Res 110 Sexual Orientation Research Paper
Sexual Orientation
Jennifer Battle
University of Phoenix
RES 110-Introduction to Research and Information Utilization
Dr. Janet M. Jackson
People will always judge others that are different based on anything. Even though it is still a problem in some areas of the world, race used to be the major object of discrimination. Now the more popular issue is a person's sexual orientation. Though it might not seem like a big deal to many people, there are many people who think otherwise; and they are usually the ones that create an environment that can be sometimes difficult to live in. In view of the fact that sexual orientation is without doubt an issue, it has been included as a form of discrimination that is also unlawful. In fact, it has been listed in the Fair Employment Act, which was the first federal law in the United States written to encourage equal opportunity. Initially, President Roosevelt signed it in 1941 to ban racial discrimination. However, it is used for discrimination overall; and things that seem to be unequal or unfair fall into that category. http://en.wikipedia.org/wki/Fair Employment Act Sexual orientation is also a name used to describe an individual's sexual preference or sexual identity. Three major groups can identify preference: heterosexual - people who are sexually attracted to those of the same sex or gender; homosexual people who are sexually …show more content…
attracted to those opposite gender; and bisexual people who are sexually attracted to those of the same or opposite gender. There is also a group of individuals know as transsexuals or transgender people who wish to change the sex (genitals) they were born with. All these groups have one common name known as LBGT, which stands for lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender. Many have their on terminology and views for these groups because their way of life is not normal behavior. In fact, it really is not accepted and not understood. People do not know whether being LBGT is a preference, if it is fixed, if it is biologically predetermined, or if it is a result of society. A little believe engaging in such behavior is just a result of being curious. A few think the behavior is trained or learned (fixed) behavior by parents that may have wanted to give birth to the opposite sex. Some believe it has something to do with genes or heredity. Others believe it can be social construct resulting from things that may have happened in your life like abusive relationship or rape. Since being LBGT is not something that is morally right; people in the LBGT group are stereotype, are often times discriminated against, and have even become targets for violence or hate crime. That is why there are certain parameters to protect them and why a lot of them surround themselves and only with those that are similar. We are very judgmental society and we need to understand that people should be evaluated based on their individuality their hearts and their uniqueness.
The color of a person's skin, the way a person dresses, the way a person behaves, or the sexual preference they choose should not matter. However, since people do base character on all those things, we tend to act the way we are portrayed. We do not act in that matter because we were brought up that way, but because we are put in a category before it is proven whom we really are inside; thus creating problems in the
world. `Sexual orientation in the business aspect has always been a big issue. The work place has become a more diverse for people that are LBGT. Great deals of companies are now accepting or hiring individuals whose sexual preference is other that heterosexual. Even though employers tolerate it, a person's sexual orientation can have a negative affect on the work environment because of the way other employees interpret things. It can also be a positive thing given that a LBGT person could be very skilled or have more knowledge in their department. This is helpful to all. Even though the position should be filled according to their education and job experience anyway; often times it just does not happen that way for it is wrong for employers not to hire because of a person's sexual orientation. Employers that have a preconceived notion about things should be educated by way of diverse training courses and team building seminars. This would be an assert to any company because training and team builders would increase and improve communication and possibly create better opportunities for some. Being fair by hiring those who are qualified for the job no matter if they are LBGT or not is good business, but it can also cause trouble. www.csupomona.edu/crwyrick/www/diversity/sexualorientation/sorientation.html Abuse in the work place and in schools happens all over the world especially with LBGT. A person's attitude towards LBGT can cause different types of abuse such as verbal, emotional, sexual and it can also escalate to rape. According to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), 85% of LBGT have been verbally abused, 92% of LBGT have been abused by calling them name like faggot, 45% of LBGT have been abused because of their color and their sexual orientation, and 62% of LBGT have been abused based on their gender expression.www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/neews/record/1809.html. These types of abuse can even result in hate crimes. LBGT get criticized and humiliated on a regular basis at work and school and anywhere else for that matter. Co-workers and students will talk behind their backs and insult them or ignore them. A great number of people have negative feelings towards others who are LBGT. Perhaps they may feel this way because