Premium Essay

Sexual Orientation

In: Other Topics

Submitted By mzwillis25
Words 309
Pages 2
Over the past years there has been a debate on sexuality and a topic that stays as a popular issue. There is belief that society has been a huge influence and what has shaped the sexual behavior that is between man and woman. Sexual orientation has been something that scientist and psychologist have been trying to discover a logical answer on how and why. There have been many theories developed on the different types of sexual orientations and what makes a person have these types of feeling toward same gender. There has never been an answer to this question that has so many wondering. Some believe this could be how the child may be raised, or is this a specific gene that a person is born with, maybe even some type of chemical/hormonal imbalances. Overall it just seems to come down to who you are as a person and that shouldn’t be determined by society or scientist.
Sexual Orientation Sexual orientation can be a set of physical and emotional attractions and interest that will attract both sexually and romantically to other people. There are three sexual orientations straight, gay or bisexual. Research has shown that adolescence and young adulthood go thru some stages such as sexual orientation identity (Kelly, 2010). It has been anticipated that sexual orientation and sexual identity that once they are established and accepted that it will remain steady for the rest of life. This does not indicate that people will wake up and one morning they are in a new sexual orientation or identify such as suddenly becoming gay or straight. Alfred Kinsey conducted a research in 1940’s, what an individual had done sexual was assumed to be their sexual orientation. Early in his research he had experienced a number of people who both same –gender and other-gender sexual activity (Kelly,

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Sexual Orientation In The Movie

...all have to learn to not discriminate people because of their condition or sexual orientation. The moral of the movie was impressive. It made me understand how blessed I am to not have to deal with those kind of problems. It's really very frightening to realize, that even our legal system can be discriminating. I agree with the message of the movie. I strongly believe that people need to understand that Beckett's sexual orientation and condition are not reasons to isolate him. The moment I love the most of this movie was...

Words: 915 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Sexual Orientation and Identity

...homosexual which means that they only like people of the same sex, and some are bisexual which means that they are interested in both sexes, choosing what sex you like to date is called sexual orientation. There is also something called sexual identity which is what sex you choose to be some men want to be women and some women want to be men. There are two movies that make great examples of this which is the crying game and boys don’t cry. I was born a female and that is what I choose to be, though I can be a bit tomboyish. I also am bisexual but I am choosing to marry my fiancé who is the man of my dreams and my soul mate. Research has shown that there is a possibility sexual orientation can be based on genetics. Many anti-homosexuals would love for that to be true so they could try to eradicate homosexuality, but there is no evidence to back up that statement. Also homosexuals have the same hormones and brain function as heterosexuals, so it seems for the most part sexual identity and orientation are a lifestyle choice and has nothing to do internally with the body the only guess is that it is the adrenal cortical steroid. Sometimes though genetic defects can occur, these can confuse someone or make them feel like they are living a lie. Though weather through choice or defect identity or orientation. It is not up to anyone but that person to decide how they want to live or who they want to live as government should have no say in...

Words: 290 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Women and Sexual Orientation

...Women and Sexual Orientation Adam J. Hayden ETH/125 January 25, 2013 Lyron Baggerly Women and Sexual Orientation For millennia there has existed no single group of individuals more discriminated against, nor marginalized in civil or basic human rights, in politics, economics or domestically, than women. Notwithstanding the Women’s Right Movement, this percentage of the United States populace has continued to be sidelined by the patriarchal notions of the past. Likewise, the consensus views of society concerning Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgendered individuals (GLBT), historically has been that of derision and malice, viewing those individuals of this community as an abomination against all morals and ethics, usually using religious scriptures to back up these claims. Within the last couple decades, headway has been made to provide these two minority groups equal rights as established by Federal and State laws, but let us look at the history of these movements within the United States. The traditional role of women, as maintained by archaic and patriarchal views is that of a housewife. Her duty is to be subordinate to her husband in all things, providing him with offspring, raising them, and generally be a homemaker, supporting him emotionally, but making no decisions without his say so. If she were blessed enough to have a husband who respected her, she might be able to find a part-time job outside of the home, in order to supplement his paycheck...

