Chapter 11 Sexual Orientation

Quote for the day Someone has said that if this sexual orientation were indeed a matter of personal choice, the homosexual persons must be the craziest coots around to choose a way of life that exposes them to so much hostility, discrimination, loss and suffering. - Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Sexual Orientation Homosexual - Bisexual - Heterosexual Not to be confused with gender identity Attraction to one sex does not preclude an attraction to the other. Homosexual behavior has existed throughout history The term “homosexuality” was first used in 1869 Until 1973 the American Psychiatric Association included homosexuality as a disease/disorder In 1998 American Counseling Association passed resolution expressing concern about ethics and efficacy of conversion therapy.

Kinsey’s continuum of sexual orientation

Storm’s Model of Sexual Orientation

Klein Sexual Orientation Grid

Bisexuality A sexual, emotional, and social attraction to members of both sexes, though not necessarily at the same time or to the same degree. Most establish heterosexual relationship earlier and later experience homosexuality. Varying perspectives: – it is a distinct sexual orientation –we all have potential for attraction to both sexes –period of experimentation or transition –denial of homosexuality

Incidence of various sexual orientations

Basis of Sexual Orientation Psychosocial Theories –Freudian Theory –Theory of the “Home-Seductive” Mother –Learning Theory –Sociological Theory –Interactional Theory

Basis of Sexual Orientation Biological Theories –Brain Structure –Genetic Factor –Hormonal and Other Prenatal Factors

Basis of Sexual Orientation Evolutionary Theories –Balanced Polymorphism –Kin-Selection Theory –Parental manipulation –Biological Exhuberance - biodiversity –Reciprocal Altruism

Attitudes Toward Homosexuality

Dating, Sex and Relationships Homosexuals face the same issues as everyone else. –Having a crush on someone –Avoiding rejection –Finding a suitable partner for a relationship –Communicating about sexual desires –Keeping love alive

Dating, Sex and Relationships Some issues are specific to homosexuality: –Due to statistics, small number of potential partners –Difficulty in knowing who they are –Must be careful of revealing feelings to avoid violent response –If you are an adolescent, you are too young to go to a gay bar - so difficulty meeting anyone your age. –More sexual partners than heterosexuals

Homophobia An obsessive, irrational hatred and fear of lesbian and gay people. More of a prejudice than a phobia Other terms have emerged to describe negative attitudes toward homosexuals: –Heterosexism –Homoaggression –Homoanxiety –Homorevulsion –Homonegativism –Sexual prejudice

Changes in Attitudes Toward Homosexuality

Homophobia Those with antigay attitudes are more likely: –To be strongly religious/fundamentalist –To support traditional gender roles –To believe sexual orientation is a choice –To be older –To be less well educated –To be struggling with their own homosexuality –To be male –To be African-American than White or Hispanic

Gay Bashing Experienced by 15- to 21-year old Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth

A few recent examples of highly publicized hate crimes 1993 murder of Brandon Teena (subject of movie, Boys Don’t Cry) 1995 slaying of two lesbian activists in Oregon 1998 murder of University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard 1999 beating death of a gay soldier at Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Impact of Homophobia on Homosexual Creates self-doubt in homosexual youth Verbal and physical abuse is associated with –School-related problems –Running away from home –Conflicts with the law –Substance abuse –Prostitution –Suicide - homosexual youth account for 30% of youth suicides

Impact of Homophobia on Heterosexual Straight men and women restrict their lives by avoiding any behavior that might be perceived as homosexual. For example: –Heterosexual male might be reluctant to explore his interest in fashion out of fear of being labeled a “queer” –Heterosexual woman might restrict her athletic interests in order not to be thought of as a “dyke”

Coming out of the closet Acknowledging sexual orientation to yourself - self-acceptance Acknowledging it to others –Coming out in college –Coming out to parents –“Outing” someone

Did you know? Heterosexuals who have two or more close friends or family members who are gays or lesbians tend to hold favorable attitudes toward homosexuals. Direct, open discussion of homosexuality appears to play an important role in changing attitudes.