What first comes into mind when you see two people of the same sex holding hands or being intimate with each other? Do you have absolutely no reaction? Some people feel uncomfortable seeing this take place, and may even express disdain or hatred towards this scene. Because of this, many same-sex couples may hesitate to display affection towards each other in the public. Why is this so?
We live in what we call a heteronormative society, where heterosexuality is assumed to be the only normal sexual identity. Thus, queer groups are targets of discrimination, oppression, prejudice, stereotypes, and more. The general term used to describe the fear, hatred, or intolerance of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender/Transsexual) people is homophobia.
Some people may claim that they are not oppressing LGBT groups simply because they do not explicitly show hatred towards them. However, the ways in which LGBT groups are oppressed is much more complex. How many times has the phrase, “This is so gay!” slipped out of your mouth? How many times have you seen dating auctions or events centered only on heterosexual relationships? When you celebrate Valentine’s Day, do you ever see a poster portraying homosexual couples? As you can see, we have all taken up cultural norms without even thinking whether it excludes or oppresses certain people. In other words, heterosexual people have privileges that LGBT groups do not.
Our goal is to change negative attitudes that people have or do not know they have towards LGBT people. In order to do this, we believe the first step is to remind everyone of the ways in which LGBT people are oppressed. We also want everyone to realize that sexual orientation and gender identity are only part of what makes up a person. Therefore, we want everyone to believe that no one person is less than any other because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Find out how much you know by taking this Gender and Sexuality Definitions Quiz
More Questions? Go to these resources.
Books:
I'm with Stupid: One Man. One Woman. 10,000 Years of Misunderstanding Between the Sexes Cleared Right Up by Gene Weingarten (Author), Gina Barreca (Author)
What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality (Paperback) by Daniel A. Helminiak (Author)
Counseling in Genderland: A Guide for You and Your Transgendered Client by Niela Miller (Author)
Websites:
University of Michigan Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Affairs
Washtenaw Rainbow Action Project
Human Rights Campaign
The Kinsley Institution Sexual Information Links
The Gender and Sexuality Arena
The World Health Organization Gender and Reproductive Rights Glossary
Sociosite's Sex-Gender and Queer Studies site
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