbians and gay males as well. Homosexuality is defined as same sex and "in its generic sense, the word homosexual includes numerous activities and social transactions between persons of the same gender" (Pomeroy, 1969, p. vii). The continuum (diagram 1-1 below) devised by Pomeroy was created so individuals could be "classified on the scale according to their overt behavior" (1969, p. 6).
(Figure 1-1) It was not possible to reproduce the figure itself (JQ).
The Heterosexual-homosexual continuum
0 Exclusively heterosexual
1 Predominately heterosexual, only
incidental homosexual
2 Predominately heterosexual, but more
than incidentally homosexual
3 Equally heterosexual and homosexual
4 Predominately homosexual, only
incidental heterosexual
5 Predominately homosexual, but more
than incidentally heterosexual
6 Exclusively homosexual
Twenty-five percent of males and only 10% of females would receive a score of one, indicating some homosexual activity (Pomeroy, 1969, p. 8). Past research indicates that 37% of males who have gone through puberty have engaged in some type of homosexual activity and approximately 13% of women have had at least one explicit homosexual experience to the degree of experiencing an orgasm. Another 7% of women engaged in homosexual activity absent of orgasm (Pomeroy, 1969, p. 8).
Clearly, the preceding levels indicate a recognizable amount of homosexual interaction and even more recently the FHA (Flint Hills Alliance) reveals "that a full 10% of the American population had experienced some form of personal exposure to homosexuality" (http://www.debtaylor.com/fha/stats.html, 2000). In the past and even now, many people in our society consider homosexuality to be "unnatural, abnormal, inverted," and even "perverted" (Pomeroy, 1969, p. 4). If their views hold true, what does society offer as a place of refuge for the gay community? Where can they go to be in a natural setting where communication behaviors can be observed naturally?
1. (Joy and Andi)
We have selected the establishment, "The Closet," a predominantly lesbian bar, as our local site to conduct observation. The atmosphere that "The Closet" provides is a tight, intimate-spaced tavern. The U-shaped counter, scarce lighting, and minimal walking quarters allow for personal interaction. Furthermore, factors such as loud music, compact seating, mirrors, and a panoramic view contribute to close proxemic communication. The social settings of many bars include deafening music and compact seating that affect many customers' tendencies to lean into someone and possibly violate personal space. Further, the presence of large, revealing mirrors create a panoramic view, which, in turn, permits visual exposure of the clientele. More importantly, The Closet provides a socio-petal ambiance, which is space that brings people together, that may permit a more relaxed setting for same-sexed interaction where otherwise not permitted. Clunis & Green (1988), suggest that, "it is a fact of life that we live in a society in which we may be disliked, feared, and even hated because we are lesbian or gay" (1988 p. 7). Due to homophobia, which is "negative attitudes about homosexual relationships and/or behaviors," (Clunis & Green, 1988 p. 7) and the demonizing of lesbian and gay behavior in the United States, new gathering places such as lesbian bars were created to serve the needs of the gay community. The homosexual population in Chicago is still a minority group. The Closet originated as a lesbian bar to accommodate this expanding segment of this society. The Closet offers a familiar and comfortable setting. Since homosexuality has been shunned upon, many establishments, such as The Closet, seek to offer a place of refuge and liberty from social stigma. Most people are social by nature. The need to socialize and assimilate with others becomes a necessary element for many people to achieve self-fulfillment. Socializing and surrounding oneself with a group can achieve immense satisfaction. Contentment arises with group association and support from others who share similar lifestyles and interests for many people. The Closet was opened in the late 1980's at 3325 N Broadway St. in Chicago's "Boys Town area". Recognizing the rising number of declared lesbian women in the neighborhood, The Closet offered freedom for homosexual women to pursue relationships, (http://chicago.sidewalk.cityserch.com/E/V/CHIIL/0010/09/89, 1989). As time has progressed, the establishment openly welcomed male homosexual patrons as well. 2. (Andi)
