Why The World Needs Equality for Homosexuals

GAC027 Assessment Event 3: Secondary Research Project

Why The World Needs Equality for Homosexuals (Draft)

Student Name: Do Hoang Giang
Student ID: KKPS19238
Teacher: Johnny Wilson
Due Date: 7/3/2014

Table of Contents

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate prejudices associated with homosexuality. In addition, methods on how to stop and prevent these prejudices will also be investigated.
Thesis Statement: Society shows a high amount of prejudice against homosexuals and this situation has to be dealt with. Effective methods to stop and prevent this problem must be developed.
Methods: Secondary research. Information found in books, journals and websites will be used to prove the thesis and support the purpose. These sources can be found by conducting searches online.
Findings: Information from books, journals and websites on homosexuality prejudice and prevention methods.
Discussion: Use the information to try and prove that prejudice against homosexuals is prevalent among most countries. Also, evaluate on how suggested solutions might help in solving the problem. Discuss how the situation will worsen and what the consequences are if the issue isn’t stopped.
Key Conclusions: Based on the findings, decide whether or not the thesis statement was correct or incorrect.
Recommendations: Based on findings, key conclusions and assessing the entire essay overall, make recommendations to make the situation better.
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Purpose: To investigate prejudices associated with homosexuality. In addition, methods on how to stop and prevent these prejudices will also be investigated.
1.2 Aspect: The chosen aspect is prejudice against homosexuality. This aspect was chosen because there is an increasing amount of discrimination against this all over the world. The situation is very serious as a majority of countries ban the practice of same-sex marriage and even have punishments for it. This aspect was chosen to show that the discrimination against this is not appropriate and anyone who disproves of same-sex relationships must stop.
1.3 Necessary Background Knowledge:
Definition of Homosexuality: Homosexuality is defined as when men are attracted to men and women are attracted to women (Exodus, 2014). There are a few labels that are assigned to each category. The two most common terms are “gay” which is the label for men who are attracted to men and “lesbian”, which is for women who are attracted to women. People who are involved in homosexual activities are considered to have acquired the trait from birth. Homosexuality is defined as not a genetic defect, an imbalance of hormones or a mental illness (Exodus, 2014). It is claimed by scientists that two set of genes that are linked together determine whether a man is gay or straight. This research was conducted on 400 pairs of gay brothers and was consistent across the board, further supporting that homosexuality is caused by genes (Macrae, 2014).
Brief History of Homosexuality: The earliest evidence discovered about homosexuality were ancient tombs and tomb drawings made for homosexual couples in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. This proves that homosexuality was prevalent at the time and was recognized by the state. In addition to this, recorded laws and documents that protect individual rights for couples in same-sex marriage were also found in parts of ancient Greek and Rome. (Pickett, 2011). In ancient Greece, men in their 20s to 30s became mentors to boys who had not reached adulthood. A standard courtship took place and the relationship ended when the boy reached adulthood. However, attitudes towards this slowly turned negative when it went from overt to covert. The same attitude happened in ancient Rome with the rise of the Catholic Church. This attitude reached its peak in the fourth century when laws were passed, promising to punish anyone who engaged in gay marriage (Pickett, 2011).
1.4 Thesis Statement: Society shows a high amount of prejudice against homosexuals and this situation has to be dealt with. Effective methods to stop and prevent this problem must be developed.
2.0 Methods
2.1 Secondary Research Sources: There are a total of nine sources used in this report which includes one book, two journal articles and six websites.
Book: “Psychological Perspectives on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Experiences”. This book includes issues like what causes homosexual prejudice, violence towards gays and lesbians, biological views and so on.
Journal 1: “Homosexuality”. Contains a brief historical overview of homosexuality.
Journal 2: “Laws Prohibiting Same Sex Activities”. This includes a selection of laws across the globe prohibiting same sex attraction and punishments for engaging in it.
