Chapter 6 Same-Sex Couples and Families Key Terms

Sexual orientation –Refers to the direction of one’s thoughts, feelings, and sexual interactions toward members of the same sex, the other sex, or both sexes. Heterosexuality –Heterosexuality refers to the predominance of cognitive, emotional, and sexual attraction to those of the other sex.

Homosexuality –Homosexuality refers to the predominance of cognitive, emotional, and sexual attraction to those of the same sex. Bisexuality –Bisexuality involves the cognitive, emotional, and sexual attraction to both men and women.

Lesbian –Refers to homosexual women. Gay –Can refer to homosexual women or homosexual men.

Transgendered individuals –Include not only homosexuals and bisexuals but also cross-dressers, transvestites, and transsexuals. LGBT or GLBT –Terms used to refer collectively to lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals.

Heterosexism –The denigration and stigmatization of any behavior, person, or relationship that is not heterosexual. Homophobia –Refers to emotional responses toward and aversion to homosexuals.

Prejudice –Refers to negative attitudes. Discrimination –Refers to behavior that denies individuals or groups equality of treatment.

Biphobia –Used to refer to negative attitudes and emotional responses and discriminatory behavior toward bisexuals. Defense of Marriage Act –Act denying federal recognition of homosexual marriage and allowing states to ignore same-sex marriages licensed elsewhere.