Chapter 9 Sexual Orientation

What is your definition?

What is Sexual Orientation? Sexual orientation: distinct sense of natural preference and consistent attraction to sexual and romantic partners of particular sex in presence of clear alternatives

What is Sexual Orientation? Heterosexuality Homosexuality Bisexuality

Prevalence of Homosexuality and Bisexuality Gay/lesbian/bisexual community prevalence statistics Other statistics Prevalence pockets

Defining Sexual Orientation: Another Look Sexual orientation: distinct preferences consistently made after adolescence in presence of clear alternatives 3 distinct components: Affective Behavioral Self-identity

Bisexuality Is bisexuality part of path toward homosexuality identification and/or a final destination, especially among women? What do you think?

Personal Reflections How would you react if someone at work told you that he or she was homosexual? What if your best friend told you that she or he was homosexual? Your brother or sister? Your teenage son or daughter? Why?

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Roles Homosexuals and bisexuals generally have gender identity consistent with their anatomical sex Conformity to gender stereotypes does not accurately predict sexual orientation

The Origins of Sexual Orientation Neither heterosexuality nor homosexuality nor bisexuality has single cause Heterosexuality is the “norm” because vast majority of people are heterosexual Other orientations are normal part of human diversity

Psychoanalytic Explanations Recall Freud’s Victorian biases Sexual orientation depended upon how Oedipal complex was resolved Popular theory but no reliable evidence to support it

Other Psychosocial Explanations Social learning theory Rewarding early experiences with same- sex or bad experiences with other-sex individuals Not all homosexuals or heterosexuals have this childhood background Most lesbians have had pleasurable sexual relations with men but still prefer sexual relations with women No greater adult sexuality in boys from high ratio adolescent same-sex activity cultures

Differing Developmental Pathways Childhood gender nonconformity and later homosexuality is greater for boys than girls Developmental pathway to homosexuality and bisexuality is more diverse for women

Biological Explanations: Genetic Factors

Biological Explanations: Anatomical Factors Differences between heterosexual and homosexual men are found in small region of hypothalamus and major bundle of nerves connecting the two halves of the brain So…Are we born with these brain differences or do our brains change as we respond to life experiences?

Birth Order (and the Prenatal Environment) Mother’s immune system is triggered by previous male fetus  this affects sexual differentiation of brain The more older brothers male child has, the more likely that he will be homosexual This relates to about 1 in 7 homosexual males One Theory

Hormones (and the Prenatal Environment) Animal studies: prenatal treatment with hormones result in homosexual behavior. Hypothalamus’ of male homosexuals respond to estrogen in the same way as heterosexual women Other hormonal effects related to handedness and finger length Another Theory

How can anatomy be “normal” but orientation be variant? After reading your text, how would you respond to the above question?

Conclusions about Origins of Sexual Orientation Both biological and social influences contribute to development of sexual orientation Biological factors predispose individual to particular sexual orientation There is stronger evidence for biological contribution in men than in women

Homosexuality  Hetero: Greek for different (not to be confused with Latin for man)  Homo: Greek for same

History and Attitudes about Homosexuality Pederasty Ancient Hebrew Perspectives Christian Historical Perspectives

More Recent Historical Perspectives 2010 Reversal of “Don’t Ask; Don’t Tell” 1993 “Don’t Ask; Don’t Tell” in U.S. military 1973 American Psychiatric Association homosexuality not mental illnesses 1957 Evelyn Hooker; no psychiatric differences Late 1800s homosexuality considered mental illness

Sexual Prejudice Today 1998 Senator Trent Lott: homosexuality is sickness 2000 Newsweek poll: 46% Americans still regard homosexuality as sinful 2004 elections: 11 states ban same-sex marriages 2005 James Dobson: SpongeBob is gay!

Homophobia and Sexual Prejudice Greater among:  men than women  those with stereotypic male gender-role attitudes, religious fundamentalist attitude, little education, and authoritarian outlook Hate crimes are increasing!

Minority Stress Minority stress: stigma, prejudice, and discrimination that create hostile and stressful social environment Higher prevalence of depression, mood, and/or stress disorders Higher for gay men experiencing sexual prejudice

Personal Reflections Do you ever judge others exclusively, or almost exclusively, by their sexual orientation? How do you suppose you would feel if others ignored your accomplishments in school, in your career, in your sports and hobbies, and in your community, and judged you on just your sex life?

Coming Out Admitting orientation Getting to know others like self Telling close family and friends Expressing openness about orientation

Personal Reflections Gays, lesbians, and bisexuals: Have you told your family and friends of your sexual orientation? Why or why not?

Homosexual Lifestyles and Relations Concentration by gender and city Educational level Love and relationship profile

Gay/Lesbian Romance Often function as “Best friends” Tend to value commitment and romantic love Typically do not create “husband” and “wife” roles More likely to regard monogamy as important

Gay/Lesbian Sex Manual touching and oral-genital sex preferred ways of reaching orgasms for women and common for men About 70% to 80% of gay men engage in anal intercourse

Marriage and Parenting Many in heterosexual marriage Many gays and lesbians establish long-lasting relationships

Marriage vs. Civil Union 2003 – Massachusetts recognizes same- sex marriage 2003 – Texas sodomy laws struck down 2003 – 61% oppose same-sex marriage and 54% oppose civil unions 2008 – 4 states recognize civil unions

Children in Gay Households 250,000 children in households with same-sex parents Children of same-sex parents do not show:  gender identity conflicts  social adjustment  homosexual orientation

Media Portrayal of Homosexuals Closeted until recently Portrayed as stereotypes More variety and depth in newer movies and television shows Visit the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) website for more information:

Can (Should) Sexual Orientation be Changed? What do you think? What information from the text can be used to support your position?

Personal Reflections Are you comfortable with your sexual orientation? If not, why not? What steps can you take to become more comfortable? Check out the national and local support groups – there may be one on your campus.