Sexual Orientation: Gay, Straight, or Bi

Anticisms

1. evidence not discussed contradicts central propositions of the theory 2. reflects males and neglects females

AIB Model (Attraction, Identity, Behavior)

1. gender of sexual partners 2. what people are attracted to 3. self identification (what is really important)

Two- Dimensional Scheme

A high-low scale between: homoeroticism, heteroeroticism

Convert Homosexuals

A homosexual who is "in the closet" who keeps his/her sexual orientation a secret

Overt Homosexuals

A homosexual who is "out of the closet" who is open about his/her sexual orientation

Bisexual

A person who's sexual orientation is toward members of both genders

Homosexual

A person who's sexual orientation is toward members of his or her gender (negative connotations)

Heterosexual

A person who's sexual orientation is toward members of the opposite gender

Medical Model

A theory in psychology and psychiatry in which mental problems are though of as sickness or mental illness, the problems in turn are often thought of to be due to biological factors

Why do people become heterosexual? Brain Factors

Anatomical differences in the anterior cells of the hypothalamus Heterosexual men and lesbians are turned on by womens pheromones// gay men and heterosexual women are turned on by male pheromones

Can sexual orientation be changed by therapy?

Any one of a number of treatments designed to turn LGBs into heterosexuals. Earlier treatments were inhumane, but today reveals pressures from family and personal agonies.

Maternal Immune Hypothesis

As the number of older brothers increases, the rate of becoming homosexual also increases.

Interactionists Theory

Bem: the exotic becomes erotic Some children may have tempormental characteristics not typical of their gender

Sexual Fluidity

Changes that occur overtime in sexual attraction, identity, or behavior

Gay Baths

Clubs where gay men can socialize, features include a swimming pool or whirl pool, and access to casual sex.

Why do people become heterosexual? Prenatal Factors

Critical time in fetal development during which the hypothalamus differentiates and sexual orientation is determined

Sociological Theory

Effects of the label- derogatory, negative connotations, used as an insult or self-fulfilling prophecy...creation through labeling.

Kinsey Continuum of Sexual Identity

Exclusively heterosexual (0), heterosexual with incidental homosexual experience (1), heterosexual with substantial homosexual experience (2), bisexual (3), homosexual with substantial heterosexual experience (4), homosexual with incidental heterosexual experience (5), exclusively homosexual (6)

Lesbian

Female homosexuals

Stereotypes: Child Molesters

Gays can "hide" their identity from the outside world What can we do to prevent this? Must occur at the individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels as well as society as a whole, we must watch our actions and not assume everyone is heterosexual, a strong sex ed program can contribute to pass laws.

Straight

Heterosexuals

Maternal Stress Theory

If stressed in 2nd-5th month of pregnancy, the stress may change the hormones that lead to homosexuality

Queer

Lesbians, Gay, Transgender

Attitudes towards homosexuality

Many Americans disapprove of homosexuality Homophobia: the fear of homosexuals Heterosexism: everyone is heterosexual

Gays and Lesbians as minorities

Many suffer from job discrimination Ex) homosexuality was banned in the armed forces until 2012

Why do people become heterosexual? Hormonal Imbalance

No studies have shown any normal differences

Sexual Identity

One's self-identity as homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual, queer, or something else

Learning Theory

People are born sexual, and through learning, behaviors become more likely to become homosexual.

Why do people become heterosexual? Genetic Factors

Rate of concordance is higher for identical twins

Heteronormativity

The belief that heterosexuality is the norm

Sexual Orientation and the Multicultural Perspective

The definition of homosexuality is set by each culture

Coming Out

The process of acknowledging to oneself and then to others that one is gay or lesbian

Transgender Identity Disorder

They don't feel like their biological gender, some may never transition

Cross-dresser

Those who dress in the clothing of the opposite gender

Sexual Orientation

To whom we are sexually attracted to and have the potential for loving

The first questioning of sexual orientation

usually occurs around ages 12-15