Website 1: “What is Homosexuality?” .Contains definitions of homosexuality and how it is interpreted.
Website 2: “Being Gay is in Your Genes”. Contains supporting details about how homosexuality can be a biological trait.
Website 3: “Countries Where Homosexuality is Criminalized”. Shows a list of countries that bans homosexual activity.
Website 4: “Preventing Mental Health Consequences of Heterosexism”. Discusses impacts of homosexual discrimination and methods to prevent/reduce the problem.
Website 5: “How You Can Help?” . Includes suggestions on how to prevent/stop homophobia and heterosexism.
Website 6: “Statistics on Discrimination of Homosexuals”. Statistical charts and graphs involving homosexuality. 2.2 Data Collection Methods: Mostly from Internet searches. Books and journals were also obtained online about this topic. However, other collection methods were used like books from a library or interviewing.
2.3 Justification: There were some benefits to searching by the Internet. First of all, world views are available online and it is important to have a wide scope when discussing this topic. Second of all, this method is very easy to carry out and saves a lot of time. Finally, information can be found instantly instead of having to manually find books and journals.
3.0 Research Findings
3.1 Present Findings: Sexual prejudice is prevalent throughout the world. However, one must understand what it is first. Sexual prejudice refers to all negative reactions towards homosexual behavior and any individual who label themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual. Aggression can be expressed towards homosexual communities, people with such behavior and the concept of homosexuality itself (Garnets & Kimmel, 2013). According to reports by The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), a total of 76 to 87 countries outlaw same sex marriages. These countries were mainly from Africa and Asia with Middle Eastern countries taking the majority. Other regions include South America and some North American states, Oceania and Europe (Council for Global Equality, 2010).
The countries with the most severe punishments for being gay are Afghanistan which includes a death penalty and a life-long prison sentence, Iraq which includes a death sentence and receiving 60-100 lashes and Saudi-Arabia which includes death by stoning or banishment (Ottosson, 2007).
Heterosexism has a very heavy and negative impact on lesbians, gays and bisexuals. It can affect their health and their mental stability. Oppression or discrimination can lead to many severe health complications. For example, it can induce “somatic reactions, increased sense of vulnerability, self-blame, decreased self-worth, internalized homophobia, depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation and/or attempts” (Medscape, 2009).
There have been suggestions in order to improve the situation. These can include organizing workshops and social meetings for LGB individual so that they are exposed to positive information and helping them to stay in contact with other LGB individuals (Medscape, 2009). However, the real change has to come from society. There are affective ways to reduce heterosexism and homophobia. Some examples include using inclusive language when asking about their relationship (asking about their partner instead of wife or husband), stop or discourage other people from telling jokes or making fun of homosexuality, not calling names like “gay” or “lesbian” and so on (Stop Hate, 2000).
3.2 Summarization: The graph below is a representation of a worldwide survey. Countries in different continents conducted questionnaires, asking a large cross-section of people about their opinions on acceptance of homosexuality. As the graph shows, there seems to be more and more countries accepting homosexuality. The majority of North America and Europe seem to accept homosexuality, although Greece and Italy has a high disagreement rate. Russia almost completely disagrees due to propaganda laws present in the country.
The two regions where homosexuality is most prohibited are in the Middle East and Asia/Pacific with disagreement rates from 47% to 97%. It is most likely to be the influence of religions such as Islam that has very harsh punishments against same-sex practices. In Asia/Pacific, Australia, Philippines and Japan accept homosexuality. However, all the countries from then on disprove strongly with agreement rates only ranging from 2% to 39%. In conclusion 14 out of 26 countries in the survey showed acceptance rate over 50%, indicating that homosexuality is starting to be welcomed into society. On the other hand, countries that don’t accept this expressed a strong repulsion to homosexuality. This shows that some regions have still not embraced the present philosophies and continue to punish people engaging in same-sex relationships.

