Homosexuals are individuals that are attracted both romantically and sexually to the same sex. All throughout history homosexuality has been viewed in a controversial light with many people viewing it as a disgrace, while others view it as an accepted way of life. Without question homosexuality can be described as one of the most resilient and taboo minorities in our society. History as well as science has had a profound impact on how we as a society view homosexuals and how they view themselves.
We can start with the first historical perspective involving the Western culture. In this culture, male homosexuality was more accepted and less taboo than lesbianism. This was due in part because men were seen as the superior gender whereas women were seen simply as children producers (Peterson, 1999). When the Roman Empire fell in the 15th century Christianity became the dominant religion and the main moral view in the West. Homosexuality in the Christian religion is considered a sin therefore many Romans were punished and condemned for being homosexual. This began the start of the perpetual stereotyping of homosexuals that has been passed to each generation.
The second perspective that has had an impact on homosexuals revolves around scientific and biological factors. Our text states that homosexuality is determined by genetic factors, this is backed up by studies that suggest hereditary influences sexual orientation. In the reading, it talked about how scientists believe they have associated part of the "x" chromosome to gay males. The "x" chromosome comes from our mothers. Therefore, they think that sexual orientation comes from our mothers (Nevid, Rathus & Fichner-Rathus, 2005).
This scientific approach is important in helping homosexuals not feel guilt or shame thinking it is something they did wrong or could have changed. The final perspective on homosexuality is called gender nonconformity. Our text defines gender nonconformity as a "failure to conform to the...