Homosexuality

Sarah F. Anane Homosexuality **Definition** Homosexuality in the most general definition is the sexual or emotional attraction of two members of the same gender or sex. Homosexual women are commonly referred to as “lesbians”, while homosexual males are usually called “gay”, but the term “gay” can also be fluid for both sexes. The function and meaning of the term homosexuality is socially constructed and has varied in time and within different cultures. Homosexuality exists everywhere, but only in certain cultures or under certain circumstances is it structured into a subculture (Marmor, 1980). The behavioral definition of homosexuality is one who engages in repetitive sexual relations with a member of the same sex, but this description leaves room for many errors and misconceptions. It is not uncommon for humans to engage in homosexual acts under specific circumstances. For instance, the behavioral definition would classify prison mates who frequently partake in homosexual behavior as gay, but while out of the prison setting they would identify as heterosexual. It is usually the setting of all male or female surroundings for a long period of time that encourages them to do such acts. Therefore, a more appropriate definition of homosexuality is “one who is motivated in adult life by a definite preferential erotic attraction to members of the same sex and who usually (but not necessarily) engages in overt sexual relations with them” (Marmor, 1980, p. 5). This meaning specifies homosexuality as an identity rather than simply a sexual behavior, and it is important to note there is a substantial difference between the two.

**History** Societal views of homosexuality have differentiated through history, and progression of acceptance has been a fairly recent phenomena. In the past, homosexuality has been highly condemned and criticized by most religious, political, and social structures. During the seventeenth century, homosexuality was thought to be a disease ruled by demonic possession within the individual. Some thought that the disease was caused by hereditary factors, such as the sins of their father ultimately punishing his children. Anyone that was found guilty of being involved in homosexual acts was charged with heresy and treason, and they were usually tortured and killed for the good of their own soul (Marmor, 1980). This theory was relatively outdated by the eighteenth century, but these early beliefs placed a stigma on the term homosexuality in later periods. The following years consisted of research regarding the causation of homosexuality. For much of this time homosexual behavior was considered the result of genetic, constitutional, and biological factors rather than psychological experiences that happen within the individual. This interpretation was highly focused on the inborn nature of the disturbance and considered homosexuality to be untreatable (Hart, 2003). Such research has been based upon differences in sex chromosomes, hormonal variations, and mental health issues. However, studies on hormonal issues and sex chromosomes have been somewhat unsuccessful. According to currently available evidence, the sex chromosomes do not directly determine the sexual orientation of an individual, and hormone measurements have produced complicated data that lack sufficient evidence to claim that any theories are valid (Marmor, 1980). Being aware of the historical background of homosexuality is important mostly for understanding the basis of modern societal views of gayness. Homosexuals have endured much physical and emotional anguish in the past, and the struggle for acceptance is not nearly over.

Homosexuality has become an important social issue in American society today. Policies regarding homosexuality are constantly debated and vary between different states because of the social attitudes and reactions people have created against homosexuals. Most responses to homosexuality are not based on the actual physical act between two people, but about the social stereotypes and lifestyles of homosexuals. The sexual acts of gay men and women are done in private, so the problem comes primarily from the label that is put on homosexuals that reflects their entire lifestyle (Chesebro, 1981). While the sexual orientation defines the gay role and the beliefs and behaviors that comprise it, there is a stigma that lies within the structure of the gay role. This stigma is what attributes to the “proscribed behaviors to the inherent differences of those who defy the norm” (Dubay, 1987, p. 96). Stigmas regarding homosexuality have created a social out casting for gays and lesbians throughout history, and it has resulted in the forming of movements to fight against homosexual oppression and prejudice. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, homosexuals began to communicate their need for social equality. One of the most renowned occurrences in the history of homosexuality was the 1969 Stonewall riot. Throughout the 1960’s, New York City’s Stonewall Inn frequently catered to gays in the community. During this time, police officers did not hide their distaste for the gay community, and they would often raid bars specifically known for their homosexual customers. In the case of the Stonewall Inn raid, the people inside decided to fight for their right to express their homosexuality openly. The riot attracted a crowd in a popular gay neighborhood, and as the crowd began to grow the people became more energized to dispute together (Edsall, 2003). The Stonewall riots got much publicity and the courage to stand up for gay rights began to spread. The 1969 riots are known to have ignited the flame for gay rights activists all around the country, and some say it lead to the uprising of the modern gay and lesbian movement in America (Drescher, 2003).