they have never experienced getting to know someone who is LBGT. All they know about someone who is LBGT is what they have learned from others that have stereotyped them and taunt them for being different. People who taunt LBGT are most likely frightened by the fact that one of them will come on to them or they are homophobic. Society is ignorant to the fact the LBGT are people too; they have feelings just like someone who is heterosexual, and they deserve the same equality in life that every other person has. LBGT have laws to protect them in the work place and in the school environment, but if the employers and employees paid more attention to what is going on in their own office, laws would not be necessary and it would be a more positive and safer place. One might not think that their job is affected by the sexual preference of an individual. Contrary to popular belief, it is without a doubt a problem. Take the topic of gays in the military, which was and still a hot topic. Open homosexuals are not allowed into the military. In fact, there was a military policy put into place by President Bill Clinton called the don't ask, don't tell policy. This policy did not allow any person who comes into [sexual] contact with another person of the same sex to serve in any of the armed forces. While a member, a commander is not allowed to question a members' sexuality and the member cannot tell what their preference is or discuss homosexual relationships. Hence, don't ask, don't tell. This is good because a lot of people discrimination against LBGT who want to be or are in the military. They just do not know that not allowing them to be members or discharging them from the service will only harm the strength of the military. There are homosexuals that are willing to fight for and defend our country. So let them. Rejecting them, would only cause a shortage in service members. www.logcabin.org/locabin/gays_military_needed_military_skills.html If employees could maintain some sort of boundaries between their personal life and work life, there would not be as many problems and they will be able to deal with other people better. Companies need to handle sexual orientation in a value-based manor. A person should be able to express themselves freely in their place of employment without being discriminated against. If a person cannot be himself or herself their quality of work might not be as good and their attitudes can become quite negative; and nobody wants negative people working for or with them. Negatively can suggest misunderstanding and/or ignorance in places other than the work place. Church, for example, is a place where people are being judged left and right. Even though it has been said that people are not supposed to judge each other, it is being done on a regular basis in particular a person's sexual orientation. All churches are not the same view; they express disapproval of such behavior. It seems to be an important issue that people in the church will not close their eyes to. The Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, and Baptists Churches all believe the same thing; the matrimony of both gay and lesbian people is not acceptable. There are some denominations that do not support a gay or lesbian minister. Therefore, they also feel that the teachings given by them are out of place. That means LBGT should not be given the opportunity to be appointed as priests, nuns, reverends, or rabbits. The Baptists think that gays and lesbians should be punished because of their chosen lifestyles. (http://www.revricky.com/sermons/gaysandreligion.html) It seems that a LBGT lifestyle is punishment on its own because some churches do not even welcome them in the congregation at all. Being openly gay on top of being a minister is not the norm. For that reason, along with the churches beliefs and fear of being singled out, LBGT have a tendency to keep their homosexual lifestyle a secret in order to obtain a good relationship and/or reputation with the ministers and members of the congregation. Despite the fact that LBGT are discriminated against because of their sexual preference, they do not have to be troubled by the kind of prejudice they experience. There are churches they can attend that were created especially for people with similar beliefs whether straight or gay. The Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) was founded by Reverend Elder Troy Perry and was primarily established for LBGT. However, those that are not LBGT straight; white, black, Asian, or Hispanic; old or young; liberal or conservative; rich or poor, married or single, and those with a hearing impairment are welcomed to attend. (http://www.jesusmcc.org) At the present moment, there are many people that believe sexual orientation or preference is not a major concern. A lot people choose not to judge a person based on their sexual status; they feel it is their (homosexuals) choice to do whatever they want to do. On the other hand, when you take a look at religion, concern is much different. The matter of sexual orientation has raised a lot of concern mainly negative for some. As you have read, a person's sexual preference as LBGT gives the impression that is it unacceptable. You saw that the churches have negative views on an individual's sexual preferences and that their behavior is not tolerated. An individual who is not heterosexual will have to hide their sexual orientation in order to be part of the congregation. You also saw that a person's sexuality could have a negative effect in the work environment. Even though people are in the same [work] setting and are supposed to carry out the same work ethics, we still must take into consideration that we do not think the same. All employees interpret things differently no matter what the conditions are around them; and when people do not understand something or someone, they can be really pessimistic. For that reason, negative thoughts, comments, and/or behavior can pollute a business. On the other hand, there are a couple of positives about being LBGT. For instance, in the work atmosphere, a person who is LBGT might do better than a worker who is heterosexual because of the skills they posses; not because of their preference. If management wants to accomplish the goals of the business run an effective work place they will base hiring individuals for specific jobs on what they have to offer the company, and not what they do with their personal life. You can never tell what that one particular person might have to offer by judging them on how they view sexuality. Companies could lose a lot by not hiring that one individual who had an outstanding interviewing strategy and also had all the skills the business is looking for to get ahead. Another positive for being open about sexual orientation would be that it says you are not afraid of being that you are. Some people spend all their life pretending to be something they are not hiding the fact that they are attracted to the same sex or both to satisfy others or to live "a normal life". In the course of doing such, they can be very unhappy and become extremely depressed. So telling the truth or "coming-out" can be a good thing for their state of mind. As a person, you have to be open-minded about the way people prefer to live their lives. You either accept it or look the other way. The worldviews on sexual orientation have been wrong about being doomed to hell for loving someone of the same gender. Who are we to judge or tell someone whom he or she can and cannot love or share his or her life with? Back in the late 70's, doctors wanted to say that choosing a homosexual lifestyle was a mental thing. Some of us know how much truth is in that based on family members or friends that are LBGT. What we need to do in order to minimize the negativity we experience with the topic of sexual orientation is educate the public. Through reading material, television, seminars or friends and family, we can learn a lot if we just ask the right questions. In 1990, LBGT founded The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to help educate those that are ignorant to the subject matter. This group focuses on the damaging effects that some forces have on individuals lacking knowledge that includes our adults and children. The group recognizes forces like racism and sexism have similar adverse influence on society. One of their main focuses is helping the younger generation cope with their sexuality and deal with peers. (www.glsen.org)
Jennifer Battle
University of Phoenix
RES 110-Introduction to Research and Information Utilization
Dr. Janet M. Jackson
People will always judge others that are different based on anything. Even though it is still a problem in some areas of the world, race used to be the major object of discrimination. Now the more popular issue is a person's sexual orientation. Though it might not seem like a big deal to many people, there are many people who think otherwise; and they are usually the ones that create an environment that can be sometimes difficult to live in. In view of the fact that sexual orientation is without doubt an issue, it has been included as a form of discrimination that is also unlawful. In fact, it has been listed in the Fair Employment Act, which was the first federal law in the United States written to encourage equal opportunity. Initially, President Roosevelt signed it in 1941 to ban racial discrimination. However, it is used for discrimination overall; and things that seem to be unequal or unfair fall into that category. http://en.wikipedia.org/wki/Fair Employment Act Sexual orientation is also a name used to describe an individual's sexual preference or sexual identity. Three major groups can identify preference: heterosexual - people who are sexually attracted to those of the same sex or gender; homosexual people who are sexually …show more content…
attracted to those opposite gender; and bisexual people who are sexually attracted to those of the same or opposite gender. There is also a group of individuals know as transsexuals or transgender people who wish to change the sex (genitals) they were born with. All these groups have one common name known as LBGT, which stands for lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender. Many have their on terminology and views for these groups because their way of life is not normal behavior. In fact, it really is not accepted and not understood. People do not know whether being LBGT is a preference, if it is fixed, if it is biologically predetermined, or if it is a result of society. A little believe engaging in such behavior is just a result of being curious. A few think the behavior is trained or learned (fixed) behavior by parents that may have wanted to give birth to the opposite sex. Some believe it has something to do with genes or heredity. Others believe it can be social construct resulting from things that may have happened in your life like abusive relationship or rape. Since being LBGT is not something that is morally right; people in the LBGT group are stereotype, are often times discriminated against, and have even become targets for violence or hate crime. That is why there are certain parameters to protect them and why a lot of them surround themselves and only with those that are similar. We are very judgmental society and we need to understand that people should be evaluated based on their individuality their hearts and their uniqueness.
