What is sexual orientation? A preference for emotional-sexual relationships : 1. With individuals of the same sex (homosexuality) 2. With individuals of the opposite sex (heterosexuality) 3. With individuals of both sexes (bisexuality)

What criteria classify gay, lesbian, or bisexual? 1. Sexual attraction to persons of one’s own gender 2. Sexual involvement with one or more persons of one’s own sex 3. Self-identification as a gay man, lesbian, or bisexual

How many homosexuals and bisexuals are in the U.S.? Estimates claim 2-7% of males and 3-5% of females in the U.S. are homosexual. Lesbian and gay rights advocates say more than likely 10% are homosexual and even more are bisexual.

Sexuality — attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to sexual attraction and intimate relationships with others Homophobia — excessive fear or intolerance of homosexuality Compulsory Heterosexism — a belief system that denies, denigrates, and stigmatizes any gay, lesbian, or bisexual behavior, identity relationship or community

Sexual Orientation in the Media Love, Sidney Ellen Will and Grace

Religion and Sexual Orientation The only major world religion that doesn’t condemn homosexuality is Buddhism. Judeo-Christian Texts Against Homosexuality: Genesis 19: Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah Romans 1:26-27: Perversion and Unnatural Acts I Corinthians 6:9: The Sexual Immoral and the Kingdom of God Actions Taken by the Vatican Actions Taken by Baptists Actions Taken by Episcopals

Law and Sexual Orientation Sodomy laws—criminalize oral or anal intercourse between persons of the same sex Opposition:1. Privacy Rights 2. Singles out Homosexuals Bowers v. Hardwick

Lack of Marital Rights Cohabitation—partners live together without being legally married Domestic Partnership—a household partnership in which an unmarried couple lives together in a committed, sexually intimate relationship and is granted the same rights and benefits accorded to a heterosexual couple

Benefits: employment benefits (i.e., insurance coverage) Still Lacking: Joint parenting Joint taxes Legal immigration and residency Annuities Pensions Social Security Wrongful Death Benefits Immunity from Testifying in Court Against a Spouse Defense of Marriage Act--1996

Parental Rights 5 Million Lesbian Mothers 3 Million gay fathers In the U.S. there are: Lesbian Mothers and Gay Fathers seen “unfit” Recognition of both partners as parents Adoption and Foster parenting

Housing Discrimination Discrimination biases the availability and security of housing for many gays, lesbians, and homosexuals. Others may face persecution from other residents.

Discrimination In Medical Care Gay men are times higher at risk of anal cancer than heterosexual men 34% of 100 nursing teachers found lesbians “disgusting” and 17% believed they molest children HIV/AIDS: 8 th leading cause of death in U.S. top cause of death among men th in women AIDS is EVERYONE’S Disease

Occupational Discrimination 2/3 of gay employees have witnessed some type of hostility Same-sex sexual harassment Exclusion for many years in federal jobs

Discrimination in the Military Homo- and Bi-sexuals as a security risk “Don’t ask, don’t tell” The number of discharges for homosexuality doubled between 1993 and 1998 Military Hate Crimes

Victimization in Hate Crimes Matthew Shepard, Laguna Beach, Boston, and many more Hate Crimes statistics act of % of all reported antigay harassment and violence is committed by males 21 and under GLSEN survey:91% heard crude words describing gays, lesbians, and bisexuals 69% had direct verbal abuse 24% suffered physical harassment 1/3 heard negative remarks from faculty and staff

Views and Possible Solutions Regarding Sexual Orientation and Inequality Biological Perspective Psychological Perspective Interactionist Perspective Functional Perspective Conflict Perspective

Advocacy 1969—Stonewall Inn Late 1970s and 1980s—opposition and shifting of focus 2,500 organizations now seeking equal rights and protection for gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals It is everyone’s job to work against inequality based on sexual orienation