Several signs and symbols were identifiable at the site of observation that distinguished The Closet as a gay/lesbian establishment. Magazines that are targeted for gay audiences are apparent and available. The magazines and newspapers are replete with advertisements welcoming gay clientele. Also, posters for movies that were playing and that were geared towards a gay audience were publicized. An advertisement for a movie about a story of a gay man was displayed in which the actress/singer "Madonna" featured. Madonna has been associated with bisexual tendencies due in part to her openness about sexual freedom of her homosexual relations. A campaign promotion for a candidate running for office was also displayed having a "gay pride flag" (see figure 1-2) icon that indicates his/her support to the gay community. The visible representations of these symbols and signs were observable. Creating a familiar and comfortable setting can influence communication and behaviors for same-sexed individuals at the facility. Explicit sexual videos that provided mood and sexual stimulus were viewed at certain times of the day. The time of day had a considerable impact on the communication interaction and processes that we observed. During the hours of 2:00pm through 7:00pm, sports and news were viewed on the television. The patrons were of a variety during these hours as well. There was an apparent wide range of age, and gender. The interaction was loose and friendly making it somewhat difficult to distinguish which customers had same-sex or heterosexual preferences. Between the hours of 8:00pm through closing time, approximately 3-4:00 a.m., sexual preference was more apparent and the population consisted of a majority of lesbians and some gay men. There were obvious age distinctions and economical class ranges but after dark, the patrons consisted predominately of lesbians. Non-verbal communication cues such as personal space, tactilics, occulesics, kinesics, and artifactics were key for detecting and evaluating message behaviors. Communication between customers who favored same-sexed relationships revealed some of these non-verbal signs. Artifactics are "people's personal appearances, body shapes, sizes, smells, skin colors, hair styles, bodily hair, make-up, perfumes, clothing styles, as well as objects they carry around with them" (Kreps & Thornton, 1996 p.31). Artifactics play an essential role in message behavior between same-sexed individuals. Although some research claims that homosexual males are stereotyped and are not "effeminate and identifiable" and some lesbians are not "swaggering, butch types" we observed that this does not always apply (Pomeroy, 1969, p. 10). One way we assumed women to be lesbian and men to be gay was due in part on the basis of artifactics. We were able to identify several women as lesbians based on appearance. Often, "butch" a term coined by lesbians to refer to "masculine lesbians" wore large, loose fitting, short hair, little to no make-up and a majority of the time were taller or weighed more than their partner. In contrast, the "feminine lesbian" wore tight outfits that revealed the curvature of the female anatomy, jewelry, skirts/dresses, longer hair, make-up, and were generally smaller and more petite than their partner. Research, however, did reveal, "5 percent of the females with extensive homosexual histories are identifiable" in a social setting (Pomeroy, 1969, p. 11). We suggest that the given situation (a lesbian bar) significantly increased the chance of identifying lesbian females from heterosexual females. Occulesics "consists of facial expressions and eye behavior" (Kreps & Thornton, 1996 p.32). This study can be helpful as it can describe emotional states and possibly the showing of interest in another person (Kreps & Thornton, 1996 p.32). One theory suggests that people communicate with others they do and do not know through their eyes. The "Look away priority" is a common tendency of a person who catches someone staring at them, then makes eye contact, and the stranger proceeds to immediately look away (http://members.aol.com/katydidit/bodylang.htm, 2000). The slight prolonging of the "Look away priority," that we observed as a common eye behavior in lesbian interaction, "is seen as a sign of attraction or of dominance" (http://members.aol.com/katydidit/bodylang.htm, 2000). By giving a few more seconds before looking away, the stranger, or in this case as we observed the other same-sexed individual has the opportunity to exchange eye contact and perhaps give meanings to any other possible gestures attached with the eye gaze.
