1. Chapter Eleven
Sexual Orientation

2. Agenda
Clarify Terms.
Discuss Facts/Trends Associated with Sexual Orientation
Why Are There Different Sexual Orientations?
Homosexuality & Heterosexuality in Other Times & Places
Gays, Lesbians, & Bisexuals Throughout the Life Cycle
Homophobia and Heterosexism
Differences Among Homosexual Groups
Homosexuality in Religion and the Law

3. Video: Trying Not to Be Gay

4. Discuss Video Did this man want to be gay?
Discuss the negative attitudes he experienced about being gay.

5. Terms/Definitions

6. Concepts Associated with Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation – the gender(s) that a person is attracted to emotionally, physically, sexually, and romantically
Heterosexual – predominantly attracted to members of the other sex
Homosexual – predominantly attracted to members of the same sex
Bisexual – attracted to both men and women
Continued …

7. More Terms Associated with Sexual Orientation
Gay – typically a homosexual male
Lesbian – homosexual female
GLBTQ – gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or questioning

8. Other Relevant Terms
Homophobia – strongly negative attitudes toward homosexuals and homosexuality
Heterosexism – a presumption of heterosexuality in society
A lack of awareness, not necessarily active discrimination

9. Facts/Trends Associated with Sexual Orientation

10. Distinguishing Between Experimentation and Orientation
People vary greatly in sexual behavior, fantasies, self-concepts, and emotional attachments – each contributes to sexual orientation
Sexual experimentation and sexual orientation are two different things

11. Conceptualizing Sexual Orientation
Kinsey continuum: 7-point scale from exclusively heterosexual behavior to exclusively homosexual behavior
First scale to suggest sexual orientation is a continuous variable
It emphasized behavior
It is static in time
Klein sexual orientation grid (KSOG) – expanded Kinsey’s continuum
7 dimensions: attraction, behavior, fantasy, emotional preference, social preference, self-identification, lifestyle
Each dimension is measured for the past, present, and ideal

12. Trends: Historical Perspective
Kinsey et al’s statistics (1948):
37% men, 13% women had at least one adult homosexual experience
4% men, 3% women were lifelong homosexuals
10% of white men were mostly homosexual for at least 3 years between 16 & 55

13. Contemporary Trends Laumann et al’s statistics (1994):
4% of women had sex with a woman as an adult
Less than 2% of women had sex with another woman within a year
9% of men had sex with a man since puberty
5% of men had sex with a man as an adult
2% had sex with a man within a year

14. International Trends
Internationally, same-sex behavior has been found in 1-3% of men, and slightly lower rates in women
Same-sex behavior has remained constant in the U.S. over the years
Most believe 3-4% of males and 1.5-2% of females are predominantly homosexual, and 2-5% of the population are bisexual

15. Why Are There Different Sexual Orientations?

16. Overview
Current research has not found any significant nonneurological physical differences related to sexual orientation
2 types of theories:
Essentialism – homosexuality is due to biological or developmental processes
Constructionism – homosexuality is a social role
Most theories neglect bisexuality

17. Theoretical Approaches
Biological Theories: Differences Are Innate
Developmental Theories: Differences Are Learned
Sociological Theories: Social Forces at Work
Interactional Theory: Biology and Sociology

18. Biological Theories: Differences Are Innate
Genetics
Homosexual males: 52% of identical twins, 22% of fraternal twins, 11% of adoptive brothers were also homosexuals
Homosexual females: 48% of identical twins, 16% of fraternal twins, 6% of adoptive siblings were also lesbians
Closer genetic relatedness in siblings, the more likely they shared sexual orientation

19. Biological Theories: Differences Are Innate
Genetics
Homosexual males tend to have more maternal homosexual relatives
Gay men have more gay brothers than lesbian sisters
Lesbian sisters have more lesbian sisters than gay brothers
Some evidence of “gay” gene on the X chromosome, but no “lesbian” gene

20. Biological Theories: Differences Are Innate
Hormones
Prenatal Factors
Stress during pregnancy increased chances of homosexual children
Evidence of prenatal hormones influencing homosexuality is weak
Adult Hormone Levels
Current research does not support an effect of adult hormone levels

