STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School 2016/2017 Peer Pressure and Homosexuality By Dr. Geraldine Gina Abaidoo (MOGA ‘86) October 22, 2016

What is Peer Pressure? Peer pressure is a strong social influence by members of one's peer group to: take a certain action, adopt certain values, otherwise conform in order to be accepted.

Facts Everyone has experienced peer pressure before. It is either positive or negative. It is so easy to give in to peer pressure because Everyone wants to fit in and be liked. Everyone is doing it. You do not want to hurt someone’s feelings You do not know how to get out of the situation

Facts Peers influence your life, even if you don't realize it, just by spending time with you. You learn from them, and they learn from you. It is human nature to listen to and learn from other people in your age group.

Peers can influence you The difference between positive and negative peer pressure lie in the outcome, intention, and feeling behind the pressure

Positive Influence Pressure to do something that is in your best interest Pressure to not drink/smoke/do drugs Pressure to be nice and help others Pressure to exercise Pressure to excel in school and life Pressure to learn

Pressure to do something that is not in your best interest Negative Influence Pressure to do something that is not in your best interest

Why do we give in to Peer Pressure Want to be liked Worry others might make fun of them Curiosity to try something new that others are doing. Feeling out – Wanna Be Syndrome Everyone's doing it Do not use their better judgment, or their common sense. To fit in

How do we Pressure Peers? Insults: making a person feel bad for not doing something, so that they eventually will Reasoning: pressure by giving a person reasons why they should do something Rejection: pressure by threatening to end a relationship or a friendship Unspoken pressure: simply seeing all your peers doing something or wearing something can be s form of pressure

How do I manage peer pressure? Understanding your own values and beliefs Having Self-confidence Choosing your friends wisely Talking to a trusted adult Don’t give excuses – say exactly how you feel Don’t feel intimidated, be assertive Say no when you need to.

Remember Who and what we surround ourselves with directly influences our attitude, goals and lifestyle.

Second Session

Sexual orientation (LGBT) Gen. 1:27…male and female created He them… There are 4 forms of Sexual Orientation

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender

Sexual Orientation Is a term used to describe our PATTERNS of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction Our SENSE of personal and social identity are based on those attractions. Prov. 23:7, Phil. 4:8

Research findings on These Attractions Higher prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders. mental disorder substance use disorders They may seek treatment at higher rates than heterosexuals.

Implications Spiritual Implications Lev. 20:13 Gen 19:5 Rom. 1:18-32

Implications Social Mental disorders Suicidal Identity Depression, Anxiety Substance abuse

Implications Health Sexually transmission diseases STDS The is a risk between women through fingering/fisting, oral sex and sharing sex toys. Weak Bladder and weak fecal control

Implications Greater Exposure prejudice discrimination Victimization Internalization of negative social views.

Implications Impact on satisfaction Impact on job satisfaction – low job satisfaction and low wages compared to normal people. Constant feeling of a gap – vacuum in your life.

Ɔbra Nye Woara BƆ Final Words… Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.(Phil. 4:8) Ɔbra Nye Woara BƆ