Running head: ASSIGNMENT 1
Assignment 1
Author's Name
Institutional Affiliation
ASSIGNMENT 1
History of Homosexuality
Homosexuality is not a new phenomenon in the world. Archaeology and history have found
sufficient evidence of homosexuality among ancient societies such as Egypt, Persia, India,
America, and Africa. For example, as early as 600 BC, the Chinese practiced homosexuality
popularly known as pleasures of the bitten peach or the southern custom. On the other hand, in
ancient Mesopotamians and Assyrians, homosexuality was an integral part of the religious
temples. Religious texts shave also depicted homosexuality in the ancient and Middle Ages. For
instance, homosexuality is mentioned in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, both in the Quran
and the Bible (Morris, 2019). This indicates that homosexuality is an old phenomenon and has
been practiced in almost all civilizations around the globe.
However, up until the last few two centuries, homosexuality was treated as a taboo and was often
punished with severe penalties. It has also been outlawed in most cultures and religions. With
the advancement of science, technology, medicine, and philosophy, coupled with secularism,
sexual roles have been redefined. Homosexuality becomes increasingly acceptable in most
countries around the world. Denmark was the first country to legally recognize same-sex unions
in 1989 (Drescher, 2008). Since the numerous countries have done away with bans on
homosexuality and same-sex relationships, these include countries such as Argentina, Austria,
Belgium, France, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Malta, Mexico, the
Netherlands, Brazil, New Zealand, and Australia among others. These countries have passed
laws that protect the rights and inclusion of homosexual people in education, workplaces,
healthcare, etc. Over the last once a century, numerous Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
(LGBT) movements have been started and have made remarkable progress in the push for the
recognition and protection of the rights of homosexual individuals.
ASSIGNMENT 1
Gender Nonconformity in Mental Health
Simply put, gender nonconformity refers to the inability of an individual to conform to the
established gender roles. In practice, gender nonconformity may include a woman leading a
military operation or complex things such as transitioning from male to female or vice versa.
However, it is important to note that people with Gender Nonconformity behaviors are often
perceived as abnormal or radically different from the rest. In education, Gender Nonconformity
has far-reaching impacts on the individual who chooses not to conform to the established gender
roles. A study carried out by Klemmer et al. (2019) established that "socially assigned gender-
nonconforming adolescents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are at greater risk
of missed school due to safety concerns, and bullying, as compared with those who conform to
norms of gender expression." Bullying may affect not only the individual's academic
performance but also health since it is associated with stress, anxiety, phobia, and other
psychological effects.
The other notable gender nonconformity issue is discrimination in education. According to
Meyer (2007), gender conformity is a major target fir prejudice, discrimination as well as
violence against lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. Numerous research studies have shown
that gender nonconformity prejudice is occasionally intertwined with antigay prejudice.
Discrimination against those with gender nonconformity behaviors could have far-reaching g
effects on their treatment, academic performance as well as other aspects of life, such as forming
friendships. As a result, such students are disadvantaged because the prejudice against them may
erode their education and career ambitions. Therefore, it is important for all relevant
stakeholders to find ways to eradicate the prejudice and stigma associated with gender
nonconformity.
ASSIGNMENT 1
References
Bochicchio, V., Perillo, P., Valenti, A., Chello, F., Amodeo, A. L., Valerio, P., & Scandurra, C.
(2019). Pre-service teachers' approaches to gender-nonconforming children in preschool
and primary school: Clinical and educational implications. Journal of Gay & Lesbian
Mental Health, 23(2), 117-144.
Drescher, J. (2008). A history of homosexuality and organized psychoanalysis. Journal of the
American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(3), 443-460.
Gordon, A. R., & Meyer, I. H. (2007). Gender nonconformity as a target of prejudice,
discrimination, and violence against LGB individuals. Journal of LGBT Health Research,
3(3), 55-71.
Klemmer, C. L., Rusow, J., Goldbach, J., Kattari, S. K., & Rice, E. (2019). Socially assigned
gender nonconformity and school violence experience among transgender and cisgender
adolescents. Journal of interpersonal violence, 0886260519844781.
Morris, B. J. (2019). History of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender social movements.
American Psychological Association.
