Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity - 2164 Words

As mainstream media is now embracing the once taboo topics of sexual orientation and gender identity as popular culture utilities, psychologists and medical professionals are still researching the biological, psychological, and social differences between the two. Since the phenomena of  ¨coming out, or openly identifying as a sexual orientation or gender identity besides heterosexual or cisgender respectively, is a relatively recent anomaly, there is limited but contemporary research. The analyses done so far indicate a universal and clear consensus signaling the separation and unrelated nature of sexual orientation and gender identity. The American Psychological Association on their webpage defines sexual orientation as â€Å"...the sex of those to whom one is sexually and romantically attracted...research has suggested that sexual orientation does not always appear in such definable categories and instead occurs on a continuum. In addition, some research indicates that sexual or ientation is fluid for some people.† While in contrast, gender identity is defined as â€Å"one’s sense of oneself as male, female, or transgender.† Milton Diamond attempted to separate the aspects of one’s personality in his 2002 research paper entitled Sex and Gender are Different: Sexual Identity and Gender Identity are Different. Diamond asserts that in order to understand the distinction between gender and sexual identity, one must understand the distinction between gender and sex, two words commonlyShow MoreRelatedSexual Orientation And Gender Identity863 Words   |  4 PagesRecent studies estimate that between one and nine million children in the United States have at least one parent who is either lesbian, gay, or transgender. However, many people feel uncomfortable about being open due to their sexual orientation and gender identity due to fears of discrimination; such fears include, but are not limited to, loss of employment, loss of child cust ody, anti-gay violence and hate crimes. Although many people may have distinctive opinions on certain outcomes or effectsRead MoreGender Identity And Sexual Orientation3311 Words   |  14 Pagessexualities and gender identities are quickly becoming more accepted in mainstream society. Despite this change, there are many people who believe that having a different sexual orientation or gender identity is a choice that is frowned upon. In order to refute this belief, research and biology of the brain is necessary. Researching the brain on the basis of sexuality is a fairly new topic of discussion because it is somewhat difficult and confusing. This paper will explore the different identities of genderRead MoreSexual Orientation And Gender Identity1496 Words   |  6 Pagesheteronormativity everywhere they turn. It is true that civil rights for LGBT people have progressed enormously. As of January 2, 2015, 35 states have legalized same-sex marriage, 18 states have workplace discrimin ation laws that cover both sexual orientation and gender identity, and the majority of public schools must have bullying policies that protect LGBT students. Despite how far we have come, there is still a lot of work to do in the area of acceptance. The only way homophobia will be diminished on aRead MoreSexual Orientation And Gender Identity Essay1878 Words   |  8 Pagesthey have become more open about their community and have gained rights that they should have always had. Even though the community has made progress they still have a long way way to go especially within the workplace. The topic of sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in the workplace is something I am very passionate about. When I was nine years old my father came out to me and every sense then gay rights has been something I am extremely passionate about. My father has worked forRead More Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Essay example3593 Words   |  15 Pagesand gender identities are quickly becoming more accepted in mainstream society. Despite this change, there are many people who believe that having a different sexual orientation or gender identity is a choice that is frowned upon. In order to refute this belief, research and biology of the brain is necessary. Researching the brain on the basis of sexuality is a fairly new topic of discussion because it is somewhat difficult and confusing. This paper will explore the different identities of genderRead More Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and The Social Pressures of Adolescents1983 Words   |  8 PagesAlthou gh we live in modern times, stigmas regarding gender identity cease to exist. These biases are prevalent within various cultures. Male and female adolescents are stifled from expressing themselves based on how they personally relate to their own femininity or masculinity and sex roles. The cause of this constriction of emotions is due in large part to these young people being coerced into obeying the rules of society. In addition, societal constructions seem to totally disregard theRead MoreThe Prevention Of Violence And Discrimination Based On Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity1713 Words   |  7 Pagesviolence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity Student Officer: Sarah Lim Position: Chair of the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee ________________________________________ Introduction: Gender identity and sexual orientation is one of the more stigmatized and marginalized aspects of self-expression for any human in our society today. A state or country with a more liberal take on the expression of gender identity and sexual orientation tends to be more prosperous, inRead MoreGay Marriage And Its Slow Progression Of Acceptance1441 Words   |  6 Pagesprominent theme in society as more time passes. According to the American Psychological Association, sexual orientation refers to the sex or sexual interest to whom one is sexually and romantically attracted to. Heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality are the three mostly familiar categories of sexual orientation for a typical person, and these sexualities make up for 98.9% of the sexual orientation among American adults (Ward 1, et al). But what about the other 1.1% of sexualities? While theseRead MoreThe Importance Of Human Sexuality In The United States876 Words   |  4 Pagesthe first 10 articles on the pa ge and found that the seventh result was what I was looking for. I chose this particular article because it was a 10-yearlong study dedicated to sexual identity in the United States. This is a national longitudinal study examining the stability and change of sexual orientation identity over time data was drawn from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States through a survey. The survey was conducted twice either by mail or phone what theyRead MoreGay, Straight, And The Reason About Sexual Orientation1236 Words   |  5 Pageshuman sexual orientation. More same-sex couples have fostered children than ever before in our nation s history. Institutions such as military and professional sports have (slowly but surely) began to accept openly gay members. Most importantly, a recent amendment to the Marriage Act of 1961 now defines marriage as a union of two people; an amendment which removed the prohibition of same-sex marriages. These landmarks in the progression of social awareness surrounding sexual orientation are derivative