Words: 1478 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Sexual Orientation & Identity

...Sexual Orientation & Identity Manuel (Matthew) Custodio The Brain, The Body and The Mind: All Together Now (Psy/240) 10/21/11 Instructor: Tana Warren Sexual Orientation & Identity There are many different perspectives relating to a person sexual orientation and identity, which will be examine. When examining sexual orientation there are three different types, which are heterosexual (attraction to the opposite sex), homosexual (attraction to same sex) and bisexual (attraction to both sexes) (Pinel, 2009). One perspective is orientation is link with genetics; finding that twin brothers with similar DNA were 52% of monozygotic twin brothers and 22% of the dizygotic twin brothers were homosexual (Pinel, 2009). Women had similar results with 48% for monozygotic twins and 16% for dizygotic twins female were homosexual (Pinel, 2009). However, no gene has been found to confirm or deny the claim that sexual orientation is genetic (Pinel, 2009). Another perspective is that perinatal hormones has an effect on sexual orientation in humans (Pinel, 2009). The support for this comes from the quasiexperimental study of Ehrhardt and in this study they interviewed adult women that was exposed to estrogen during pregnancy (Pinel, 2009). These women children that were exposed to the estrogen were more likely to be attracted to women (Pinel, 2009). Last, perspective is that sexual orientation is a matter of choice is consider to be a false assumption; people discover...

Words: 310 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Sexual Orientation and the Law

...Sexual Orientation and the Law Stacia Mayhew Columbia Southern University Just because you are different than other people, you may feel lost or alone. That is hard enough to deal with, but now there are people around you that are uncomfortable with the fact that you are gay, a lesbian, or bi-sexual. How can you tell your family and friends when you honestly have no idea that you don’t know how they will react? I, personally, am not a lesbian, however, this subject strikes a nerve with me because I feel that it doesn’t matter who people choose to spend their life with. Why does society care so much about whom people choose to love? There are some family and friends who will accept you for whom or what you are or become in life. Some may not say it right away, but I think they will eventually come around. I would be torn to pieces if someone I loved rejected me because of who I was and my sexuality. Coming out is hard enough and now you have your entire support network not talking to you because of it. Who do you confide in now? Imagine if you have no gay friends that truly understand what you are going through. Then you have everyone around finding out and picking on you making things worse. People can be seriously cruel and not care about their actions. The case in Oxford, CA with Lawrence King, 15, is a tragedy. He was in middle school and announced to his class that he was gay in front of his classmates. It takes a lot of nerve to be who you are as a...

Words: 913 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Sexual Orientation in Leadership and Communication

...Role of Sexual Orientation in Leadership and Communication Style John M. Stinnett ORG300 – Applying Leadership Principles Colorado State University – Global Campus Dr. Wendy G. Wilson February 14, 2015 Role of Sexual Orientation in Leadership and Communication Style Leadership can be defined as the process through which an individual guides and motivates a group towards the achievement of a common goal/s. Until recently, men have largely held leadership positions and men were thusly stereotyped to be more effective leaders. Women were seldom seen in senior leadership roles, and openly gay individuals were almost unheard of as leaders. However, currently with a more liberal trend to be open about one’s sexuality; gays and lesbians have become more frequent in the workforce over the past few decades, especially in management and leadership positions. The stereotypes are changing as more and more homosexuals enter leadership roles.  Diversity in Leadership and Communication Today’s leader must be skilled in intercultural and diversity communication styles. As Van Hoyes and Livens state, “an organization’s success, profit and growth depend increasingly on the management of a diverse work force” (2003). Diversity includes such things as race, gender, age, color, physical ability, national origin, etc. The definition of diversity has recently been more broadly updated to include religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, language, lifestyle, beliefs, physical appearance...

Words: 1183 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Sexual Orientation: A Social Problem

...well-being of some or all members of society and is usually a matter of public controversy” (Macionis, 2013). Sexual orientation is defined as “a person’s romantic and emotional attraction to another person” (Macionis, 2013). This is considered a social problem because a lot of people in the world battle issues surrounding their sexual orientation. This has affected me in more ways than I can count. Because of my sexual orientation I have been scared to make friends because of being bullied in school. I was afraid to tell my family because they are so religious and being anything other than straight was basically like throwing myself into seclusion from the family. So because of...

