Reaction Paper

Lecture Note E: Cultural Identity based on Sexual Orientation

Homosexuality refers to a same gender sexual preference. A common term used to describe the sexual orientation of a homosexual man is "Gay". Similarly, the term "Lesbian" is used to describe a woman who is homosexual, (a Lesbian may also be described as "gay"). At present, these terms are not considered offensive to gays and lesbians. However, other commonly used terms such as "queer" or "fairy" may be considered offensive depending upon the context in which they are used. A Transvestite is a person who dresses and holds himself out to public as member of opposite sex. A transvestite may be either male or female and this behavior may or may not correspond to sexual preference. This behavior varies in terms of length and duration and social context. In some social contexts, a male transvestite may be described by the slang term "Drag Queen". A Transsexual - holds him or herself out to public as member of opposite sex in terms of appearance and lifestyle. Involves cross-dressing, as well as hormonal or surgical gender modification (sexual reassignment surgery). Defining Homosexuality Homosexuality is a same sex" sexual orientation/preference which may or may not include a community orientation. Research concerning the frequency of homosexuality in the general population suggests that between 3 and 11 percent of the population may be considered homosexual by sexual orientation. However, this statistical range is difficult to ascertain since a common definition of "homosexuality" is difficult to establish. A homosexual act, does not necessarily indicate that a person is homosexual. For example, in prison populations it is estimated that up to 70% of inmates engage in "homosexual" acts while incarcerated. However, most revert to a preferred heterosexual preference and lifestyle upon release. In this example, homosexual behavior is not so much a sexual preference as a form of sexual release in light of limited social options There is also a very high incidence of same sex acts (fondling, genital stimulation, etc.) prior to puberty. This behavior should not be considered "homosexual", but falls more in the area of "sexual exploration". Even post puberty "sexual experimentation" is not necessarily "homosexual". Homosexuality involves a clear "same sex preference".

Other individuals purport to have a "bisexual" orientation, in which they are more or less equally attracted to both sexes. As such, sexual behavior may be viewed on a continuum from exclusively homosexual, to some heterosexual behavior with homosexual preference, to some homosexual behavior with heterosexual preference, to exclusively heterosexual. The therapeutic technology exists to modify a person's sexual orientation, but the techniques are highly invasive (Many of these techniques are used to treat pedophiles). However such Sexual orientation reparative therapy is considered unethical and is condemned by all reputable professional associations and training programs. It should be noted that the same therapy to change sexual preference from "homosexual" to "heterosexual" could also be equally effective in changing "heterosexual" to "homosexual". As such, no ethical counselor will attempt or endorse efforts to change a person's sexual orientation.

B,Canfield