Steve Friess

Domestic violence is not just a problem for straight women, argues Steve Friess in the following viewpoint. Gays and lesbians are battered at about the same rate as heterosexual women, he asserts, but there are few, if any, services available to gay victims or abusers. The problem of gay domestic violence is compounded when the gay community itself refuses to accept the seriousness of the problem. Friess is a writer for the Advocate, a gay and lesbian newsmagazine.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Susan Holt, how many years behind the battered women’s movement is the problem of gay domestic violence"
2. According to Friess, why are gay batterers not allowed to attend counseling groups for male abusers"
3. Who is one gay celebrity who spoke out about his abusive...