Words: 754 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Diversity in Workplace Sexual Orientation

...Diversity in Workplace Sexual Orientation Professor Antionette Dee Currie Richardson Human Resources Management Andre Marcano Florida State College Jacksonville MAN 4301, SUMMER 2014 Abstract This paper looks at the impact of being Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) in the workplace and if there are any limitations by various organizations. Most organizations often claim to value diversity, many Human Resource Systems are developed to encourage, reinforce and allow only similarities. Understanding the economic rationale for discrimination of LGBT and the implications contributes to improving Human Resource Discrimination policies that take into account workforce diversity. Employers should introduce diversity programs to educate employees and create an environment that is more hospitable to LBGT individuals and their allies. The goals and objective of the organizations training must be clearly defined and communicated. The challenge arises when forces within the organization operate to attract, select and retain an increasingly homogeneous group of people. This will suggest shifts in organizational policies, at the same time employees who are antigay or homophobic may dislike the shift in policy and begin to leave the organization. The net effect is to produce a workplace that is more accepting of change. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) an estimated gay and lesbian population at five percent of the U.S. population over 18 years of age...

Words: 1906 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Discrimination on Sexual Orientation at the Workplace

...Discrimination on sexual orientation at the workplace Name Sexual discrimination at the workplace Introduction Discrimination based on sexual orientation is among the leading forms of discrimination in today`s contemporary world. Sexual orientation refers to one`s psychological processes, instincts and sexual activity, as relates to members of the same sex, opposite sex or both. Homo sexual are people with sexual orientation towards people of the same sex; gays for males and lesbians for females. Bisexuals are those that are attracted to both men and women. In these definitions, it is important to underscore the fact that lesbians and gay people often have bisexual dispositions. Transgender persons are also victims of discrimination. These are people who are born with complete physical characteristics and features of one sex, but often feel emotional and psychological belonging to the opposite sex. As such a male feels and acts like a female, and vice versa. Many people, including those with sufficient understanding in psychological and social issues argue that trans sexuality is the root cause of homosexuality and bisexuality Morrow et al 19). Many studies in homosexuality associate the state of trans gender to complex emotions and instincts that cross over to attraction to members of the same sex. There are other claims that it is an effect of socialization, this one is not naturally born into it. Trans sexual have often come...

Words: 3832 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Sexual Orientation According to Apa

...------------------------------------------------- Sexual Orientation Development Sexual orientation is an enduring emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction that one feels toward men, toward women or toward both. Although sexual orientation ranges along a continuum, it is generally discussed in terms of heterosexual — attraction to the other sex — homosexual —attraction to the same sex — and bisexual —attraction to both sexes. Sexual orientation has not been conclusively found to be determined by any particular factor or factors, and the timing of the emergence, recognition and expression of one’s sexual orientation varies among individuals. Sexual orientation is not synonymous with sexual activity. Many adolescents as well as adults may identify themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual without having had any sexual experience with persons of the same sex. Other young people have had sexual experiences with a person of the same sex but do not consider themselves lesbian, gay or bisexual. This is particularly relevant during adolescence because experimentation and discovery are normal and common during this developmental period. Lesbian, gay and bisexual adolescents follow developmental pathways that are both similar to and different from those of heterosexual adolescents. All teenagers face certain developmental challenges, such as developing social skills, thinking about career choices and fitting into a peer group. Like most heterosexual youths, most lesbian, gay and bisexual...

Words: 2711 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Cracker Barrel: Sexual Orientation Discrimination

...Discrimination in the workplace against sexual preferences is common. Cracker Barrel in 1991 put in place a policy ban to veto employment to both lesbians and gays. A decade later they were faced many charges on racism for both employees and customers. LGBT individuals should be protected of their civil rights just as much as any race, gender, pregnancy, nationality, and disability. Cracker Barrel operates under traditional values and supports the notion that federal legislation is warranted to stop employment discrimination on sexual orientation. The Cracker Barrel case is something that has caused much controversy for the LGBT community. But, it has also brought the attention of this problem to federal legislation. After reading the article, we can see that federal legislation is in fact supporting this case. There are no federal laws in place at this time that actually prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, but federal legislation does not agree with the way Cracker Barrel is discriminating against the lesbian and gay community. In this day and age there needs to be some sort of protection for the LGBT community. There are federal laws that prevent discrimination based on a person’s religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, and race. So, now there needs to be laws that prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation. Cracker Barrel should not be allowed to get away with the way they have treated their gay and lesbian employees...

