This document discusses human sexuality and sexual diversity. It defines different types of sexualities such as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and asexual. It also explains concepts like heterosexism, homophobia, and biphobia. The document discusses sociological perspectives on sexuality including functionalism, conflict theory, and queer theory. It also examines cultural origins of homophobia and proposes solutions for LGBT discrimination such as education and creating an open dialogue.
2. contexts
What is sexualities?
Types of sexuality
What is Heterosexism, homophobia, and Biphobia?
Culture origins of Homophobia
Sociological theories
Solutions of sexualities.
3. What is Sexualities?
Everyone’s sexuality is different, and it’s not necessarily as
simple as ‘gay’ or ‘straight’. Some people are attracted to
only one sex, and others are attracted to a diversity of
people regardless of sex or gender, with a lot of different
preferences in between.
Some gay, lesbian or bisexual people say from an early age
that they “felt different”, and had crushes on friends of
people of the same sex, only associating these feelings with
being gay or bisexual later on.
Many people don’t discover their sexual attractions until
much later into adulthood and it can be just as confusing
then.
4.
5. Types of sexuality
Straight - Attracted mostly to people of the opposite sex or gender.
Gay -Attracted mostly to people of the same sex or gender (used
by guys, and often girls too).
Lesbian - Attracted mostly to people of the same sex or gender
(used by women).
Bisexual - Attracted to both men and women. Some people use
terms like pan or pansexual to say they’re attracted to different
kinds of people, regardless of their gender.
Asexual - Not really sexually attracted to anyone.
Transgender – persons who do not fit neatly into either the male of
female category, or whose behaviour is not congruent with the
rules and expectations for their sex in the society in which they live
6. What is Heterosexism, Homophobia
and Biphobia?
Heterosexism is the belief that heterosexuality is the superior sexual
orientation; it results in prejudice and discrimination against homosexuals
and bisexuals
the term homophobia is commonly used to refer to negative attitudes and
emotions toward homosexuality and those who engage in it.
Biphobia is negative attitudes toward bisexuality and people who identify
as bisexual.
7. Cultural origins of
Homophobia
1. Religion: most individuals who view homosexuality as unacceptable say
they object on religious grounds. Although some religious groups accept
homosexuality, many religions teach that homosexuality is sinful and
prohibited by God.
2. Marital and procreative bias: many society have traditionally condoned
sex only when it occurs in a martial context that provides for the possibility
of producing and rearing children.
3. concern about HIV and AIDS: although transmission rates vary upward
and downward for different groups over time and most cases of HIV and
AIDS world wide are attributed to heterosexual transmission, HIV and
AIDs in Canada is more prevalent among gay and bisexual men than
among other groups.
8. A World view of laws pertaining to Same-
Sex Activity
In 10 countries, individuals found guilty of engaging in same- sex sexual
behaviour may receive the death penalty.
For example, a Somali lesbian couple were sentenced to death for “exercising
unnatural behaviour” (“Jail, Death Sentences in Africa” 2001).
In general, countries throughout the world are moving toward increased legal
protection of sexual orientation minorities.
Between 1984 and 1995, 86 countries changed their policies regarding sex
between men, sex between women, or both and nearly every change was
toward increase liberalization of policies on same-sex sexual behaviour.
According to the international Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
(IGLHRC), 86 countries still have laws to prohibit sexual acts carried out in
private between consenting adults.
11. Structural Functionalism
When it comes to sexuality, functionalists stress the importance of
regulating sexual behavior to ensure marital cohesion and family stability.
Since functionalists identify the family unit as the most integral component
in society, they maintain a strict focus on it at all times and argue in favor
of social arrangements that promote and ensure family preservation.
From a functionalist standpoint, homosexuality cannot be promoted on a
large-scale as an acceptable substitute for heterosexuality. If this
occurred, procreation would eventually ends. Therefore, homosexuality, if
occurring mainly within the population, is dysfunctional to society. This
criticism does not take into account the increasing legal acceptance of
same-sex marriage, or the rise in gay and lesbian couples who choose to
bear and raise children through a variety of available resources.
12. Conflict Theory
For conflict theorists, there are two key dimensions to the debate over
same-sex marriage—one ideological and the other economic. Dominant
groups (in this instance, heterosexuals) wish for their worldview—which
embraces traditional marriage and the nuclear family—to win out over
what they see as the intrusion of a secular, individually driven worldview.
On the other hand, many gay and lesbian activists argue that legal
marriage is a fundamental right that cannot be denied based on sexual
orientation and that, historically, there already exists a precedent for
changes to marriage laws: the 1960s legalization of formerly forbidden
interracial marriages is one example.
13. Queer Theory
Queer Theory is a perspective that problematizes the manner in which we
have been taught to think about sexual orientation. By calling their
discipline “queer,” these scholars are rejecting the effects of labeling;
instead, own purposes.
Queer theorists reject the dichotomization of sexual orientations into two
mutually exclusive outcomes, homosexual or heterosexual. Rather, the
perspective highlights the need for a more flexible and fluid
conceptualization of sexuality—one that allows for change, negotiation,
and freedom. The current schema used to classify individuals as either
“heterosexual” or “homosexual” pits one orientation against the other. This
mirrors other oppressive schemas in our culture, especially those
surrounding gender and race.
14. What are the Solutions for LGBT
Discrimination?
Educate
Many people my not understand what LGBT stands for or the hardships that
LGBT people face in the professional world and their personal lives. Diversity
training is often used for people of different races and national origins, but
diversity in the workplace and at school also includes LGBT people. An optional
sensitivity training class is a way for workers and students to become more
knowledgeable about the LGBT community and recognize discriminatory
practices.
Listen
Open the floor to those who are LGBT and ask them how they feel about the
company or school environment. Do they feel as if their concerns as an LGBT
person are being addressed? Have they ever felt discriminated against? If so, ask
them about what happened and what they think can be done in order to help this
situation so it doesn't affect anyone else. If they don't feel comfortable speaking
publicly about their experiences, you can allow them to make an anonymous
submission.
15. References
Openstax. (2014). Introduction to Sociology. Retrieved from
http://cnx.org/contents/afe4332a-c97f-4fc4-be27-4e4d384a32d8@7.16:56
Caldwell, C. (n.d.). Solution for lgbt discrimination in the workplace and in
school. Retrieved from http://work.chron.com/solutions-lgbt-discrimination-
workplace-school-23934.html
https://www.ted.com/talks/io_tillett_wright_fifty_shades_of_gay?language
=en#t-150456
Morgan Holems, M., Linda, A., Knox, D., & Schacht, C. (2016).
Understanding social problems. United states of America