21. Biological Theories: Differences Are Innate
Birth Order
Gay men
tend to be born later than siblings
have older brothers, but not older sisters
Placental cells may influence later pregnancies; later borns could develop an immune response that influences gene expression during brain development
No related finding for lesbians

22. Biological Theories: Differences Are Innate
Physiology
Portion of the hypothalamus may be larger or smaller in homosexual men, compared to heterosexual men
Some differences in auditory brain regions related to sexual orientation in women
Findings are inconsistent and often weak
Sexual orientation is due to a combination of genetics, biology, and social influences

23. Developmental Theories: Differences Are Learned
Freud and the Psychoanalytic School
All of us are naturally bisexual
Male homosexuality is from an unresolved Oedipal complex; after puberty, desire for mother becomes identification with her
Lesbians cannot have their father & reject him & all men; less understood than males
Bieber – gay men had intimate & seductive mothers, and absent or hostile fathers

24. Developmental Theories: Differences Are Learned
Gender-Role Nonconformity
Boys who have cross-gender traits are more likely to be gay as an adult
Girls who display male-typical behaviors are more likely to be lesbians as an adult
These are correlational findings
Many gay men were not effeminate children, & not all effeminate boys are gay as adults

25. Developmental Theories: Differences Are Learned
Peer Group Interaction
Children who develop early become sexually aroused while still primarily with same-sex peers
Homosexuals tend to report earlier sexual contacts than heterosexuals
However, Sambian boys, who live with other boys and have sex with them until adults, are primarily heterosexual

26. Developmental Theories: Differences Are Learned
Behaviorist Theories
Homosexuality is due to reinforcement of homosexual tendencies and/or punishing of heterosexual tendencies
However, society does not provide reinforcement for homosexual behavior

27. Sociological Theories: Social Forces at Work
We learn how our culture thinks about sexuality, and apply it to ourselves
The idea of homosexuality differs in time and culture
Individuals come to identify with one type of model
Effeminate boys may be labeled homosexual as children and adopt that role

28. Interactional Theory: Biology and Sociology
Biology (genetics, hormones, neuroanatomy) create childhood temperaments that influence preferences for sex-typical or atypical behaviors
Gender conforming kids prefer the other sex
Non-conforming children prefer the same sex
“Exotic-becomes-erotic” – more arousal with the sex viewed as more different than the self
Not a lot of empirical support

29. Homosexuality and Heterosexuality in Other Times and Places
Homosexuality in History
Homosexuality in Other Cultures

30. Homosexuality in History
Views of homosexuality have differed throughout history
The Ancient World
Homosexuality was common
Sodomy & buggery were considered crimes
Lesbianism was a mystery
Little religious concern over homosexuality

31. Homosexuality in History
The Middle Ages
Little Church interest through the 13th century
After the 13th century, homosexuality was punishable by death
This view has influenced the western view of homosexuality to the present day

32. Homosexuality in History
The Modern Era
Many periods of tolerance, & many of harsh oppression
The U.S., of Puritan origins, is more disapproving than Europe
In the 19th & early 20th centuries, passing women operated as men in U.S. society
Physicians viewed homosexuality as an illness until 1973

33. Homosexuality in Other Cultures
In many societies, same-sex sexual activity is a normal part of life
Same-sex sexual behavior is in every culture and in the same prevalence rate, regardless of the society’s tolerance
In the U.S., Hispanic & Asian homosexuals are more likely to cross gender boundaries

34. Homosexuality in Other Cultures
Latin American Countries
Thoughts are focused on masculinity & femininity, not homosexuality & heterosexuality
Not homosexual if taking the active, penetrating role, regardless of who is being penetrated
Men that allow themselves to be penetrated are looked down upon

35. Homosexuality in Other Cultures
Arabic Cultures
Sex is based on power & dominance
Male homosexuality is taboo
Little is known about Arabic lesbians
Asian Countries
China viewed homosexuality as a “western social disease”
Buddhism does not condemn homosexuality

