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... 3, the American Psychiatric Association classified homosexuality as sexual deviation along with other disorders such as fetishism and pedophilia (Zuriff. 1997, p. 2). Mental health professionals were classifying homosexuals as mentally ill because most of the research that was done involved lesbian and gay men in therapy. The research was biased because the research never included lesbian and gay men that were not in therapy. However, as Zuriff points out (1997), when the non-patient homosexual population was studied, researchers found that many homosexuals were leading well adjusted, fulfilling lives (p. 4). It was then concluded that homosexuality was not linked with incidence of psychopathology. Consequently, Stoller (1973) indicates that in the past, based on the conclusion that homosexuals were considered to have a mental illness were denied civil rights in many areas of life (p. 1216).
Furthermore, their rights were denied on the basis of demonstrating their competence, on their reliability and / or their mental stability (p. 1216). " Interestingly, New York, which is one of the most diverse cities, filled with a melting pot of people, is very biased against homosexuals. In the United States, there are only nine states that have some-type of legislation protecting lesbian and gay people against bigotry based on their sexual orientation. In addition, according to the article "Sexual Orientation and Identity (2000), seven states have even banned the practices of certain sexual practices between individuals of the same gender (p. 2). For decades, the human rights of homosexuals have been denied to them. They have been denied because of their sexual orientation.
However, every woman, man, and child has the human right to freedom of sexual orientation. "This includes the fundamental human right to freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation or any other status, and other fundamental human rights dependent upon realization of the human right to freedom from discrimination (Internet. 1996. web). " Consequently, in 1971, gay activists composed the Bill for Gay Civil Rights. The bill was brought forth to legislation and rejected each time. Finally, on March 20, 1986, the bill (Intro 2) was passed, which found discrimination in housing; workplace and the public based on sexual orientation to be illegal. The bottom line is that all people have the right to live according to their sexual orientation and should be given equal rights and respect. Homosexuals have had the short end of stick for decades.
They are basically blamed for many sexual 'abnormalities' that may occur in society. They are allegedly considered child-molesters, although it has been noted that heterosexual men commit 95 % of the child abuse reported. Furthermore, a Denver hospital reviewed the medical files of the child abuse cases from the period of July 1, 1997 to June 30, 1998. Out of 269 cases where molestation was dictated, only 2 cases were considered to be done by a gay or lesbian molester, which is less than 1 % of the cases. According to the article "Fact Sheet: Sexual Orientation and Identity" (2000), homosexuals are seven times more likely to be victims of hate crimes than heterosexuals. In addition, at least 75 % of the crimes against lesbians and gay men are not reported to anyone (p. 2).
In a 1991 study based on five regions (Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York City and San Francisco) indicated that there was a 31 % increase over the previous year in anti-gay and anti-lesbian crimes, which was a total of 1, 833 incidents. Heterosexual psychologist George Weinberg coined the term homophobia in the late 1960 s as society was rethinking sexual orientation. "Weinberg used homophobia to label heterosexuals' dread of being in close quarters with homosexuals as well as homosexuals self loathing (Internet. 2000, web). " Without really understanding why, many people dislike and even hate homosexuals based on their sexual orientation. Many go out in search to physically, emotionally and mentally abuse those whom they suspect of being homosexual. web). " One out of four gay men have been assaulted based on the perception to be homosexual and at least 50 % of the homosexual population have been assaulted at least once.
Many people object to homosexuality because it is considered to be a break from the norm and a break from the Bible. However, the Bible never deals with one's sexual orientation and in reality, the concept of sexual orientation is a recent development. The Bible teaches us about forgiveness, helping and loving others. Yet, many people feel that homosexuals should be condemned due to their sexual orientation.
According to an article on "Sexual Orientation" (1999), if Jesus is the guide to all Bible study for Christians, no basis exists in the life and teachings of Jesus to use the Bible as a weapon to attack and oppress homosexuals or anyone else (Internet. 2000. web ck. com / html /sexual orientation. html)!" There are many that have an irrational fear towards gay, lesbian and bisexual people known as homophobia. "As a result of this fear, homophobic people will often make fun of, discriminate against, and even hate gay, lesbian and bisexual people (Plan Parenthood. 2000.
P. 4). " Homophobia can be caused by anything, such as myths, negative stereotypes, religious or cultural beliefs and values. This may lead to gay bashing, which is verbal, emotional, mental, and physical violence towards gay, lesbian and bisexual people. For years, people have been searching for a cure and many homosexuals have tried therapy in order to 'alleviate' themselves of their sexual orientation. Conversion therapy is a variety of methods ranging from Christian programs to psychoanalysis.
According to Zuriff (1997), the most successful form of this type of therapy is one that uses techniques of behavior therapy, which has been used effectively to treat depression and anxiety (p. 9). This type of therapy involves two components. The client must be first taught the behavior of a heterosexual. "This is accomplished by reducing any anxiety involving heterosexuals activities, learning heterosexual social skills, and increasing heterosexual arousal through conditioning (Zuriff. 1997, p. 9). " In the process, aversion conditioning decreases the homosexual behavior and urges. Homosexual stimuli, such as "Photos, are associated with unpleasant stimuli, such as mental images of repulsive homosexual contacts under stressful conditions or with electric shock (Zuriff. 1997, p. 10). " As Zuriff points out (1997) success is clearly possible (p. 10).
What some people fail to understand is that homosexuality is part of a person's core identity. It is not something that could be learned or developed. It is just there. Many homosexuals seek therapy because some fear 'coming out of the closet' where as others have been told countless times that they are just confused. They put themselves through this torturous, barbaric treatment in order to feel "normal'. What is exactly "normal" anyway?
Furthermore, psychological and permanent self-identity issues can occur if one tries to change an individual's sexual orientation. Conversion therapy is harmful and dangerous to an individual and should be banned because it may cause identity conflict. One's sexual orientation is not a choice and it has much more to do with whom someone has sex with or with one's lifestyles. In addition, sexual orientation is not based on culture, one childhood, activities, friends and family. "Straight, gay, lesbian and bisexual people come from every kind of family background, from all religious and ethnic groups and from every community and country (Planned Parenthood. 2000. P. 2). " Nor can one's sexual orientation be changed by therapy, willpower or by having sex with the opposite gender. An individual can deny the feelings that she / he has and not act on them, but this does not change who they are, whether it is straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual.
Internet. 1998. "About Homosexuality and Child Molestation. " web molestation. html Internet. 2000. "Answer to Your Questions about Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality. " web Planned Parenthood. 2000. "Questions about Sexual Orientation: Get the Facts. " Internet. 1999. Sexual Orientation. " web Zuriff, G. E. 1997 "Psychology's Sexual Dis-Orientation, " Internet: web Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality Bibliography: internet. 2000. "The Disparate Classification of Gender a Sexual Orientation in American Psychiatry. " web Internet. 2000. "Fact Sheet: Sexual Orientation and Identity. " web Internet. 2000. "NGLTF Statement on NIH Genetic Study on Homosexuality. " web
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Research essay sample on Sexual Orientation Planned Parenthood
