Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Chapter 6 Inequality Based on Sexual Orientation This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: Any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; Preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; Any rental, lease, or lending of the program.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Criteria for Classifying Individuals as Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Sexual attraction to persons of one’s own gender Sexual involvement with one or more persons of one’s own gender Self-identification as a gay man, lesbian, or bisexual (Michael et al.,1994)

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Nature and Extent of Inequality Based on Sexual Orientation Estimates of homosexuals range from 2–10 % of U.S. men and 1–5 % of U.S. women Homosexuality has existed in most societies throughout history In many societies, homosexual conduct has been labeled deviant This classification has made people targets of prejudice and discrimination Extreme prejudice toward gay men and lesbians is known as homophobia

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Ideological Bases for Inequality Based on Sexual Orientation Most major religions have regarded homosexuality as a sin Some homosexuals have sought to bring about changes in established faiths The Metropolitan Community Church has focused on the spiritual needs of the gay community Some laws criminalize homosexual conduct Sodomy laws criminalize oral or anal sex between same-sex persons 20 states have laws that criminalize oral or anal sex for anyone  Gay and Lesbian community argue these laws are unconstitutional

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Lack of marital rights Right to joint parenting Right to file joint tax returns Lack of benefits (e.g., social security for surviving spouses) Domestic partnerships have legal recognition in some states and cities and include employment benefits Defense of Marriage Act (1996) Denies federal recognition of same-sex marriages Allows states to ignore same-sex unions that are legalized elsewhere  Only Massachusetts has legalized same-sex marriages

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation, Cont’d. Parental rights Loss of custody when fitness is challenged by ex- spouses or grandparents Loss of rights for non-biological homosexual parents Discrimination when seeking to adopt or to be a foster parent Housing discrimination Denial of housing, eviction, and being targeted by managers and other residents

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation, Cont’d. Discrimination in medical care Overlooking diseases such as anal cancer Judgmental stance by some physicians and nurses Lack of attention to risk behavior for HIV/AIDS  HIV/AIDS is the 3 rd leading cause of death among African Americans between the ages of  It’s the 6 th leading cause for Latinos/as and whites in this age group Occupational discrimination Hostility, discrimination, or harassment at place of employment

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation, Cont’d. Discrimination in the military Lesbians and gay men are unfit to serve unless closeted “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is institutionalized discrimination Victimization and hate crimes Hate Crime Statistics Act 1990  Made crimes against gays and lesbians a hate crime Matthew Shepard murder and other beatings Assaults and rapes of lesbians

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Perspectives on Sexual Orientation and Social Inequality Biological and Psychological Perspectives Recent studies suggest that sexual orientation may be linked to genetic inheritance  Genetic, neuro-anatomic, and hormone studies dominate the biological research Biological and psychosocial factors interact in formation of sexual orientation Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Views sexual behavior as learned behavior Examines the process by which individuals come to identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or straight Sexual orientation as a master status for many homosexuals

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Stages in Accepting a Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual Identity Identity Confusion (stage 1)  Feeling different from others and struggling with their sexual identity Seeking out others who are openly lesbian or gay (stage 2)  Sexual experimentation Integrate self-concept with “homosexual” label (stage 3)  Live a lifestyle that conforms to who they are

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Functionalist Perspective Focus on relationship between social structure and sexual orientation Societies punish homosexual conduct because it violates norms and stability Critique: Supports status quo and ignores need for new definitions of marriage and family

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Conflict Perspective Focus on tensions in society and differences in interests and power Norms pertaining to compulsory heterosexuality reflect beliefs of dominant group  Oppress those who deviate from these norms Conflict over values leads to questioning of dominant social structure Critique: Some people who have wealth and power are gay and lesbian but take no action to reduce discrimination.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Reducing Inequalities Based on Sexual Orientation Symbolic Interactionist Society should be more tolerant Legal and social barriers should be removed Functionalist Homosexuality may be dysfunctional for society if it does not contribute to society’s need for new members or if it undermines norms that preserve the family Conflict Repeal laws based on discrimination and pass laws that ban discrimination People must continue activism to demand social change

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Gay Advocacy Stonewall Inn (1969)  A Greenwich Village bar  The birth of the current Gay Rights Movements Need for medical research on HIV/AIDS in 80s Seeking equal rights and protections by organizations of gays and lesbians (e.g., Association of Lesbian and Gay Asians, Bi- Women of Color)