Chapter Eleven Sexual Orientation

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

Video: Trying Not to Be Gay

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

Terms/Definitions

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 …

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

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

Facts/Trends Associated with Sexual Orientation

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

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

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

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

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

Why Are There Different Sexual Orientations?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 …

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 …

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 …

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

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?

Coming Out in the Workplace

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

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

Gays, Lesbians, & Bisexuals Throughout the Life Cycle

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

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

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

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

Same Sex Marriage

Discuss Video What are your reactions to this video?

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

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

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

Homophobia & Heterosexism

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

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

Hating People for the People They Love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Homosexuality in Religion and the Law Homosexuality and Religions Homosexuality and the Law

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

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

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