© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Heterosexism: Transforming Homosexuality From Deviant to Different Section 3 Chapter 10 Understanding Human Differences Multicultural Education for a Diverse America 3rd Edition By Kent L. Koppelman 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 networkAny 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 imagesPreparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images Any rental, lease, or lending of the programAny rental, lease, or lending of the program

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter What is the HETEROSEXUAL ASSUMPTION Assuming that every human being is born heterosexual, that HETEROSEXUALITY is INNATE

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter What did initial RESEARCH on homosexuality conclude Late 19 th century researchers: Acknowledged and defined HOMOSEXUALITYAcknowledged and defined HOMOSEXUALITY Regarded it as a PERVERSION of the natural human conditionRegarded it as a PERVERSION of the natural human condition

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter How did the 1948 Kinsey Report challenge the heterosexual assumption Kinsey found a CONTINUUM of human sexuality from exclusively heterosexual to exclusively homosexual did not conclude that homosexuality was “normal”did not conclude that homosexuality was “normal” proposed a new reality of sexual variationproposed a new reality of sexual variation

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Kinsey Continuum of Sexual Orientation 0 = Exclusively heterosexual 3 = Equally heterosexual and homosexual 6 = Exclusively homosexual Source: Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, by A. Kinsey, W. Pomeroy, and C. Martin, 1948, The Kinsey Institute, W.B. Saunders

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter What was the impact of the KINSEY REPORT Promoted more research: Evelyn Hooker’s case studies of gay and straight men Evelyn Hooker’s case studies of gay and straight men experts could not determine which men were gay or straight experts could not determine which men were gay or straight concluded that 2/3 of the gay men were mentally stable concluded that 2/3 of the gay men were mentally stable APA and AMA removed homosexuality from list of mental illness in 1973

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter What has current research reported with regard to HOMOSEXUALITY Biology plays a major role in determining sexual orientationBiology plays a major role in determining sexual orientation Environmental factors are also an influenceEnvironmental factors are also an influence Most scholars believe that MULTIPLE FACTORS shape individual sexual behavior

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Source: Hen’s Teeth and Horse’s Toes: Further Reflectionbs in Natural History, by Stephen Jay Could. Copyright © 1983 by Stephen Jay Gould An Example of Diversity In Biological Development A simple genetic striping mechanism occurring at different times during fetal development produces these three striping patterns

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Cultural Heterosexism Refers to a dominant culture defining HETEROSEXUALITY as the NORM and regarding other sexual behavior as DEVIANT

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter What HISTORICAL EVIDENCE has described the existence of homosexuality Ancient Greek writings describe same sex sexual activity between men as an ACCEPTABLE PRACTICE:Ancient Greek writings describe same sex sexual activity between men as an ACCEPTABLE PRACTICE: - The Band of Thebes was a successful and famous military unit consisting of 150 pairs of male lovers

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Memoirs of life in British boarding schoolsMemoirs of life in British boarding schools Authors describe boys engaging in sexual activity with each other and calling it “Greek love” (referencing such relationships in Greek works) Authors describe boys engaging in sexual activity with each other and calling it “Greek love” (referencing such relationships in Greek works) Many cultures have historically accepted homosexualityMany cultures have historically accepted homosexuality Polynesian Polynesian Caribbean Caribbean Mediterranean Mediterranean Historical Evidence…

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Same sex relationships historically have been acceptable at times in 2/3 of human societies (Zeldin, 1994)Same sex relationships historically have been acceptable at times in 2/3 of human societies (Zeldin, 1994) Catholic persecution of homosexuals began during the InquisitionCatholic persecution of homosexuals began during the Inquisition - Part of a larger effort to eliminate heretical beliefs and practices Lesbians and gay men were not accepted in European societies until the late 20 th centuryLesbians and gay men were not accepted in European societies until the late 20 th century Historical Evidence…

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter How have ATTITUDES of the American people changed concerning homosexuality American gays and lesbians became politically active in the 20 th centuryAmerican gays and lesbians became politically active in the 20 th century - more individuals, including celebrities, “came out” The HIV/AIDS crisis motivated more gays and lesbians to be outThe HIV/AIDS crisis motivated more gays and lesbians to be out - demanded the rights and respect given to heterosexual Americans

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Why do so many Americans continue to have ANTI-GAY attitudes Many individuals still believe that heterosexuality is the “natural” condition of human beings (the heterosexual assumption)Many individuals still believe that heterosexuality is the “natural” condition of human beings (the heterosexual assumption) Some Christian denominations interpret the Bible to justify condemnation of gay men and lesbiansSome Christian denominations interpret the Bible to justify condemnation of gay men and lesbians

