There are many different perspectives on gay male and lesbian sexual orientations. Gay male and lesbian sexual orientation is commonly referred to as being homosexual. A homosexual is a male and or female that is attracted to the same sex. Homosexuality is the term used to define sexual orientation of homosexuals that engage in sexual activities with the same sexes. Homosexuality is widespread throughout history including the past, present, and future generations and varies widely amongst societies and cultural acceptances. In some cultures and religions homosexuality is accepted and tolerated. Whereas, in other cultures and religions it is found to being condemning and dirty. Some even think of the individual as being in a sick state of mind. It is because of these different historical and scientific perspectives that are being placed on homosexuals minds are what shape their perceptions of themselves. In historical perspectives western cultures have never censured any sexual practices or orientations more than the male and male and female and female orientations. The sexual behaviors have varied per religion and past cultures of what is accepted and what is not. In ancient Greece it was common and accepted for males to have sexual relationships with other males, sometimes even boys. It was thought as soon as the young man grew a beard it was time to start the male-male sexual behavior. Greek vases displaced artwork of men having sexual relations to boys by placing their penis between the boy’s legs until ejaculation thus leading people to believe it was normal (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). It was a few centuries later in Rome when some of the Romans saw men running through the towns looking for mates who seemed feminine and gay because of their hairstyles and appearances. The apostle Paul heard of the news and thought it was a key sign of decadence to the city of Rome (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). Therefore, the Christian Church thought of the act of being a homosexual was dirty forming strong negative attitudes towards those of that sexual orientation. It was then that because of the Christians opinions and beliefs of homosexuality that the legal system too was intertwined with the same beliefs therefore such sex crimes were punishable. Such sexual practices are still considered punishable by Christians, Jews, and Islam denominations. Cross-cultural perspectives play a big role on homosexuals because it is different for an individual to be raised where it is acceptable as opposed to being somewhere it is not accepted. It is not thought to being a choice in the minds of these homosexuals they feel that is how they were made to be. In most preliterate societies homosexuality is thought to being normal. Although, even in some of these preliterate societies there are still people who frown upon and disapprove of these types of relationships. Male and male relationships are to being more common than female to female relationships although the reason is unknown. Cross-species perspectives have looked into species of the animal kingdom for clues into homosexual behaviors. The observations found were that both the males and females were apt to having activities together. Some of the activities seemed normal whereas others seemed to send messages such as domination towards the others within the hierarchy. It was also noted that some of the male animals would initiate the behavior with the other male for protection or favors. Seemingly this occurs in today’s prison amongst male groups to prove domination over the other males or male groups. There are several scientific factors to be considered such as differences in the brain or genes or abnormal hormone levels. The studies of twins have confirmed a link in the genes of homosexuals. There are differences in the brains of homosexuals when compared to the brains of heterosexual’s neuroanatomical, hormonal response, and neuropsychological. Stating that the homosexuality can be biological starting from birth therefore meaning sexual orientation is not completely by choice. Coming out for a gay individual in today’s society can be very difficult and stressful. Although it is not as difficult today as it was seen just a decade ago. There are said to being four steps or features to ones coming out by first having the attraction to the same sex, self-labeling whether gay or lesbian, engaging in sexual contact with same sexes, and disclosing to others of sexual preference and orientation (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). These steps are thought to being different for both males and females. Males do not consider themselves being gay unless sexually involved with more than one male. Whereas, females who interact sexually with another female are thought to automatically define themselves as a lesbian. Self-labeling can be the most difficult step for some because of their environments and social statuses become effected allowing ridicule from their peers. Therefore, it is too daunting for some individuals to express sexual orientations. Engaging into the sexual activity with another gay or lesbian is the easiest step for homosexuals. The disclosing of being homosexual is the hardest task for most all individual because of the fear of rejection. Therefore, many are reluctant to be open with certain family members and friends who frown upon these behaviors. Some of these gays and lesbians will shut out people who are not accepting to their sexual preferences unless their beliefs change. It is sad but just like other things in society some things will be accepted and others will not. I believe historical and scientific perspectives have shaped my sexual orientation because of my genes and religion. I too think genes play a major role in ones sexual orientation and preference such as a signal. I was raised as being Catholic and homosexuality was not seen as acceptable behavior. Therefore, I was more prone to opposite sexes as a gender role and heterosexuality was the only thing seen as being clean. It was thought that all sexual relationships were to be among opposite sexes. I do not have a problem with homosexuals because I do believe there is enough scientific proof that it is beyond our sexual choices and preferences. The conclusion here is that no matter the personal feeling of homosexuality it will be around forever. It has been documented for centuries and thought to be recognized differently per society, culture, and religions. Therefore, it is best for some to begin to recognize that one shoe does not fit all, there is no one color amongst all, and there is no set sexual preferences that fit every individual. Once homosexuality is treated and recognized as a normal sexual orientation it will be then that more individuals will be free and comfortable to being themselves in from of others without feeling ashamed of their sexual preferences.

References: Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J.S., and Fichner-Rathus, L. (2005). Human sexuality in a world of diversity. (6th ed.) Boston: Allyn and Bacon.