1. Same-Sex Couples and Families
Chapter 8
“When I was in the military they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one.”
Epitaph of Leonard P. Matlovich

2. LGBT Relationships Prejudice and discrimination
“I’d rather have a dead son than a gay son” (Quoted from text)
What accounts for such widespread hatred on account of sexual orientation?

3. Can you distinguish between…?
Sexual orientation
Heterosexuality
Homosexuality
Homonegativity
Heterosexism

4. Identifying and Classifying Sexual Orientation
Problematic
Social Stigma and self reporting
Actions and identity
Sexual orientation is not exclusive

5. The Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale

6. Prevalence of Homosexuality
2% of the American population identify themselves a s gay or bisexual
Different studies show varying results
A 2004 national poll showed that about 5% of U.S. high school students identified themselves as lesbian or gay.

7. What “Causes” Homosexuality?
The primary question is whether homosexuality is inborn or caused by environmental factors
Sexual orientation vs. sexual preference
Most gays believe that homosexuality is an inherited, inborn trait.
Most people who oppose homosexuality believe it is learned or “chosen”

8. Who is most likely to oppose gay rights?
Can homosexuals change their sexual orientation? Why do many believe they should? Who believes they should?
Who is most likely to oppose gay rights?
Sex? Age? Education? Religiosity? Place of residence?

9. What is internalized homophobia?

10. Anti-Gay Marriage Legislation
In 1996 Congress passed and President Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
The act states that marriage is a “legal union between one man and one woman” and denies federal recognition of same-sex marriage and the may federal benefits that go along with it.
As of 2012, 37 states have banned gay marriage either through statute or a state constitutional amendment.

11. Legal Recognition and support of same sex couples and families
Decriminalization of sodomy
Civil unions
Domestic partnerships
June, 2013: DOMA and Prop 8 in California declared unconstitutional
The Federal Government must now grant equal treatment to gay couples married under state law; however, many states still do not allow gay marriage or have to recognize it from other states
A step towards equality; 13 states now have legalized gay marriage; many just legalized this year

12. GLBT Relationships
Gay and lesbian couples tend to be more similar than different from heterosexual couples
Relationship satisfaction
Conflict and conflict resolution

13. Discussion
Identify at least 2 arguments in support of same sex marriage and 2 main arguments against it.
Do you think that same sex marriage will be legal in all 50 states within your lifetime? Why or why not?

14. GLBT Parenting Issues Two areas of focus
Development and well-being of children with gay or lesbian parents
Discrimination in child custody, visitation, adoption, and foster care.