Exam 2 CHAPTER 13

• This chapter considers biological and environmental explanations for homosexuality (or bisexuality), explores unique challenges facing lesbian and bisexual women, and examines differences between lesbians and gay men.

Key Terms

• Sexual orientation: Refers to a person's sexual identity in relation to the gender to which they are attracted; the fact of being heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual.
• Homosexuality: Sexual attraction to individuals of the same gender.
• Heterosexuality: Sexual attraction to individuals of the opposite gender.
• Lesbian: A female who is sexually attracted to other females.
• Sexual minority: Refers to individuals who do not identify as heterosexual.
• Queer: An umbrella term for people who are not heterosexual or are not cisgender.
• Homophobia: Dislike of or prejudice against homosexual people.
• Antigay prejudice: Negative attitudes and beliefs about gay people.
• Compulsory heterosexuality: The idea that heterosexuality is assumed and enforced by a patriarchal society.
• Heteronormativity: The belief that heterosexuality is the normal and preferred sexual orientation.
• Coming out: The process of acknowledging one's sexual orientation and disclosing it to others.
• Civil union: A legally recognized relationship similar to marriage.
• LGB: An initialism referring to lesbians, gays, and bisexuals.
• Performativity: The idea that gender and sexual orientation are constructed through repeated performances.

Queer Theory

• Queer theory is a field of critical theory that emerged in the early 1990s out of the fields of queer studies and women's studies.
• It questions the social construction of gender and sexual identities.
• Challenges normative and binary views of sexuality and gender.

Stereotypes Associated with Homosexual Orientation

• Effeminate men or masculine women.
• That gay people are child molesters.
• That homosexuality is a "lifestyle choice".

Types and Rates of Discrimination and Victimization

• Discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare.
• Verbal harassment, physical assault, and hate crimes.
• Higher rates of mental health issues due to discrimination.

Changes in Antigay Prejudice Over Time

• Historically, homosexuality was seen as a mental illness or a sin.
• Increased acceptance and legal protections in recent years.
• Still, prejudice and discrimination persist.

Laws Affecting Gay Couples

• "Don’t ask, don’t tell": Policy that prohibited openly gay people from serving in the military (repealed in 2011).
• Marriage (or equivalent benefits): Legal recognition of same-sex marriage varies by country and region. Marriage equality has been a major legal and political issue.

Intersectionality Perspective as it Relates to Gay Women

• Gay women may face multiple forms of discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation.
• Race, class, and other identities can also intersect to create unique experiences.

Benefits of Being a Gender and/or Race Minority

• Some argue that being a gender and/or race minority may provide certain gay individuals with unique insights and resilience.
• Navigating multiple marginalized identities can foster a greater sense of empathy and understanding.

Definition and Benefits of Dual Identity

• Dual identity: Refers to the integration of one's sexual minority identity with other social identities, such as race or ethnicity.
• Benefits of dual identity include increased self-esteem, social support, and resilience.

Differences Between Homosexual and Heterosexual Relationships

• Relationship quality: Research suggests same-sex relationships are as satisfying and healthy as heterosexual relationships.
• Relationship stability: Some studies show same-sex relationships may be more egalitarian.
• Childrearing practices: Children raised by same-sex parents fare just as well as those raised by heterosexual parents.

Sexual Fluidity

• Sexual fluidity: The capacity for one's sexual orientation to change over time.
• Women tend to report more fluidity in their sexual orientation than men.

Explanations for Sexual Orientation

• Biological: Genetics, hypothalamus structure, and hormone levels.
• Environmental: Social and cultural factors, early experiences.

Research on Psychosocial Adjustment of Children Raised by Lesbian Couples

• Children raised by lesbian couples show similar psychosocial adjustment to children raised by heterosexual couples.
• Factors such as parental support, security, and positive relationships are key determinants of child well-being.

Unique Issues Faced by Sexual Minorities

• Discrimination and stigma.
• Internalized homophobia.
• Lack of legal protections.
• Mental health disparities.

Microaggressions

• Subtle, often unintentional, expressions of prejudice or discrimination.
• Can take the form of verbal, behavioral, or environmental slights.

Differences Between Lesbians and Gay Men

• Lesbians may face unique challenges related to sexism and misogyny.
• Gay men may experience greater pressure to conform to masculine norms.

Differences in Public Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gays

• Lesbians tend to be viewed more positively than gay men in some societies.
• This may be due to patriarchal attitudes and the perceived threat to traditional gender roles.

Past Beliefs on the Mental Health of People with Same-Sex Orientation

• Homosexuality was historically classified as a mental disorder.
• This view has been widely discredited by scientific research.

General Mental Health of Heterosexual and Lesbian Women

• Lesbian women may experience higher rates of mental health issues due to discrimination and stigma.
• However, strong social support and coping mechanisms can promote resilience.
• APA guidelines for therapists treating an LGB client include cultural competence and an understanding of unique challenges faced by this population.

History and Current State of Civil Unions and Gay Marriage

• Civil unions and gay marriage have been a contentious issue in the United States.
• Marriage equality has been achieved through legal challenges and legislative action.

Queer of Color Critique

• Critiques the predominantly white focus within queer studies.
• Examines the intersection of race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
• Addresses the unique experiences of queer people of color.