Chapter 9 Sexual Orientation The Global Context: A World View Of Laws Pertaining To Homosexuality Homosexuality and Bisexuality in the United States: Prevalence and Explanations Sociological Theories Of Sexual Orientation

Chapter 9 Sexual Orientation Heterosexism, Homophobia, and Biphobia Discrimination Against Sexual Orientation Minorities Strategies For Action: Reducing Antigay Prejudice And Discrimination

A Global View of Laws and Social Attitudes In 52 countries, laws criminalizing homosexuality apply to both men and women. In 33 countries, laws criminalizing homosexuality apply to men only. In 10 countries, penalty for same-sex sexual behavior is death.

Environmental Explanations for Sexual Orientation We all have capacity for heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual relationships. Availability of sexual partners and early sexual experiences may affect sexual orientation. Study compared lesbian and heterosexual women and found no differences in incidence of traumatic experiences with men.

Structural-Functionalist Perspective Homosexual relations and non-marital heterosexual relations, are “deviant”. They do not fulfill the family institution's function of producing and rearing children. Conflict between heterosexuals and homosexuals may lead to social change.

Conflict Perspective Conflicts about sexuality represent division between those with power and those without power. Trends toward acceptance of homosexuality may reflect the corporate world's competition over employees and the gay and lesbian consumer dollar.

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Meanings of heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality are socially constructed. Once individuals are labeled as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, that label tends to become their master status.

Heterosexism, Homophobia, And Biphobia In 1999, 46% of respondents in a Gallup Poll felt homosexuality should not be considered an acceptable alternative lifestyle. Heterosexual women and men hold similar views toward lesbians, but men are more negative toward gay men.

Bisexuality Often rejected by homosexuals and heterosexuals. Sometimes viewed as heterosexuals who are looking for exotic sexual experiences. Lesbians exhibit greater levels of biphobia than gay men.

Effects of Homophobia Males are hindered in their self-expression and intimacy in same-sex relationships. Youths may avoid activities that they might enjoy (e.g. arts for boys, athletics for girls). Some males engage in coercive and early sexual activity to prove they are not gay.

Sodomy Laws Sodomy laws once existed in all 50 states. 17 states still ban oral and anal sex between consenting adults. In states that criminalize sodomy, laws are primarily used against gay men and lesbians.

Hate Crimes Against Sexual Orientation Minorities In 1999: FBI reported 1,317 incidents of sexual orientation hate crimes. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation increased from 8.9% in 1991 to 16.7% in In 1999, 29 anti-LGBT murders were reported to the National Coalition of Antiviolence Programs.

Antigay Hate in Schools More than 2/3 of gay and lesbian students have been verbally, physically, or sexually harassed at school. Survey of 496 LGBT youth ages 12 to 19 found that 2 out of 5 did not feel safe in school. More than 1/4 of gay youth drop out of school.

Reducing Employment Discrimination 1974: Minneapolis became the first municipality to ban antigay job discrimination. 1981: Wisconsin became 1st state to ban antigay job discrimination. 8 states and more than 200 local governments ban antigay discrimination in their public work force.