36. Homosexuality in Other Cultures
Sambia, of Papua New Guinea
Mother’s milk is replaced by man’s milk (semen) to aid a boy in reaching puberty
At 7, Sambian boys move to a communal hut where they perform oral sex on postpubescent boys & swallow the semen
After puberty, the boy changes roles and provides the semen to the younger boys
After 18 years, marries & is heterosexual

37. Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals Throughout the Life Cycle
Growing Up Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual
Coming Out to Self and Others
Life Issues: Partnering, Sexuality, Parenthood, and Aging
Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Organizations

38. Growing Up Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual
Few models are applicable to homosexual youth
The societal message is a negative one
Atypical gender behavior, especially in boys, can create anxiety in family, school, & peers
This anxiety may lead them to pressure the child that can cause psychosocial problems

39. Coming Out to Self and Others
Coming out – establishing a personal identity and communicating that to others
First need to recognize sexual orientation within oneself, then tell family, friends, public
Sexual orientation awareness usually occurs between 8 and 9, although coming out to others is typically at 18 for women & men
Continued …

40. Coming Out to Self and Others
Coming out is difficult & there is a lot of anxiety over possible rejection
Many have positive coming out experiences
Positive coming out experiences are related to higher self-concepts, lower depression rates, and healthier psychological adjustment
Families also have a coming out process
Continued …

41. Coming Out to Self and Others
Parental rejection increases isolation, loneliness, depression, suicide, homelessness, prostitution, and STIs among non-heterosexual youth
About 26% are forced to leave home
25%+ of street youth are not heterosexual
29-42% of non-heterosexual youth have attempted suicide, 48-76% have suicidal thoughts, much higher than heterosexuals
Continued …

42. Coming Out to Self and Others
About 14-25% of gay men and about 33% of lesbians marry the other sex at some point
May be before they recognize their sexual orientation, or because they want to try to fit in as heterosexual

43. Discuss “Coming Out” and Identity Development
Identity development is an important task for adolescents.
How would the coming out process influence identity development?
Discuss family reactions
Discuss reactions from close friends
Discuss peer homophobia
GLBT youth who are out of the closet experience harassment and assault. What can be done to protect them?

44. Coming Out in the Workplace

45. Life Issues: Partnering, Sexuality, Parenthood, and Aging
Looking for Partners
Many use the internet to search for a partner
Clubs, support groups, organizations, & meeting areas are ways to meet people
Gay magazines contain personal ads and other services
Partners are often introduced by mutual friends

46. Life Issues: Partnering, Sexuality, Parenthood, and Aging
Same-Sex Couples
Often homosexual couples are as satisfied as heterosexual couples, although they face some intolerance from society
Homosexual couples tend to have greater flexibility in their roles, more equal partnerships, less sexual jealousy
Higher satisfaction among lesbian couple
Gay couples have more harmful behaviors

47. Gays, Lesbians, & Bisexuals Throughout the Life Cycle

48. Life Issues: Partnering, Sexuality, Parenthood, and Aging
Same-Sex Couples
Limited number of partners available
Homosexuals are more connected to ex-partners than heterosexuals after a break up
Most Americans support some same-sex relationship recognition
American Psychiatric Association supports legal recognition of same-sex marriage

49. Life Issues: Partnering, Sexuality, Parenthood, and Aging
Gay and Lesbian Sexuality
No physiological differences in arousal or orgasm based on sexual orientation
Homosexuals tend to have slower, more relaxed, less demanding sexual sessions
More time is spent caressing and sexually teasing each other

50. Life Issues: Partnering, Sexuality, Parenthood, and Aging
Gay and Lesbian Parents
Many gay and lesbian couples want to become parents, and for the same reasons as heterosexual parents
No significant differences in sexual orientation for the offspring of homosexual and heterosexual mothers
Lesbians may find sperm donors

51. Life Issues: Partnering, Sexuality, Parenthood, and Aging
Gay and Lesbian Parents
Homosexuals can’t adopt in FL, MS, & UT
Other states make adoption difficult for homosexuals
Some gay men find surrogate mothers

52. Same Sex Marriage

53. Discuss Video
What are your reactions to this video?

54. Life Issues: Partnering, Sexuality, Parenthood, and Aging
Gay and Lesbian Seniors
1-3 million of U.S. seniors are not heterosexual
They face a number of issues: survivor benefits, lack of health insurance, Social Security, assisted living needs
Specialized retirement homes are being formed for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered seniors

