Gender & Sexuality Ch.12 LGBT Sexual Identity
Gender & Sexuality Ch.12 LGBT Sexual Identity
Please answer the discussion below and use the sources I provided below (200 words) only
1. compare and contrast your respective identifications and evaluations of theoretical arguments and grounding regarding your selected sexual identity-related problem.
2. Additionally, identify any insights you have gained as a result of reading the responses of others.
Identity development of an individual has become a major concern in this country. The American society has placed an emphasis on how individuals identify their sexuality based on the acceptance of society. Lesbians, gays, and bisexuals are facing tremendous problems from people in the heterosexual communities, being discriminated against in the business communities, stigmatized by other individuals, and are being ridiculed by people who have no remorse, sympathy, or empathy for individuals who are struggling with their sexual identity (Rosario, M., Schrimashaw, E.W., & Hunter, J., 2004, p. 216). Moreover, cultural factors play an important role in family, traditional male and female roles, religious values, homophobic fears.
Our society has made news worthy events of homosexuality to include the LGBT group. From my perspective, I recognized that the LGBT community has become a major issue because of their sexual identity. It is important not only to me but also to the community and its culture that the issue of homosexuality get resolved. People should not be discriminated against, ostracized, and condemned just because of their sexual identity. Our traditional society has a base line way of thinking that places individuals in a specific category of roles such as boys and girls play with gender specific toys based on the specific sex. This problem is important to me, because the society that I am a part of, and the culture of which I belong because it affects individuals from many culture groups and those who live in various communities. Segregation, isolation, prejudice, hate, and homophobia are causes of depression, high suicidal rates, anxiety, PTSD, breakdown of social relationships, etc. for individuals who are a part of the LGBT community (Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M., 2016, p.417). Their sexual identity and even their sexual preference should be accepted by all regardless of personal beliefs and opinions.
Homosexuality should be accepted without ridicule, prejudice, harassment, social isolation, disrespect, and discrimination. The LGBT individuals experience more hate crimes, more prejudices, and more ostracization than any heterosexual group. According to several authors (Icard, L., 1986, p.83) suggested that White LGBT communities may lead some racial minority individuals to distance themselves from being a part of gay-related activities. Moreover, cultural pressures and racial prejudice in the LGB community has caused ethnic minority groups of LGB to delay their coming “out of the closet” (Rosario, M., Schrimashaw, E.W., & Hunter, J., 2004, p. 218).
Theoretically, one can argue the LGBT are given equal rights and liberties as those who are heterosexual. However, this is not the case because there is an increase in suicides, depression, hate crimes, homophobia, and low self-esteem, stress, and refusal to be identified because of their sexual identity (Mireshgi, S.I., & Matsumoto, D., 2008, p.372).
The differences in sexual orientation can be explained in several ways. For example, an individual can have the following sexual interests, sexual behavior, and sexual identity that are different and are not always aligned in an individual. In addition, sexual identity, sexual orientation labels, and sexual choices are subject to historical and cultural forces (Cohler, B.J., & Hammack, P.L., 2007, p. 47). A random research sampling supports an assertion that one’s heredity places a significate role in his or her sexual orientation. In addition, researchers found that approximately 40% of homosexual behavior in men and 20% in women is explained by their genetic differences. Moreover, there has been no evidence that can prove environmental factors will determine one’s sexual orientation (Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M., 2016, p.417).
In conclusion, sexual identity is a form of identity that everyone can relate to. Each person determines his or her sexual identity and sexual orientation. Based on their sexual preferences some evidence has shown that there may be some biological connections such as heredity. However, the sexual identity of any person is still left up to the person.
Sources
Mireshgi, S.I., & Matsumoto, D. (2008). Perceived Cultural Attitudes Toward Homosexuality and Their Effects on Iranian and American Sexual Minorities,Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology, 14(4), 372-376. https://doi-org.prox-library.ashford.edu/10.1037/a0012920 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding Development: A Lifespan Perspective. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc
