Homosexuality versus Heterosexuality
Hanneke Braamse 3015165
Opsterland 5
3524 CE Utrecht
Written English
21 October 2005
535 words
Homosexuality versus Heterosexuality
The process of “coming out of the closet” for homosexuals often brings along a lot of problems. Though homosexuality has been officially accepted by various countries around the world, and is not referred to as a mental illness anymore; while homosexual are said to be equal to heterosexuals, gay men and lesbians are still not completely accepted by society in most of those countries. Because of untrue stereotyping and biases towards homosexuality, the “come out” of homosexuals is being hampered. Gay men and lesbian are often afraid of negative reactions from other people and the fear of being disowned by family and friends. Ironically, most homosexuals do feel better about themselves when they tell other people about their sexual inclination.
Homosexuality used to be called homofobia in the past. Literally this word consists of two other words, namely: “equal” and “to love”. For a long time, homosexuality was considered a mental illness. Later on, the clinical term homofobia was replaced by the word homosexuality, because people began to understand it was certainly not a disease. After all, homosexuals are capable of living a relatively normal life, and do not harm their enironment by being attracted to people of the same sex. These days, although many societies claim to be tolerant of homosexuality, homosexual men and woman are often the victims of discrimination
The main reason homosexuals share being attracted to people of the same sex, is because this process is meaningful to their mental health. In fact, the process of identity development for lesbians and gay men, usually called “coming out”, has been found to be strongly related to psychological adjustment. When the gay or lesbian gay or lesbian identity is more positive, the mental health of a homosexual person will eventually be better and one’s self-confidence
Opsterland 5
3524 CE Utrecht
Written English
21 October 2005
535 words
Homosexuality versus Heterosexuality
The process of “coming out of the closet” for homosexuals often brings along a lot of problems. Though homosexuality has been officially accepted by various countries around the world, and is not referred to as a mental illness anymore; while homosexual are said to be equal to heterosexuals, gay men and lesbians are still not completely accepted by society in most of those countries. Because of untrue stereotyping and biases towards homosexuality, the “come out” of homosexuals is being hampered. Gay men and lesbian are often afraid of negative reactions from other people and the fear of being disowned by family and friends. Ironically, most homosexuals do feel better about themselves when they tell other people about their sexual inclination.
Homosexuality used to be called homofobia in the past. Literally this word consists of two other words, namely: “equal” and “to love”. For a long time, homosexuality was considered a mental illness. Later on, the clinical term homofobia was replaced by the word homosexuality, because people began to understand it was certainly not a disease. After all, homosexuals are capable of living a relatively normal life, and do not harm their enironment by being attracted to people of the same sex. These days, although many societies claim to be tolerant of homosexuality, homosexual men and woman are often the victims of discrimination
The main reason homosexuals share being attracted to people of the same sex, is because this process is meaningful to their mental health. In fact, the process of identity development for lesbians and gay men, usually called “coming out”, has been found to be strongly related to psychological adjustment. When the gay or lesbian gay or lesbian identity is more positive, the mental health of a homosexual person will eventually be better and one’s self-confidence