Proxemics "is the study of the distance between people and objects, including the distances in interpersonal relationships, group meetings, and environmental design" (Kreps & Thornton, 1996 p.34). Proxemics was a vital resource in the detection and later in evaluation of communication behaviors and interaction of same-sexed relationships. For an indication that a couple was engaged in a "coupled" relationship, we observed the space they allowed themselves or between themselves. Evidently, a couple that were clearly not in an intimate relationship kept a range between 2.5-3.5' provided there was minimal space to occupy; however, many intimate couples preferred space between .5"-1.5'. The use of spatial territory defined into categories has an impact on communication. Some spaces such as "the intimate distance for embracing and whispering (6-18 inches), the personal distance for conversations among good friends (1.5-4 feet)," and "social distance for conversations among acquaintances (4-12 feet) are indicators of how individuals perceive a distance that is comfortable for themselves" (http://members.aol.com/katydidit/bodylang.html, 2000). The use of tactilics, which are "touching behaviors, including self touching, touching others, and the touching of objects," was also a resource we used to analyze to obtain message behavior (Kreps & Thornton, 1996 p.33). More importantly haptics, which is "skin to skin touching...the most intimate form of touch," was recognized significantly between same-sexed individuals that gave the impression that they were in an intimate relationship (Kreps & Thornton, 1996 p.33). We found that in many intimate relationships one or both partners were continually stroking, rubbing, massaging or making some type of physical contact with their partner or each other. Many people in same-sexed relationships engaged in handholding and moderate kissing and generally kept distances between 1.5-2.5 feet. Kinesics is "the way people move their bodies and position themselves" (Kreps & Thornton, 1996 p.32). Evidently, the design of the bar forced close proximities between people; however, the positioning of the couples during communication revealed in more detail the level of intimacy or the level of their relationship. In initial or "getting to know you" stages, also known as "spending time," we observed that many lesbian women who engaged in first-time conversations moved progressively closer to each other as not much time had passed (Clunis & Green, 1988 p. 10). Clunis and Green articulated that generally the "getting to know you" (1988, p. 10) stage between lesbians has a tendency to be a short time period, my research partner will elaborate more in section 3 page 16. Observing lesbian couples in an intimate relationship, we viewed couples that were extremely close in proximity and they were far more tactile in nature. These lesbian couples sat on each other's laps, wrapped arms around each other, and engaged in french kissing and intimate touching. During certain times of our observations, Joy and myself were somewhat uncomfortable at "The Closet". We did not experience difficulty maintaining a professional, non-biased perspective while observing these behaviors as we had anticipated observing intimate touching behaviors. However, we neglected that patrons might assume that Joy and I were patrons ourselves as a homosexual couple. We did soon realize that many patrons were in tune to our relationship as heterosexual friends, as some patrons made comments of our own behaviors. Some patrons mentioned that we were "stiff" and one woman said to me, "do you guys ever talk to each other?" I think it was at this point that Joy and I realized that if we wanted to capture the behaviors of these people we should try not have an effect on their behaviors by influencing them to feel uncomfortable or as if they were being watched. Fortunately, we were able to relax and become part of the social surrounding. After all we were at a bar observing message behavior. We decided to enjoy ourselves and tried not to further manipulate or sway the behaviors that we were viewing. One of or best observations, by the same two women previously articulated, revealed several nonverbal cues that indicated message behaviors between lesbians who were learning to know each other. We saw two women who clearly appeared as strangers gazing at each other (demonstrating occulesics) from across the room (approximately 12 feet from each other) for many hours. Later, after approximately 3 hours had passed, they engaged in an "American" socio-polite conversation (demonstrating the "getting to know each other" stage in a relationship). The distance between them was roughly 2.0 feet from each other. The conversation exchange consisted of questions such as "where do you live," "what do you do for a living" "are you from around here". No more than thirty minutes had passed when the new friendship of the lesbian women had turned intimate. Becoming closer in proximity, (approx. 5.0 inches) the two women engaged in handholding (tactilics behavior demonstrated). Immediately following their conversation and soon thereafter kissing that involved saliva exchange occurred (revealed intimate use of proxemics) and they developed an indication to others in the bar of their attachment to one another. Their developing relationship seem to establish a message to others that they were no longer interested in others who might have otherwise shown their interest in either one of the women. Moreover, they continued to demonstrate excessive interest for each other. 3. (Joy)
Our research team, working under a brief length of observation, was able to identify some recurring themes relevant to the communication practices among homosexuals at "The Closet." One of the first observable themes upon entering the bar was the greeting ritual, which was easily identifiable during our daytime observation when the crowd was considerably smaller. Because "The Closet" is a small local establishment, it is apparent that many of the patrons are already acquainted with each other. Thus, when someone enters the bar, that person will generally be received by familiar faces. When someone approaches a group to say "hello" to an acquaintance, they are greeted with a hug and kiss (either on the mouth or the cheek). When introduced to the rest of the group, it appeared customary for group members to also greet the newcomer with a kiss, hug, or some other sort of physical contact. This communicative behavior is significant because it goes beyond the American handshake that would be typical of other social settings. This is not to say that such greetings necessarily convey a sexual undertone. As an outsider, however, this message behavior signifies the close-knit nature of the setting, and reaffirms the fact that "The Closet" is a neighborhood bar where people often know each other. The intimate greeting of strangers reflects the patrons' ease and comfort within the social setting; their actions are not inhibited by the threat of social stigma associated with homosexuality. Public acts of affection by openly gay individuals are often shunned by the general public and met with disgusted/condescending looks and derogatory remarks from outsiders. Even in the heart of Chicago's gay community, our daytime observation revealed the un-accepting glances by some people passing by. Another recurring theme was the way in which established couples displayed their "togetherness." These individuals generally maintained some sort of physical contact, whether it be holding hands or having their arms around each other, and there was usually a forward lean. It has been shown that "touching, standing close, gazing, smiling, and leaning forward are seen as indicators of attraction or of a close social relationship between the people observed" (Heslin & Patterson, 1982 p. 42). Unlike those who were just meeting, the level of physical intensity and intimacy were far more relaxed among established couples. Couples would engage in sporadic, closed-mouth kissing that was affectionate rather than erotic in nature. These established couples welcomed conversation with anyone willing to engage, and did not usually close themselves off from others. This type of behavior sends the message to outsiders that the couple is comfortable in their established relationship and also eliminates any type of flirting with outsiders.
One of the most obvious themes was the pattern in which two strangers would meet with romantic intent. As mentioned in question #2, two strangers displayed their attraction to one another through shared eye contact from across the room. The length and nature of eye contact and smiling aided the decision process of whether each individual wished to pursue the other by going over to talk. As both parties begin to make their way toward each other, it is clear that both have made a nonverbal agreement to meet. Once the two have settled into an area, they typically engage in polite "small talk" characteristic of mainstream American culture (i.e., "where are you from?", "what do you do?"). If the two still feel an attraction to one another, the conversation becomes more advanced and intimate, and the two physically move progressively closer to each other. This type of interaction occurred frequently during our observation at "The Closet." Eventually, the couple would begin touching (i.e., holding hands, rubbing the other's back) and sometimes engage in moderate to heavy, open-mouthed kissing, which involves rubbing or touching the other's body. In this type of situation, we must not forget that "the prerelationship stage for lesbian couples is typically short. It may be a matter of weeks, or days (or sometimes even hours)" (Clunis & Green, 1988 p. 10). While observing at "The Closet," it was commonplace to see two strangers meet, converse, and engage in sexual activity (heavy kissing) within the span of an evening. In contrast, sexual activity between heterosexuals is less likely to occur upon the initial meeting, and more likely to be postponed until after some sort of prearranged "date". Perhaps the short prerelationship stage contributes to the stereotype of promiscuity among homosexuals, as the prerelationship stage for heterosexuals is generally somewhat longer.
