Chapter 9: Sexual Orientation Flashcards
What is sexual orientation? What is Lisa Diamond’s sexual fluidity?
Sexual orientation is sexual attraction to one’s own sex (homosexual), to the other sex (heterosexual), or to both sex (bisexual), and lack of sexual interest in either sex (asexual). Lisa Diamond’s sexual fluidity is the term that she used to describe variability in same-sex or other-sex attraction and/or involvement at various times and situations throughout the lifespan.
What information have twin studies provided for us regarding homosexuality and sexual orientation?
Over 1,500 same-sex identical and fraternal twins male and female twin pairs were included in this study. The study concluded that although 80% of male identical twins and 76% of female identical twins were not in agreement for homosexuality, the higher agreement rates for identical twins were not agreeable for homosexuality, the higher agreement rates for identical twin pairs than for fraternal twin pairs provide strong evidence of a genetic component to sexual orientation in some individuals.
Where does the American Psychiatric Association stand on gay, lesbian and bisexual issues? Is it considered a mental illness?
In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its diagnostic categories of mental disorders (after great internal conflict). They no longer categorize homosexuality as a mental illness, and some therapists and counselors have changed the focus of therapy.
What is bisexuality? Does it really exist? Pansexuality? Polysexuality?
Bisexuality is a sexual attraction to both men and women. Yes it does really exist. Pansexuality is sexual attraction, sexual desire, romantic love or emotional attraction toward persons of all gender identities and biological sexes. Polysexuality is the attraction to multiple genders or sexes. It encompasses many, but not necessarily all sexualities.
What “causes” homosexuality? Do we have any conclusive findings? Be able to discuss at least one of the studies on biological origins of orientation. What were the findings? How does it suggest some biological link?
There are psycho-social theories on what causes homosexuality such as; the “by default” myth (unhappy heterosexual experiences cause a person to become homosexual), the seduction myth (people who believe that homosexuality is something you catch from someone else-particularly a well-liked and respected teacher who is homosexual), and Freud’s theory (based on the relationship a male or female had with their parents). There are not conclusive findings because even though there has been considerable research, many of the findings are contradictory and still no definitive scientific answers exist.
Individuals who believe that homosexuality is a choice are more or less accepting of it vs. those who feel that these individuals were born that way?
No, people who believe that homosexuals are “born that way” have more positive feelings toward homosexuals and are more supportive of gay civil rights, civil unions, and same-sex marriage than are people who believe that homosexuality is learned or an individual choice.
If you are “gay” but still in the closet, might you marry the opposite sex, get married and possibly homophobic yourself? Why or why not?
Passing as heterosexual can help an individual avoid negative social consequences but exacts its toll in the stresses of maintaining secrecy.
Define: sexual orientation, gay, lesbian, homophobia, coming out, passing, and outing.
- Sexual orientation: sexual attraction to one’s own sex (homosexual), to the other sex (heterosexual), or to both sexes (bisexual), or lack of sexual interest in either sex (asexual).
- Gay: a homosexual person, typically a homosexual male
- Lesbian: a homosexual person, typically a homosexual female
- Homophobia: irrational fears of homosexuality, the fear of the possibility of homosexuality in oneself, or loathing toward one’s own homosexuality.
- Coming-out: the process of becoming aware of and disclosing one’s homosexual activity
- Passing: presenting a false image of being heterosexual
- Outing: telling others about someone else’s sexuality
Be able to discuss Kinsey’s Continuum on Sexual Orientation.
Kinsey’s Continuum on Sexual Orientation is based on both feelings of attraction and sexual behavior. It is a seven-point continuum that Alfred Kinsey devised in his analysis of sexual orientations in American society, the scale ranges from 0 (consistent and exclusive contact with and attraction to the same sex). In the between are various degrees of same – and other-sex attraction.
What is involved in one’s coming-out experience?
What is involved in one’s coming-out experience is acknowledging, accepting, and openly expressing one’s homosexuality. Even though there are different coming-out experiences many have common elements such as; self-acknowledgement, self-acceptance, and disclosure.
In what ways are same sex couples still legally discriminated against? Think beyond marriage.
Partners don’t reap the benefits that their partner might get from work, health, military and children. They don’t get all the benefits that a heterosexual couple receives, there are differently limitations.
Define homophobia and be able to give/recognize examples. Why does it persist? What is the fear?
Homophobia is irrational fears of homosexuality, the fear of the possibility of homosexuality in oneself, or loathing toward one’s own homosexuality. It is a form of prejudice. The fear is that heterosexual people might become gay or lesbian from a homosexual, or that a homosexual might hit on them or someone they know.
