🫦Intro to Human Sexuality Unit 4 – Sexual Orientation & Identity

Key Concepts

• Sexual orientation refers to a person's emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to individuals of a particular gender or genders
• Sexual identity is how a person labels and perceives their own sexuality, which may or may not align with their sexual orientation
• Gender identity is a person's inner sense of being male, female, neither, or other genders, which may or may not correspond with their assigned sex at birth
• Coming out is the process of disclosing one's sexual orientation or gender identity to others
  • Can be a continuous and lifelong process as individuals navigate different social contexts and relationships
• Heteronormativity is the assumption that heterosexuality is the default, normal, or preferred sexual orientation
  • Can lead to stigmatization and marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals
• Minority stress refers to the additional stress experienced by individuals in marginalized groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community, due to discrimination and prejudice
• Queer is an umbrella term used to describe sexual and gender identities that are not heterosexual or cisgender
  • Has been reclaimed by some in the LGBTQ+ community as a positive self-identifier

Historical Perspectives

• Homosexuality was considered a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association until 1973
• The Stonewall Riots in 1969 marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility
  • Protests against police raids at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement
• The AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 1990s disproportionately affected the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay and bisexual men
  • Lack of government response and social stigma surrounding AIDS led to increased activism and awareness
• Same-sex marriage became legal nationwide in the United States in 2015 following the Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges
• Historical figures such as Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., played crucial roles in advancing LGBTQ+ rights
• The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which prohibited openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual individuals from serving in the U.S. military, was in effect from 1994 to 2011
• Many cultures throughout history have recognized and accepted non-binary gender identities and same-sex relationships
  • Examples include Two-Spirit individuals in some Native American cultures and the hijra in South Asian countries

Biological Factors

• Research suggests that sexual orientation is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors
• Twin studies have shown that identical twins are more likely to share the same sexual orientation than fraternal twins or siblings
  • Suggests a genetic component to sexual orientation, but not a sole determinant
• Prenatal hormone exposure, particularly to androgens, may play a role in the development of sexual orientation
  • Studies have found that women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a condition causing elevated prenatal androgen levels, are more likely to experience same-sex attraction
• The hypothalamus, a region of the brain involved in sexual behavior, has been found to have structural differences between heterosexual and homosexual individuals
• Epigenetic factors, which are modifications to DNA that can influence gene expression without changing the underlying genetic code, may also contribute to sexual orientation
• It is important to note that while biological factors may influence sexual orientation, they do not determine it, and sexual orientation is not a choice
• Attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation, such as conversion therapy, are unethical and can be harmful
  • Major medical and mental health organizations have denounced these practices

Psychological Aspects

• Psychoanalytic theories, such as those proposed by Sigmund Freud, have historically pathologized homosexuality as a result of unresolved Oedipal conflicts or arrested psychosexual development
  • These theories are now considered outdated and lacking empirical support
• Cognitive-behavioral theories suggest that sexual orientation is shaped by a combination of early experiences, social learning, and self-labeling
• The Kinsey Scale, developed by Alfred Kinsey in the 1940s, represents sexual orientation as a continuum from exclusively heterosexual to exclusively homosexual
  • Recognizes that sexual orientation is not always a binary construct
• Sexual fluidity refers to the idea that sexual orientation can change over time or in different contexts
  • More commonly reported among women than men
• Minority stress theory posits that LGBTQ+ individuals experience unique stressors related to their marginalized status, such as discrimination and internalized homophobia
  • Can lead to higher rates of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety
• Resilience factors, such as social support and positive self-identity, can help mitigate the negative effects of minority stress
• Affirmative therapy approaches prioritize accepting and validating LGBTQ+ identities and experiences
  • Focus on helping individuals cope with minority stress and develop a positive sense of self

