October 02, 2011
Is it possible, as Rathus and colleagues (2005) suggest, there is
a part time homosexual, heterosexual, and bisexual in everyone, but may not be
acted upon or reciprocated? Perspectives
on sexual orientation are not necessarily expressed in sexual behavior but in
the direction of one’s romantic interest and erotic attractions (2005). Although there are many prospectives on
homosexuality (e.g. historical, biological, and gender nonconformity), they
shape who a person is and how he or she looks at themself and interacts with
others. As for myself; I am no different
concerning the perspectives that influenced my sexual orientation.
Historically speaking, homosexuality has been a part of human
sexuality since before the first recordings of ancient Greece. According to Rathus and colleagues (2005) the
“sexual activity depicted on Greek vases,” of older males with young puberty
age boys is quite telling (p. 299).
Homosexuality is also documented throughout the Bible. One of the most famous stories on
homosexuality refers to the town of Sodom in the book of Genesis, chapters 10:19
through 19:28; destroyed by God because of its overt sexual deviancy.
“Evolution, genetics, and hormonal influences” are scientific perspectives
that influence sexual orientation (Rathus, et. al., 2005, p. 310). Evolutionary
psychologists suggest male-male and female-female partnerships stemmed from
reciprocal altruism; creating strong group bonding. Genetic deviations in sex chromosomes (e.g. X
chromosome) have been linked to gay male orientation (Bailey, et. al., 1999 as
restated by Rathus, et. al., 2005). While
hormonal influences such as testosterone may affect the intensity of sexual
desire, it has not been shown to affect orientation, although researchers are
continuing to pursue prenatal hormonal effects (e.g. DES; a synthetic estrogen)
as a cause for homosexuality (Meyer-Bahlburg and colleagues, 1995 as restated
by Rathus, et. al., 2005).
With gender nonconformity there is a failure to identify with the
anatomical body he or she possesses. Gay
males and lesbians report knowing from childhood he or she is ‘different’ from
the other boys and girls; some as early as two or three. Males avoid physical contact sports such as
football and other activities that may cause injury; preferring ‘girl’s toys’
and activities (Dawood et. al., 2000 as restated by Rathus, et. al., 2005, p.
316). Likewise, lesbians report tomboy
behaviors and preferred rough games to girly activities.
These and other perspectives about homosexuals have made it
difficult for gay males and lesbians to openly identify, not only with
themselves but also with friends, coworkers, and loved ones. The mere term “homosexual” has been
associated with deviance and mental illness; this, of course, is not true. Homosexuality, deemed sinful by the religious
communities encouraged this type of thinking, and so throughout the centuries homosexuals
have hidden their sexual orientation for fear of persecution (Rathus, et. al.,
2005). Although current attitudes vary
from tolerance to encouragement, most gay men and lesbians are condemned for
their lifestyle. Because of these
conflicts there is an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and suicide among
the homosexual community. When a gay man
or lesbian can finally admit to him or herself that he or she are homosexual he
or she may still be unable to share this awakening with others, continuing to
live with fear and anxiety.
As for myself, I have
never struggled with my sexual identity.
I was raised in a blended family with four brother’s one sister. To my mother’s chagrin, I was a tomboy. I enjoyed rugged outdoor activities; however,
I was always aware of my femininity. My
nonconformity had nothing to do with whom I was anatomically. I never desired to be a boy, only to be equal
to them. I was the caring nurturer in
the family; I was always available to care for the animals and younger
children. Although my innocence was
taken from me at an early age, when I decided to pursue sexual relations there
was never an internal struggle, my choice was clearly that of biological and
social norms. The only difficulty of my sexuality
was which birth control to use.
To acknowledge one’s self-identity whether heterosexual,
homosexual, or bisexual it becomes apparent that looking at the perspectives
that play a part in whom he or she is as an individual is imperative. The value of historical awareness can help to
identify the pattern of choices currently made, while biological identity (e.g.
evolutionary, genetic, and hormonal) may provide specific details regarding sexual
orientation. However, gender
nonconformity is the struggle with one’s own anatomical make up and plays an
important role in self-identity. For
most people historical and scientific perspectives may appear to be a simple
thing; for homosexuals, these perspectives are anything but simple.
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