As observers and outsiders, this typical meeting ritual appeared to be the socially acceptable means of courting a potential lover. What was less apparent was how the message behavior affected those other than the two individuals. It was not uncommon for any given person to maintain eye contact with more than one stranger. Eye contact and distant flirting may not cease when the individual commits to a conversation with someone else. It is not until the engaged person begins sharing intimate space and some sort of touching that the others will discontinue eye contact. Thus, intimate touching acts as a signifier that a person has been "taken." Some research shows that "the use of touch is a common form of communication, particularly in terms of indicating the nature of a relationship" (Koeppel, Montagne-Miller, O'Hair & Cody, 1993, p.18). The degree of touching signifies both how people feel about each other and how outsiders perceive their relationship. In terms of romantic relationships, "moderate amounts of touch indicate a flirtatious interaction, whereas touching the hand or leg represents seductive behavior" (Koeppel, Montagne-Miller, O'Hair & Cody, 1993 p. 18)
The ease in which individuals flirt and meet within the social setting of "The Closet" is a direct reflection of the nature of that setting. Patrons of "The Closet" can generally rest assured that others in the bar will share their sexual preference. As a result, the fear of rejection they might feel in a "straight" bar or some other public social setting is reduced.
The relaxed environment of "The Closet" helps to raise the self-esteem of the clientele. Reviewing the literature, Berscheid & Walster (1969) (1969) concluded that "a high self esteem person is more receptive to another's love than is an individual with lower self esteem" and that "a person who accepts himself will have better interpersonal relations with others" (Berscheid & Walster, 1969 p. 39).
All of the recurring themes we observed are directly related to the dynamics and nature of the setting at "The Closet." One line of research has led to a theory of six dimensions that affect social interaction and behavior within a setting. When these six dimensions are satisfied, then social interaction is most effective. The six dimensions follow:
1. Security and shelterprotection from harmful or unwanted stimuli from your surroundings
2. Social contactarrangements of facilities and spaces that permit or promote social interaction
3. Symbolic identificationthe messages sent by settings which tell someone what a person, group or organization is like
4. Task instrumentalityappropriate facilities and layouts that are useful for tasks that are being done in a particular setting
5. Pleasurethe place itself provides pleasure or gratification to those who use it
6. Growththe setting providing a stimulus for the user's growth
(Steele, 1973 p.440)
The physical arrangement and atmosphere of "The Closet" represent the optimal environmental elements described by Steele.
4. (Andi)
: Speculate on the ramifications of theses findings. Be sure to locate your claims within contextual theorizing and not global approaches.
Joy has revealed that lesbian relationships have a tendency to develop more rapidly than that of heterosexual couples; however, I also want to disclose an explanation as to why this occurs. In addition, I aspire to provide both the emotional and physical consequences for lesbian women who are engaging in relationships with other women to promptly. The explanation that I am offering is based on a communication theory known as the Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT). The URT, "seeks to explain and predict interpersonal communication during the beginning of the interaction" of people (Infante, Rancer, & Womack, 1990, p. 272). Since Joy and I have observed some lesbian women who have an inclination of quickly developing relationships, another key proposition the URT reveals is, "when strangers meet, they seek to reduce uncertainty about each other" (Infante, Rancer, & Womack, 1990, p. 272). The URT also articulates three stages that occur in the initial or developing period of most relationships. The three stages are the "entry phase," "personal phase," and the "exit phase" (Infante, et al., 1990, p. 273). It is noted that most conversations are terminated at the end of the entry phase and before the personal phase, which is, were most beliefs and values are shared. Most lesbians, however, move beyond the initial stages of interaction and quite hastily.
