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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