Social and Cultural Influences

• Societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals vary across cultures and have shifted over time
• Religion plays a significant role in shaping attitudes towards sexual orientation and gender identity
  • Some religious traditions condemn same-sex relationships, while others have become more accepting
• Media representation of LGBTQ+ characters and storylines has increased in recent years, contributing to greater visibility and acceptance
  • However, stereotypical or negative portrayals can still perpetuate harmful stereotypes
• Family acceptance and support are crucial for the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly during the coming out process
  • Rejection from family members can lead to negative mental health outcomes and increased risk of homelessness
• Peer groups and social networks can provide a sense of belonging and support for LGBTQ+ individuals
  • Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in schools can create safe spaces and promote understanding
• Laws and policies protecting LGBTQ+ rights vary by country and region
  • In some areas, same-sex relationships are criminalized, while others have anti-discrimination laws and recognize same-sex marriages
• Intersectionality acknowledges that LGBTQ+ individuals may face multiple forms of marginalization based on their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, or other identities
  • Can lead to unique challenges and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community

Identity Development

• Coming out is a key aspect of LGBTQ+ identity development, involving self-disclosure and self-acceptance
• The Cass Identity Model outlines six stages of homosexual identity formation: confusion, comparison, tolerance, acceptance, pride, and synthesis
  • Not all individuals progress through these stages linearly or completely
• Vivienne Cass later proposed that identity development is a continuous and fluid process, rather than a series of discrete stages
• Bisexual identity development may involve additional challenges, such as bisexual erasure and the pressure to "choose" between heterosexuality and homosexuality
• Transgender identity development often involves a process of self-discovery, social transition, and potentially medical transition
  • Genderqueer and non-binary individuals may not identify with traditional male/female gender categories
• Queer identity can encompass a broad range of sexual and gender identities that challenge heteronormative and cisnormative expectations
• Identity development is influenced by individual factors, such as personality and resilience, as well as social and cultural contexts
• Positive identity development is associated with better mental health outcomes and overall well-being
  • Conversely, internalized homophobia and transphobia can hinder healthy identity development

Diversity and Intersectionality

• The LGBTQ+ community is diverse, encompassing individuals of various races, ethnicities, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and abilities
• Intersectionality recognizes that multiple marginalized identities can interact to create unique experiences of oppression and discrimination
  • For example, a Black lesbian may face discrimination based on her race, gender, and sexual orientation
• LGBTQ+ people of color may experience racism within the LGBTQ+ community and homophobia or transphobia within their racial/ethnic communities
  • Can lead to feelings of isolation and difficulty finding support
• Transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color, face disproportionately high rates of violence, discrimination, and poverty
• LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities may encounter ableism in addition to heterosexism and cisnormativity
  • May have difficulty accessing LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare and support services
• Older LGBTQ+ adults may face unique challenges, such as lack of legal protections, social isolation, and difficulty accessing age-appropriate care
• Bisexual and pansexual individuals may experience biphobia and erasure from both heterosexual and gay/lesbian communities
• Recognizing and addressing the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community is essential for creating inclusive and equitable support systems
  • Intersectional approaches to research, policy, and advocacy are necessary to address the complex needs of LGBTQ+ individuals

Current Issues and Debates

• Conversion therapy, which aims to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, is still legal in many parts of the world despite being denounced by major medical and mental health organizations
• Transgender rights, including access to healthcare, legal recognition of gender identity, and protection from discrimination, remain a contentious issue in many countries
  • Debates surrounding transgender athletes' participation in sports have garnered significant attention
• The intersections of LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom continue to be a source of legal and social conflict
  • Some individuals and organizations claim that providing services to LGBTQ+ individuals violates their religious beliefs
• LGBTQ+ youth face unique challenges, such as bullying, family rejection, and higher rates of mental health issues
  • Implementing inclusive sex education and support systems in schools is an ongoing effort
• The LGBTQ+ community has been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing higher rates of job loss, housing instability, and difficulty accessing healthcare
• Efforts to ban books with LGBTQ+ themes or characters from schools and libraries have increased in recent years, raising concerns about censorship and access to diverse representations
• The global push for LGBTQ+ rights continues, with some countries making progress in legal protections while others experience backlash and increased discrimination
• Ongoing research is needed to better understand the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those with multiple marginalized identities
  • Participatory and community-based research approaches can help center the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in knowledge production