The color of a person's skin, the way a person dresses, the way a person behaves, or the sexual preference they choose should not matter. However, since people do base character on all those things, we tend to act the way we are portrayed. We do not act in that matter because we were brought up that way, but because we are put in a category before it is proven whom we really are inside; thus creating problems in the
world. `Sexual orientation in the business aspect has always been a big issue. The work place has become a more diverse for people that are LBGT. Great deals of companies are now accepting or hiring individuals whose sexual preference is other that heterosexual. Even though employers tolerate it, a person's sexual orientation can have a negative affect on the work environment because of the way other employees interpret things. It can also be a positive thing given that a LBGT person could be very skilled or have more knowledge in their department. This is helpful to all. Even though the position should be filled according to their education and job experience anyway; often times it just does not happen that way for it is wrong for employers not to hire because of a person's sexual orientation. Employers that have a preconceived notion about things should be educated by way of diverse training courses and team building seminars. This would be an assert to any company because training and team builders would increase and improve communication and possibly create better opportunities for some. Being fair by hiring those who are qualified for the job no matter if they are LBGT or not is good business, but it can also cause trouble. www.csupomona.edu/crwyrick/www/diversity/sexualorientation/sorientation.html Abuse in the work place and in schools happens all over the world especially with LBGT. A person's attitude towards LBGT can cause different types of abuse such as verbal, emotional, sexual and it can also escalate to rape. According to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), 85% of LBGT have been verbally abused, 92% of LBGT have been abused by calling them name like faggot, 45% of LBGT have been abused because of their color and their sexual orientation, and 62% of LBGT have been abused based on their gender expression.www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/neews/record/1809.html. These types of abuse can even result in hate crimes. LBGT get criticized and humiliated on a regular basis at work and school and anywhere else for that matter. Co-workers and students will talk behind their backs and insult them or ignore them. A great number of people have negative feelings towards others who are LBGT. Perhaps they may feel this way because they have never experienced getting to know someone who is LBGT. All they know about someone who is LBGT is what they have learned from others that have stereotyped them and taunt them for being different. People who taunt LBGT are most likely frightened by the fact that one of them will come on to them or they are homophobic. Society is ignorant to the fact the LBGT are people too; they have feelings just like someone who is heterosexual, and they deserve the same equality in life that every other person has. LBGT have laws to protect them in the work place and in the school environment, but if the employers and employees paid more attention to what is going on in their own office, laws would not be necessary and it would be a more positive and safer place. One might not think that their job is affected by the sexual preference of an individual. Contrary to popular belief, it is without a doubt a problem. Take the topic of gays in the military, which was and still a hot topic. Open homosexuals are not allowed into the military. In fact, there was a military policy put into place by President Bill Clinton called the don't ask, don't tell policy. This policy did not allow any person who comes into [sexual] contact with another person of the same sex to serve in any of the armed forces. While a member, a commander is not allowed to question a members' sexuality and the member cannot tell what their preference is or discuss homosexual relationships. Hence, don't ask, don't tell. This is good because a lot of people discrimination against LBGT who want to be or are in the military. They just do not know that not allowing them to be members or discharging them from the service will only harm the strength of the military. There are homosexuals that are willing to fight for and defend our country. So let them. Rejecting them, would only cause a shortage in service members. www.logcabin.org/locabin/gays_military_needed_military_skills.html If employees could maintain some sort of boundaries between their personal life and work life, there would not be as many problems and they will be able to deal with other people better. Companies need to handle sexual orientation in a value-based manor. A person should be able to express themselves freely in their place of employment without being discriminated against. If a person cannot be himself or herself their quality of work might not be as good and their attitudes can become quite negative; and nobody wants negative people working for or with them. Negatively can suggest misunderstanding and/or ignorance in places other than the work place. Church, for example, is a place where people are being judged left and right. Even though it has been said that people are not supposed to judge each other, it is being done on a regular basis in particular a person's sexual orientation. All churches are not the same view; they express