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Individual Heterosexism Refers to negative ATTITUDES and BEHAVIORS based on the belief that any sexual orientation other than heterosexual is UNNATURAL and UNACCEPTABLE These negative attitudes contribute to “gay bashing” where individuals or groups of males physically assault men perceived to be gay

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter What are some MYTHS about homosexuality MYTH: Anyone who has ever engaged in a homosexual act is a homosexual REALITY: To be a homosexual is to have a persistent erotic attraction for partners of the same sex MYTH: Homosexuals seduce adolescents to recruit them to a gay lifestyle REALITY: During adolescence, gay youth tend to engage in sex with peers, not adults

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter MYTH: Homosexuals tend to be criminals, especially child molesters REALITY: Studies report that homosexuals are no more likely to commit crimes than heterosexuals. Prison studies of child molesters show that 80% are white, heterosexual men who are or were married MYTH: People become homosexual because they hade a bad sexual experience REALITY: Many gay men or lesbians have been in heterosexual relationships (including marriage) to avoid hostility against homosexuals

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter MYTH: In homosexual relationships, the focus is on sex and not love REALITY: Americans have refused to sanction gay relationships through marriage or civil unions, despite many long-term homosexual relationships (while up to 2/3 of heterosexual marriages end in separation or divorce) MYTH: Close personal relationships between people of the same sex might lead to a homosexual relationship REALITY: In world cultures, people of the same sex have intimate personal relationships without engaging in homosexual activities

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Institutional Heterosexism Refers to established LAWS, CUSTOMS, and PRACTICES that systematically DISCRIMINATE against people who are not heterosexual

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Is the demand for GAY RIGHTS really a demand for special privileges GAY RIGHTS means that gay men and lesbians who are openly gay should not be deprived of their civil rights as American citizens

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Do studies report discrimination against gay men and lesbians 1/3 of gay men and 1/4 of lesbians have personally experienced discrimination1/3 of gay men and 1/4 of lesbians have personally experienced discrimination 17% have been fired or pressured to quit a job17% have been fired or pressured to quit a job 25% experienced sexual harassment25% experienced sexual harassment

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter How can homosexuals be discriminated against if they don’t reveal their identity Gay/lesbian employees may not be selected for opportunities and promotionsGay/lesbian employees may not be selected for opportunities and promotions - Fewer social and networking opportunities Closeted gays and lesbians cannot claim health care and other benefits for their partnersCloseted gays and lesbians cannot claim health care and other benefits for their partners - Do not receive compensation equal to their heterosexual peers

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Why do homosexuals want legal recognition for DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS Partners may be eligible for the same LEGAL RIGHTS that married couples enjoy: (Health care, insurance, etc.)

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter If domestic partnerships are recognized, why would homosexuals wish to marry Because MARRIAGE is a secular, legal arrangement; it is arguably discriminatory to deny that legal arrangement to gay couples

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter What harm is done to a child raised by gay parents 30% of lesbians and 15% of gay men are raising children Parenting research shows that children in these homes receive good parentingParenting research shows that children in these homes receive good parenting These children often exceed children of heterosexual parents inThese children often exceed children of heterosexual parents in developing social skills developing social skills building self-confidence building self-confidence promoting tolerance of others promoting tolerance of others

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Have homosexuals always been excluded from MILITARY SERVICE Homosexuals have a history of serving in the militaryHomosexuals have a history of serving in the military In 1981 the Pentagon issued a policy that homosexuality was incompatible with military serviceIn 1981 the Pentagon issued a policy that homosexuality was incompatible with military service

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Why should homosexuals be allowed to become TEACHERS Openly gay and lesbian teachers could act as ROLE MODELS for gay and lesbian youth act as ROLE MODELS for gay and lesbian youth promote TOLERANCE of gay and lesbian youth promote TOLERANCE of gay and lesbian youth This could reduce violence and make schools safer for all students

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter What does LGBT stand for It is a term related to sexual orientation and represents a broad group facing similar issues that includes: Lesbian women Gay men Bisexual people Transgender people

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition - Koppelman Chapter Why do some LGBT people refer to themselves as “Queer” Only some are comfortable with the termOnly some are comfortable with the term It encompasses ALL LGBT peopleIt encompasses ALL LGBT people Queer studies departments exist at many universitiesQueer studies departments exist at many universities