**Gayspeak** Individuals within any subculture use specific language variations and behavioral cues. The language used by gay men and women reflects the relationship between the dominant culture and the subculture. Gayspeak refers to specific communication within the gay community, and it analyzes the verbal and non-verbal language use among gays and lesbians in different settings. Homosexual slang has grown out of gay communities and can only be understood within the context of the subculture. In social terms, Gayspeak emphasizes the importance of acting through language behavior, which includes role stereotypes, notions of approved sexual behavior, and rewards and punishments based on ones ability to use the symbols assigned by sex role (Chesebro, 1981). Homosexuals must understand the different contexts and situations in which modes of expression are appropriate. One habit of homosexual language is the idea of categorization. Every important kind of sexuality in the gay world must be accounted for, so different categories for groups within the community have accumulated overtime. Gays have socially distinct categorizations for sexual preferences, ranks, and norms within the subculture(Chesebro, 1981). One example of sexual preference categorization would be if an individual was a “bottom boy”, which is the male who receives anal in a gay relationship. A “suck queen” would be a woman who gives oral pleasure in a lesbian relationship. There are also different labels for common behaviors within the culture. Some examples of this are “Leather”, which would be one that identifies with the motorcycle crowd, “drag” refers to transvestites, and “S/M” labels a sadomasochist, or someone that enjoys giving or receiving pain in a sexual relationship (Chesebro, 1981). Another interesting aspect of Gayspeak is the secret setting, for homosexuals that have not “come out”, or told others that they are gay. For gays in a secret setting, the development and maintenance of a code language help to protect from their exposure (Chesebro, 1981). Homosexuals that have not come out are always on stage and usually on guard because they do not want to jeopardize their ability to “pass” as heterosexual. For instance, this person would tell their friends that his lover is his “friend” and he will usually avoid specific gender references. He might tell his friends or family that he went on a trip with “this person I know” or a “friend from work” (Chesebro). Furthermore, those with tendencies or hobbies that are perceived as homosexual must hide them. This task is probably one of the most difficult for homosexuals that have not come out, and it can have an unhealthy effect on their sexual and personal identities. There are also non-verbal communication behaviors through time that have been popular within the gay community. Since it is common for our society to assume that everyone is heterosexual unless instructed otherwise, and because of the fact that some gays have had to hide their sexual identity at one point in their lives, gays have come up with behavioral cues to indicate or show that they are homosexual. One example of this is how urban gay males used to wear colored bandanas in the rear pocket of their pants (Chesebro, 1981). It has also popular in the past for homosexuals to get piercings in their right ear. Non-verbal behaviors are an important communication tool in the gay community, and are often adapted with exposure to the homosexual subculture.

Chesebro, J. (1981). //Gayspeak: Gay male and lesbian communication.// New York, NY: The Pilgrim Press.
 * References**

Drescher, J. (2006). Judd Marmor, Psychiatry and Homosexuality. //Journal of Gay &// //Lesbian Psychotherapy,// 10(2), 117-125. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Dubay, W. (1987//). Gay Identity: The self under ban//. Charlotte, NC: Mcfarland & Company, Inc.

Edsall, N. (2003). //Toward Stonewall: Homosexuality and Society in the Modern// //Western World.// Charlottesville, VA: University of Virginia Press.

Hart, J., & Richardson, D. (1981). //The Theory and Practice of Homosexuality.// Boston, MA: Routledg & Kegan Paul.

Marmor, J. (1980). //Homosexual Behavior: A modern reappraisal//. New York, NY: Basic Books, Inc.

//Protesters against homosexuality.// [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://ponderingprinciples.com/2009/07/ making-homosexuality-normal/

//Representation of homosexuality//. [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.kingdomagenda.org

//Stonewall riots.// [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://fuckyeahqueerhistory.tumblr.com/page/2