55. Life Issues: Partnering, Sexuality, Parenthood, and Aging
Gay, Lesbian, & Bisexual – Specific Problems
Pressures of living in a discriminating society lead to a number of problems for non-heterosexual youth and adults:
substance abuse
truancy
homelessness
sexual abuse
lower earning wages

56. Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Organizations
Social services, political, medical, entertainment, and religious organizations have been formed to meet the needs of the homosexual and bisexual population
Harvey Milk School in NYC is the first public school for GLBTQ youth
Gay, lesbian, and bisexual media includes magazines (The Advocate) and newspapers

57. Homophobia & Heterosexism

58. Hate Crimes against Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Persons
Hate crimes are motivated by hatred of someone’s religion, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnic group
The most socially acceptable form of hate crime is against homosexuals
Homosexuals are victims 4x more than the average American
Verbal and physical abuse may create psychological distress

59. Why Are People Homophobic?
May be due to
personality type; anything that is not “correct” is not tolerated
Suppressed homosexual desires
Insecurity about own masculinity or femininity
ignorance

60. Hating People for the People They Love

61. How Can We Combat Homophobia and Heterosexism?
Laws
22 states and DC punish hate crimes against sexual orientation
Punishment varies according to state
Some states may monitor hate crimes, but lack efforts to enforce or prevent

62. How Can We Combat Homophobia and Heterosexism?
The Media
Gay, lesbian, and bisexual media representation is increasing
TV shows portray positive characters
Movies/Plays
Fiction and nonfiction works
Education
Much opposition to teaching sexuality, including homosexuality, in schools

63. Differences Among Homosexual Groups
Lesbians: Sexism Plus Homophobia
Bisexuals: Just a Trendy Myth?
Minority Homosexuals: Culture Shock?
Same-Sex Behavior in Prison

64. Lesbians: Sexism Plus Homophobia
Lack lesbian research, compared to gay men
Lesbian & bisexual women tend to have poorer health conditions than heterosexual women
Parental acceptance is very important; its lack is implicated in the poorer health conditions
Lesbian workers earn more than heterosexual women in comparable careers

65. Bisexual
Often first identified as heterosexuals; self-identification as bisexual usually occurs later in life than gay or lesbian identification
Viewed by homosexuals as becoming homosexual or playing both sides
Viewed by heterosexuals as homosexuals
Some claim it is a myth, denial of homosexuality, identity confusion, or an attempt to be trendy

66. Bisexual
Biphobia – suggested to exist in straight, gay, and lesbian communities
Sequential bisexuality – sex solely with one gender, followed by sex solely with the other
Contemporaneous bisexuality – having sexual partners of both sexes during the same period

67. Minority Homosexuals: Culture Shock?
Many ethnic groups don’t accept homosexuality
The homosexual community doesn’t readily accommodate expressions of ethnic identity
Can create a feeling of being between two communities, rather than part of any one

68. Same-Sex Behavior in Prison
Sexual contact between inmates is prohibited in prisons
Majority of inmate sexual contact is consensual; few men are raped in prison
Majority are not homosexuals and return to heterosexuality upon release
Situational homosexuality – found when men spend long periods of time together

69. Homosexuality in Religion and the Law
Homosexuality and Religions
Homosexuality and the Law

70. Homosexuality and Religions
Historically, Judaism and Christianity have opposed homosexuality
Welcoming Christian religions: United Church of Christ, Unitarian Universalist Association
Liberal & conservative views are in Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopalian churches
The more conservative views tend to be from older members, southern churches

71. Homosexuality and Religions
Homosexuality is a sin in Catholic, Southern Baptist, and Assembly of God churches
Reform Jews are most accepting in Judaism
Orthodox Jews see homosexuality as forbidden
No concrete stance in Buddhism

72. Homosexuality and the Law
All 50 states outlawed homosexual behaviors until 1961
Homosexuals face discrimination on the job, in housing, health care benefits, tax breaks, Social Security, benefits, rights of inheritance
Some have legally adopted their partners in order to procure some of these legal rights