When moving beyond the initial stages, Infante et al's., (1990) research suggests, "under several conditions, desire to gain knowledge about others is quite strong" and it is here that strategies are used to reduce uncertainty for people pursuing relationships (Infante, et al., 1990, p. 277). Some circumstances in which moving beyond initial interaction may be for an incentive, information seeking (to learn more about the person or to learn for more information for someone else), and perhaps the opportunity to have even further interaction with the person in the future. I want to focus on the "incentive" and "likelihood of interacting in the future" for reasons as to why many lesbians speedily engage into relationships (Infante, et al., 1990, p. 277-8). Infante et al., suggests that seeking a relationship for the incentive purpose is when people, "try to find out more about people who can provide us with rewards or satisfying our needs so that we may develop strategies to obtain the rewards" (Infante, et al., 1990, p. 277). Their research also states that people pursuing future interaction, "may change their communication behavior to be viewed more favorable" (Infante, et al., 1990, p. 278). In my opinion the "incentive" condition ultimately suggests that people are subject to change their behavior in order to "get" what they want. On the basis of the research that Joy and I conducted, I feel this information is pertinent to lesbian interaction and is one plausible motivation for many lesbians pursuing into a relationship quickly. I sense that many lesbians, whom I observed, communicated with other lesbians mutually for the incentive of rewarding themselves. I deem that many lesbians engaged in these communication behaviors to reduce the level of uncertainty between them and their potential intimate partner for the benefit of acquiring sexual rewards from each other. Undoubtedly, there are physical and emotional consequences for promptly moving into a relationship to profit from sexual pleasure. Physical consequences can transpire from not "knowing" who one is having sex with. One penalty for lesbians having intimate homosexual conduct is contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STD's). The transmission of STD's is typically when an organism, which usually causes the disease, enters "the body through mucous membranes, such as the warm, moist surfaces of the vagina, urethra, anus, and the mouth" (http://wso.williams.edu/orgs/peerh//sex/std/, 2000). There are well over 20 known sexually transmitted diseases. Better-known STD's are as follows: chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, herpes, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and trichomoniasis (http://www.unspeakable.com/facts/facts.html, 2000). In (FIGURE 1-3), is an illustration for the approximate number of people in millions affected each year by STD's in the United States (http://www.unspeakable.com/faq/graph.html, 2000).(Figure 1-3)
Pubic lice and scabies are also possible outcomes for lesbians who chose to have unprotected sex with partners that they do not know well, or who were deceived by their partners (http://www.unspeakable.com/facts/facts.html, 2000).
Despite the fact that "lesbians are much less likely than heterosexuals, or bisexuals, or gay men to get an STD," lesbians are nevertheless, still at risk (http://wso.williams.edu/orgs/peerh//sex/std/, 2000). The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported, that STD's have "risen over 70 percent in recent years" (http://www.ama-assn.org/special/std/newsline/cdc/112498g7.html, 1998). JAMA also reported that the manufactures of K-Y lubricant revealed, "14 percent of lesbians reported having had an STD other than HIV" (http://www.ama-assn.org/special/std/newsline/cdc/112498g7.html, 1998). A case study conducted by the American Medical Association evaluated and compared the rage of genital infections in a group of lesbian women to the control group of heterosexual women attending the same clinic. JAMA exposed that "an infection was diagnosed in 129 (65%) of the lesbians and 126 (62%) of the heterosexual women" (http://www.ama-assn.org/special/std/library/scan/96arch/lesbians.html, 1996). The conclusion of the study revealed, "screening for genital infections in lesbians is appropriate" (http://www.ama-assn.org/special/std/library/scan/96arch/lesbians.html, 1996).
Evidently, there are emotional consequences to lesbians who involve them selves to promptly in relationships. Our self-concept is established and sustained through our relationships with others. There are times "that may arise when other another person has become so destructive to one's self-concept that one's feelings of personal doubt threaten both one's own self and all of one's relationships with others" (Cushman & Cahn, 1985, p. 96). One proposition that Cushman & Cahn, (1985) offer is that, "most Americans report that the quality of their life is determined by the number and quality of their interpersonal relationships" and that "a quality communication environment for development of self-worth and relational satisfaction must contain a preponderance of positive self-concept support from others" (Cushman & Cahn, 1985, p. 98).
In general, having sex to early can be emotionally hazardous. Sex to early can create an emotional "bond of obligation" and sometimes people will not want to have sex anymore "and then leave as though it was just recreation" (http://www.positive-way.com/sex.html, 2000). Many people who have sex to early "feel cheated and confused" and the ultimate disillusionment may develop when "no loving relationship to support it" occurs after sex (http://www.positive-way.com/sex.html, 2000). Sex with people whom we do not love can also "pull people into relationships/marriages that they are not truly suited for" (http://www.positive-way.com/sex.html, 2000). Evidently, some lesbians may experience negative outcomes from having sex without knowing their partner. The destructive effects may influence one to feel a loss of self-worth. Low self-esteem can be identifiable. Negative "I am statements," and fears in "new experiences and changes" and "lack of trust" are possible indicators in people with poor self-esteem (http://www.jobbankusa.com/lowse.html, 2000).
