My Philosophy

Essay text:

Kinsey scale: Seven category sexual behavior rating scale to classify individuals based on their behavior Range of numbers from 0 to 6, 0 - exclusively heterosexual behavior, 6 – exclusively homosexual behavior, 1 to 5 – ranges of some behavior between each pole Theories on sexual orientation: Appears to be largely determined prior to adolescence Same-gender attractions are typically experienced for about three years prior to any overt same-gender sexual behavior/Lesbians and gay men tend to have a history of unsatisfying heterosexual experiences during childhood and adolescence/Identification with a parent of either gender appears to play no significant role in development of sexual orientation/There is no support for the hypothesis that any particular type of mother produces children with a same-gender orientation Forming a sexual orientation: Identification and awareness of one’s sexual needs/Adoption of personal values relating to sexual behavior and sexuality in general/Awareness of which sexual activities are preferred/Awareness of the specific characteristics that are preferred in sexual partners/Awareness of preferred modes of sexual expression/Recognition of one’s sexual orientation and personal identification with that orientation/Some may go through a period of bisexuality when they are in transition to same-gender sexual behavior and identity/Conflict model/Having confusion, conflict, and ambivalence/Flexibility model/Having personal growth, a wider range of possibilities for fulfillment, and flexibility in personal lifestyle (Rust, 2003) Homophobia, heterosexism, anti-gay prejudice: Murder of Matthew Sheppard in 1998 focused attention on dangers of homophobia/Boy Scouts of America exclude gay members and leaders/Businesses have learned to market products to the gay population/Businesses conduct workshops in an effort to reduce homophobic attitudes in the workplace Gay rights movement: Marriage and Legalized Same-Gender Partnerships/May enter into a heterosexual marriage for several reasons/Legalized partnerships/Civil unions/Defense of Marriage Act Legal rights: