HOMOSEXUALITY
Homosexuality refers to a sexual behavior or an attraction between
people of the same sex. This same sex attraction can be noted as
early as the Roman times when powerful publics figures such as
Julius Caesar and Socrates were known to indulge in sexual
relationships with young boys in their community. Due to their
position in society citizens viewed these sexual relationships as
normal and dared not question the ethics behind these sexual acts.
People tend to correlate same sex attraction to homosexuality but the
term can be broken down into further categories. Bisexuality, gay,
lesbian and transgender are the subcategories of homosexuality.
Each category has its own criteria that is used to define homosexuals
on an individual basis. Within these categories leys and individual
who is struggling to gain acceptance of themselves as well as from
friends and family members. Getting the approval of your loved ones
is something that we all want to accomplish. You want to pursue a
lifestyle that will be acceptable in the eyes of your family and friends.
Coming out publically can ruin many close relationships as well as
jeopardize professional affiliations. Disclosing ones sexual orientation
is and should be left at an individuals discretion. After listening to the
NPR link entitled “Debating the Ethics of ‘Outing’” I found myself torn
between ethics of public outing and outing individuals who are
closeted and anti gay. I believe that “coming out process” should be
done when that individual is ready to reveal their sexual orientation.
Due to societies standard of what is socially acceptable “coming out”
can cause social conflicts within the environment of homosexual
person. Many corporate and political positions are more keen to
accept the all American family that consist of a husband, wife, two
kids and a white picket fence. The idea of homosexual individual in a
position of power is something that society has not been able to
accept openly. However I do believe that individuals in politics such a
senator Larry Craig should be outed because he took an antigay
political stance even though his personal lifestyle is one that has
experienced homosexual activities. The hypocrisy behind individuals
such as Senator Craig is unacceptable because he is living a double
life. What happens in the privacy of your own home is naturally your
business but if what your doing behind closed doors is against the
cause that your promoting then you should consider promoting
another cause that you can be true to.
Homosexual individuals have always been known for feeling
somewhat different from their peers. This feeling has prohibited these
individuals from accepting their gender roles. The typical homosexual
is known for having characteristics that are similar to those of the
opposite sex. Many of the people that associate themselves with the
transgender lifestyle are more comfortable with performing the
gender role of the opposite sex. In the NPR link entitled “The
Difficulties and Rewards of Gender Transition” a transgender woman
named Sable Samone-Loreca describes the difficulties that she faced
trying to her place in society. Samone was one of the many
homosexual individuals who found more comfort leaving her
dominant role behind and pursuing the role of a woman. The
happiness that she found after her gender transition stems from her
receiving acceptance from her family members not as a man but as
woman. The transgender process is more of a mental process than
physical. Although the exterior is changed the interior is the most
imperative part of the transition. Individuals going through this
transition internally know that their genetic role isn’t the role that they
would like to pursue in their lives.
There are currently many studies being done to find a cure for
homosexuality. Although there isn’t a particular drug that can be
taken to lessen the attraction of the opposite sex, studies are showing
that people who go through therapy are leaving their homosexual
lifestyles behind them. As I listened to the NPR link entitled “Church
Hosts Conference on ‘Ex-Gay’ Therapy” it seemed as though Alan
Chambers dismissed his homosexual feelings out of respect for his
family and his religion. Religion is a major component in
homosexuality and at times it can be used to alter decisions in
deciding ones sexual orientation. I consider myself a religious person
and I don’t believe that your sexual orientation should be used to
determine your place in the afterlife. There are many people who are
living a heterosexual lifestyle but still living in sin. This controversy of
what it means to live a good Christian life is something that many
people are struggling with on a daily basis. Conservative old
fashioned people will argue that homosexuality is inappropriate in the
eyes of God. While others will argue that your sexual orientation has
nothing to do with your character.
Homosexuality is here and society needs to accept it. Just because
someone may have a sexual preference that is different form the
norm of society doesn’t make them any less of a person.
Homosexuals should be respected as individuals with feelings,
intellect, and rights just like any heterosexual individual. The lesbian
and gay community have been making many social movements to
educate people about the discrimination that many homosexuals
face. Just like racism homosexuals are being discriminated on based
solely of the premise of their sexual orientation. Each individual in
society no matter what your sexual preference may be is just as
important as the next. We all deserve equal treatment and
opportunities and our personal lifestyles should be respected unless
that lifestyle is causing uproar in society. If can open our eyes and
look past the obvious we will be able to see that the stranger that
your looking at isn’t so different from yourself.
NAVKARAN SINGH SANDHU & DR. NAVRAJ SINGH SANDHU