Words: 1346 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Sexual Orientation In America

...Sexual orientation is a hot topic in America. Here, in America society considers heterosexual orientation to be normal and the right thing. For many Americans, homosexual is a sin, is abnormal and not right. However, for the past years America has become more open to this topic. Nowadays, many people are a bit more open to different orientations and are getting used to seeing couples of the same sex, although there are still those individuals who are totally against it. I also noticed that even though there are people who are used to being around people with a homosexual orientation do not really support it. Nevertheless, the main reason that homosexual orientation in American is a hot topic is because of religion. Many individuals who are...

Words: 537 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Sexual Orientation Vs Gender Identity

...Let's begin with introducing the two. Sexual orientation is a term used to refer to the sex of those to whom someone is sexually and romantically attracted. Sexual orientation is not a choice. It consists of labels such as gay, lesbian, and bisexual. On the other hand gender identity is how one sees themselves in terms of male, female, a blend of both, or neither. Someone's gender identity can be different from what they were born as. So in short words, sexual orientation is "who you want to have sex with," and gender identity is "who you are." When it comes to the needs that surround the two, there are similarities. For instance, whom you are attracted to usually has a lot to do with whom you are. Sexual relations do not only pertain to who...

Words: 270 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Is Asexuality a Lack of Sexual Orientation and Analogous to Other Sexual Orientations and Identities?

...asexuality a lack of sexual orientation and analogous to other sexual orientations and identities? One of the most inescapable social assumptions is that all humans possess sexual desire (Cole, 1993; 192). A related assumption is that sexuality is not only something one does, but an identity or something one is (Weeks, 1986; Foucault, 1978, cited in Scherrer, 2008; 621). Most inquiries into asexuality have approached it as either behaviour (lack of sexual acts) or a lack of desire for sexual acts. However, Scherrer argues that the complexity and variability of asexuality also encompasses those who are interested in romantic attachment but with limited or no physical contact, along with others who are simply not interested in sex (Scherrer, 2008: 634), a discourse appears frequently in which self-identified asexuals participate. It is in this context where identity labels such as demisexual, hyposexual, romantic or aromantic asexual, hyporomantic, straight-A, gay-A, bi-A, grey-A, etc. take on meanings, as asexuals attempt to position themselves not only according to the genders of people to whom they experience romantic attraction, but also according to the degrees to which (and the ways in which) they do so (DeLuzio Chasin, 2011; 713). It is already clear from the language of asexuality that it positions itself as an alternative to sexual, instead of as an alternative to straight or queer, with significant variations in both ‘romantic orientation’ and the degree to which...

Words: 4208 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Sexual Orientation

...1. What is anger? What features does anger share in common with other emotions? In what ways is anger different from other emotions? -Anger is an emotion illistrated by hostility, and animosity toward somebody or something you believe has intentionally done you wrong. Anger can be a good thing, by giving you ways to express unhealthy feelings, or thoughts. Anger may also encourage you to find resolutions to problems, or troubles you may have. However, too much anger may create problems like, increased blood pressure and other physical adjustments that are linked with anger, making it harder to think straight and damage your physical and mental health. Anger is “an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage.”-Charles Spielberger, PhD. Like other emotions, anger comes along with psysiological and biological changes. When a person gets angry, their heartrate and blood pressure go up, along with their levels of energy hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline (a hormone that is released by the adrenal medulla and by the sympathetic nerves and functions as a neurotransmitter). Anger is different from other emotions by the way it is expressed and handled by a person. Anger is an emotion that most look at as “inappropriate” and “bad” to express. Anger can be caused by both external and internal events. You could be angry at a specific person (such as a coworker or supervisor) or event (a traffic jam, a canceled flight), or your anger could...

Words: 412 - Pages: 2