Information We May Take for
Granted
WHO ARE HOMOSEXUALS? - people!
1. every racial/ethnic background
2. all occupations/careers
3. all socio-economic groups
4. all age groups
5. all religious backgrounds
6. 10% of the population
Everyone knows someone who is lesbian/gay/bisexual, although they may
not know it.
WHAT IS HOMOSEXUALITY? - an alternative lifestyle
1. One definition: Homosexuality refers to sexual, emotional and
phyiscal attraction, as well as behavior, primarily directed towards
people of the same gender.
2. Clarify that it means feelings, not just sex.
3. Note the ruling of the American Psychiatric Association and American
Psychological Association that homosexuality is not an illness.
WHY DOES HOMOSEXUALITY EXIST? - no definite facts
1. Kinsey study (1981) indicating 10%
2. Many lesbian/gay/bisexual people don’t consider it a choice.
3. Things to think about ...
a. What is “natural” or “normal” (homosexuality
exists in the animal kingdom, etc.)?
b. Why do people question the reason for being gay?
Often they want to find a “cure.” Is that appropriate? Why not ask
about the
origin of or reason for sexuality instead?
WHERE ARE HOMOSEXUALS? – everywhere
1. worldwide
2. in all cultures and societies – whether persecuted or not
3. since the beginning of recorded history
HOMOPHOBIA - the real disease
1. One definition: A clinical term describing varying degrees of fear,
dislike and hatred of homosexuals/homosexuality. Homophobic feelings
may result in prejudice, discrimination, and hostile behavior toward
people believed to be homosexual.
2. “Irrational homophobia” is recognized by the APA as a pathological
behavior (neurosis).
3. Questions about homophobia:
a. What causes it?
b. How does it affect society?
c. What can/should be done about it?
WHY IS SEXUAL ORIENTATION AN ISSUE?
1. repressive laws/attitudes
2. discrimination
3. bigotry
4. civil rights in the United States
5. social change
next subject:Religious
Issues
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