disapproval of such behavior. It seems to be an important issue that people in the church will not close their eyes to. The Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, and Baptists Churches all believe the same thing; the matrimony of both gay and lesbian people is not acceptable. There are some denominations that do not support a gay or lesbian minister. Therefore, they also feel that the teachings given by them are out of place. That means LBGT should not be given the opportunity to be appointed as priests, nuns, reverends, or rabbits. The Baptists think that gays and lesbians should be punished because of their chosen lifestyles. (http://www.revricky.com/sermons/gaysandreligion.html) It seems that a LBGT lifestyle is punishment on its own because some churches do not even welcome them in the congregation at all. Being openly gay on top of being a minister is not the norm. For that reason, along with the churches beliefs and fear of being singled out, LBGT have a tendency to keep their homosexual lifestyle a secret in order to obtain a good relationship and/or reputation with the ministers and members of the congregation. Despite the fact that LBGT are discriminated against because of their sexual preference, they do not have to be troubled by the kind of prejudice they experience. There are churches they can attend that were created especially for people with similar beliefs whether straight or gay. The Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) was founded by Reverend Elder Troy Perry and was primarily established for LBGT. However, those that are not LBGT straight; white, black, Asian, or Hispanic; old or young; liberal or conservative; rich or poor, married or single, and those with a hearing impairment are welcomed to attend. (http://www.jesusmcc.org) At the present moment, there are many people that believe sexual orientation or preference is not a major concern. A lot people choose not to judge a person based on their sexual status; they feel it is their (homosexuals) choice to do whatever they want to do. On the other hand, when you take a look at religion, concern is much different. The matter of sexual orientation has raised a lot of concern mainly negative for some. As you have read, a person's sexual preference as LBGT gives the impression that is it unacceptable. You saw that the churches have negative views on an individual's sexual preferences and that their behavior is not tolerated. An individual who is not heterosexual will have to hide their sexual orientation in order to be part of the congregation. You also saw that a person's sexuality could have a negative effect in the work environment. Even though people are in the same [work] setting and are supposed to carry out the same work ethics, we still must take into consideration that we do not think the same. All employees interpret things differently no matter what the conditions are around them; and when people do not understand something or someone, they can be really pessimistic. For that reason, negative thoughts, comments, and/or behavior can pollute a business. On the other hand, there are a couple of positives about being LBGT. For instance, in the work atmosphere, a person who is LBGT might do better than a worker who is heterosexual because of the skills they posses; not because of their preference. If management wants to accomplish the goals of the business run an effective work place they will base hiring individuals for specific jobs on what they have to offer the company, and not what they do with their personal life. You can never tell what that one particular person might have to offer by judging them on how they view sexuality. Companies could lose a lot by not hiring that one individual who had an outstanding interviewing strategy and also had all the skills the business is looking for to get ahead. Another positive for being open about sexual orientation would be that it says you are not afraid of being that you are. Some people spend all their life pretending to be something they are not hiding the fact that they are attracted to the same sex or both to satisfy others or to live "a normal life". In the course of doing such, they can be very unhappy and become extremely depressed. So telling the truth or "coming-out" can be a good thing for their state of mind. As a person, you have to be open-minded about the way people prefer to live their lives. You either accept it or look the other way. The worldviews on sexual orientation have been wrong about being doomed to hell for loving someone of the same gender. Who are we to judge or tell someone whom he or she can and cannot love or share his or her life with? Back in the late 70's, doctors wanted to say that choosing a homosexual lifestyle was a mental thing. Some of us know how much truth is in that based on family members or friends that are LBGT. What we need to do in order to minimize the negativity we experience with the topic of sexual orientation is educate the public. Through reading material, television, seminars or friends and family, we can learn a lot if we just ask the right questions. In 1990, LBGT founded The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to help educate those that are ignorant to the subject matter. This group focuses on the damaging effects that some forces have on individuals lacking knowledge that includes our adults and children. The group recognizes forces like racism and sexism have similar adverse influence on society. One of their main focuses is helping the younger generation cope with their sexuality and deal with peers. (www.glsen.org)