As I have articulated there are emotional and physical consequences for some lesbians who engage in a relationship under relatively short terms. The Uncertainty Reduction Theory revealed one explanation as to why many lesbians develop relationships more rapidly than heterosexual couples. Sexually transmitted diseases are a risk that lesbian women confront when deciding to involve them selves in an intimate relationship when the knowledge they have of their partner is trivial. Also, the potential to view one's self-esteem as inferior and/or possibly self-repugnance may occur when a lesbian couple disengages from a relationship. Often the feeling of being used for sex can implement ill feelings and may question one's self-worth. 4. (Joy):
Describe four key limitations which limit the study's explanatory power. If you were to do the study over, explain directions for future research. Several limitations served to obstruct the descriptive power of our study. The most limiting factors emerged from the characteristics of the site itself. The local bar atmosphere allowed only a small sample, thus reducing generalizability. The sample reflects little variation in socioeconomic class, as most of the clientele appeared to be from the neighborhood. Generalizability was further diminished by the lack of racial/ethnic diversity represented at "The Closet." Choosing a larger, more commercial club/bar or visiting several different sites would have increased generalizability. This is primarily due to the fact that larger nightclubs are visited by people from all over the Chicago land area, thus providing a more extensive and representational sample.
The observation site was extremely confined, with mirrors covering one of the three walls. In an intimate space such as "The Closet," one can see everything and everyone at all times. Rather than working to our advantage, the size and arrangement of the site hindered the research team's ability to observe subjects inconspicuously. It is particularly important for researchers to pass through unnoticed in a gay bar. If individuals feel they are being "studied" without their knowledge or permission, the researcher risks imposing feelings of discrimination upon the subjects. In order to appear as "butterflies on the wall," we were forced to maintain proper bar behavior (i.e. "chit-chat" and drinking together) while simultaneously observing the interaction around us. This proved to be a difficult task, and on one occasion subjects did sense that we were observing them and either turned or walked away from us and lowered their voices nervously.
Another key limitation was the inability to hear conversations clearly. The large crowd and loud music made it difficult to hear most vocal interaction. As a result, our research team was forced to focus most observation on nonverbal behavior. The subsequent advantage of this limiting factor was that our observation was then attuned to nonverbal behavior that may have been overlooked had we been capable of listening to conversations.
The fourth key limitation of our research was our decision to approach the study as complete observers. The use of interviews would have provided subjective analyses of communication processes from the perspectives of insiders. Interviews may have also furnished us with other subtle insights and leads that are perhaps undetectable to outsiders observing under short time constraints.
Further research into the communicative behaviors among homosexuals should employ some sort of interview format in conjunction with researcher observation for a more rounded study. In addition, research teams should expend more effort into choosing a site. If the team wishes to research at a bar/club, they should first investigate the demographics of the clientele, provided that such information is available from the establishment. Choosing a more racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse sample will automatically increase generalizability. It would also be preferable to research in a larger, club-type atmosphere. A larger crowd spread out over a spacious area will provide a superior environment for inconspicuous observation; the subjects will be less likely to notice they are being observed and more likely to behave naturally.
Conclusion: (Joy)
This study succeeded in capturing some of the everyday communication practices and message behaviors among homosexuals and bisexuals at "The Closet." Our research team has also speculated on the physical and emotional consequences of these actions, such as sexually transmitted diseases and poor self-esteem. Throughout our study, we noticed the relative lack of research dedicated to homosexual communication, despite the mass available literature pertaining to other aspects of homosexuality. Further inquiry into the communication practices of homosexuals and bisexuals will serve to promote acceptance of this co-culture. Bibliography
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Available: http://www.unspeakable.com/facts/facts.htmlDATE OF AUTHORSHIP, SPRING 2000
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