Michelle.Pavlick Sexual Orientation And Identity
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Michelle.Pavlick Sexual Orientation And Identity
- 7. American Psychiatric Association. (2011). Sexual Orientation. Retrieved November 11, 2011 from http://www.healthyminds.org The LGBT Center. (n.d.). Advocacy. Retrieved November 11, 2011 from http://www.gaycenter.org Pinel, J. P.J. (2009). Biopsychology (7th ed). Pearson Education, Inc. SIECUS Fact Sheet. (2000). Retrieved November 11, 2011 from http://www.uas.alaska.edu
Editor's Notes
- Sexual orientation and sexual identity have two different meanings. Sexual orientation has a strong link to genetics; sexual identity does not. Sexual orientation is often described as a homosexual, heterosexual, or bisexual. Sexual identity is how a person describes him- or herself in terms of gender – male, female, or transsexual. No single theory or explanation can determine the cause of one’s sexual orientation. Although many theories exist, many are still inconclusive. Asking someone why he or she is bisexual or homosexual is like asking the person why he or she is male or female. Acceptance of one’s sexual orientation and sexual identity needs to be taught in many homes and social circles.
- Sexual orientation is not a choice; it is something a person is born with. “McClintock and Herdt (1996) have suggested that the emergence of sexual attraction may be stimulated by adrenal cortex steroids” (Pinel, 2009, p. 344). The neuroendocrine system contains hormones that are said to influence sexual orientation and attraction. The neuroendocrine system is located in the hypothalamus in the brain. The hypothalamus in males and females contain the same hormones however, the level of these hormones may dictate whether or not the fetus will be attracted to males, females, or both. Before 1973, homosexuality was considered a psychiatric disorder but has since been removed from the list.
- Hormones such as testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen are said to play an important role in the development of sexual orientation. It is believed perinatal hormone levels may influence the development of early sexual orientation (Pinel, 2009). Exposure to synthetic estrogen during pregnancy may cause lesbianism or bisexuality; these findings have not been discounted or proven as accurate. Testosterone levels have shown to increase or decrease certain behaviors. According to Pinel (2009, p. 344), “Perinatal castration of males and testosterone treatment of females have been shown to induce same-sex preferences (Adkins-Regan, 1988; Baum et al., 1990; Hrabovszky & Hutson, 2002).” Altering genes and chromosomes in effort to ‘normalize’ homosexuals can create more damage physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
- The overwhelming interest in sexual orientation has led to therapy in reforming one’s sexual orientation. Gender Incongruence diagnosis is soon to be entered into the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Conforming people into heterosexuality creates hate, fear, and confusion for many people, young and old. Confusion about one’s sexual orientation is commonly experienced throughout childhood and adolescence. Evidence surrounding early sexual orientation development is said to occur around pre-puberty age, which tends to be about 10 years of age (Quinsey, 2003; Pinel, 2009). Sexual experimentation tends to begin during preadolescence and into adulthood. Although many people still tend to be afraid of the social negativity of their own sexual orientation, there are many groups to help ease the fears and confusion. The GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) community is largely assisting people in their struggles, fears, and helping to increase awareness.
- Confusion about one’s gender identity has been largely dismissed in the past as a phase, experimental, temporary, or attention seeking behavior. Sexual identity describes how one views him- or herself to others. A gay male may be married to a woman and so describes himself as heterosexual to the rest of the world. A person may be biologically programmed as female but physically looks like a male. These people are commonly referred to as transsexual or transgender. According to Pinel (2009, p. 345), “Some transsexuals with a male body type are sexually attracted to females, others are sexually attracted to males, and others are sexually attracted to neither – and this is not changed by sexual reassignment (Van Goozen et al., 2002).” Sexual reassignment surgery only changes the outer body to look more like the way one feels, either masculine or feminine. The gender reassignment surgery cannot change the sexual attraction.
- Common misconceptions about sexual orientation and identity may always continue but with the correct information and help, one is sure to find the answers they seek about sexuality, gender, and identity. However we may describe ourselves to the world, is the way one would like to be seen. Acceptance of our differences needs to be carefully observed to stop confusion, discrimination, and hate. A common misconception many people believe is that sexual identity and orientation can be changed and tailored to fit what society believes to be ‘normal.’ A common norm should include allowing people to express him- or herself completely, without fear of judgment or hatred. Learning to accept people for who they are should be taught to children of all ages.
- ReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association. (2011). Sexual Orientation. Retrieved November 11, 2011 from http://www.healthyminds.orgThe LGBT Center. (n.d.). Advocacy. Retrieved November 11, 2011 from http://www.gaycenter.orgPinel, J. P.J. (2009). Biopsychology (7thed). Pearson Education, Inc.SIECUS Fact Sheet. (2000). Retrieved November 11, 2011 from http://www.uas.alaska.eduPhoto of bears hugging retrieved November 11, 2011 from blogspot.comPhoto of neuron retrieved November 11, 2011 from 4nutshells.comPhoto of questioning orientation retrieved November 11, 2011 from shuttershock.comPhoto of sex symbols with question mark retrieved November 11, 2011 from designmeans.comPhoto of symbols retrieved November 11, 2011 from hauntedtimber.wordpress.com