(Note: the numbers do not add up to 100% since it is impossible to ask every single person in a country)
The table below shows penalties punishable by law and social reactions toward homosexuality. As the table shows, the harshest and most severe consequences are conducted by countries in the Middle East and Africa. Punishments include death sentences, whippings, six months to 20 years of prison, life imprisonment, execution, kidnappings, torture and even murder.
It is highly probable that religion is the reason behind this. Islam and other religions in the Middle East describes being gay or lesbian as going against the creation of gods and therefore punishes anybody that engages in such practices.
In conclusion, it is very frightening to see that such punishments can and still are being issued in the modern day. There have to be clear policies, laws and rights to protect homosexuals in these countries. If not, then significant change can never happen and will continue for decades to centuries.
How Homosexuals Fare

The preceding graph is a visual representation of all the countries that disprove of same-sex relationships. Out of 87 countries, Africa has the most countries that oppose this concept. Following this region is Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. The region with the least countries was Europe. Arguments against this phenomenon could include religion, political barriers, cultural taboos and tradition.

The graph above shows the number of countries worldwide and their legalization status of homosexuality. So far, more than half of countries worldwide do not have anti-gay laws. However, the number of countries that criminalizes homosexuality is relatively high, indicating that same-sex marriage/relationships are still not universal. Following this will be several reasons for objection. Religion plays a major role. However, social acceptance, tradition and other factors will have to be accounted for. 4.0 Discussion
4.1 Interpret: “Society shows a high amount of prejudice against homosexuals and this situation has to be dealt with. Effective methods to stop and prevent this problem must be developed.”
As shown in the findings, there are 76 to 83 countries out of 196 that disprove of homosexuality. That is almost half of the world. This proves that homosexuality is still a new issue and not approved by many due to its opposition to natural practices. Countries with strong religions not only disprove but also punish any individual that engages in this activity. In addition to punishment by law, homosexuals also get oppression from society, sometimes resulting in torture, kidnappings and even murder. This has to stop as this kind of hatred and discrimination is over the limit and is very inhumane. It is very discouraging to still see these actions being carried out as it seems like how ancient people would handle the situation. The situation has to be dealt with immediately in order to improve conditions around the world.
Methods were also suggested in findings, like organizing workshops and social meetings for LGB individual so that they are exposed to positive information and helping them to stay in contact with other LGB individuals. Other methods can be effective as well, such as educating people about homosexuality, having debates supporting the cause and its individuals, organizing campaigns to raise awareness about the inequality that homosexuals experience and most importantly, encourage others to reconsider their negative views on the matter and clarify the issue. After all, homosexuals are still people, and all people were born equal. However, this is only effective locally. If there is to be global change, everyone around the world has to change their views about homosexuality and governments have to pass laws protecting individuals in same-sex relationships. These laws must then be reinforced and ensured by the nation. Organizations that support this cause like ILGA should continue to be encouraged by people so that they can carry on protecting rights. Education about this matter should be more widespread as not all people fully understand the situation. Therefore, it must be clarified in order to eliminate negative thinking. Debates rooting for same-sex relationships should be discussed more by groups like the United Nations in order to defend rights that homosexuals deserve.
4.2 Implications: Looking at the information, we can slightly see that there are minor improvements in this subject. A wave of development and change is sweeping the world at a rate that is quicker than any in recent history. More and more countries are recognizing this unfair discrimination and are trying to improve the situation, such as Canada and the United States.
However, the punishments and penalties in the Middle East say otherwise. Crude, brutal and otherwise, inhumane punishments like stoning or hanging are still carried out publicly in the Middle East. This implies that it will take a much longer period or perhaps even eternity for homosexuality to become universally accepted. This can be caused by religious beliefs, cultural taboos and traditional restrictions. It will certainly be a great challenge to make homosexuality acceptable in every country.
Hopefully, this is signaling to governments and supporters to start/continue to fight for the cause. Laws and rights have to be passed and enforced so that homosexuality is accepted as equal in our society.
4.3 Effectiveness of Research: reliability of sources could have affected the accuracy of the report and data collected. Incorrect information can hinder the writing process and cause information presented to become useless. Having no books/journals on the subject would have affected the writing process as well, but this wasn’t the case. Biased views could have made the information incorrect and an interview could have made the report better in the sense that there is raw, non-tempered information collected.
5.0 Conclusions
5.1 Conclusions: In conclusion, the thesis statement is correct. The mass prejudice in Asia, Middle East and Europe proves that discrimination is wide spread and prevalent in modern days. There are harsh punishments that are incorporated and effective methods have to be developed since there aren’t any clear solutions. This situation might take a long time to resolve as the severity of punishments show just how unacceptable it is in some communities.
However, the change that the world is witnessing is the best development that we have ever seen in past years. Laws and regulations have been passed in countries like Canada and the United States. Countries all over the world are allowing homosexuality and some are even reconsidering their laws. In order to protect individuals laws and regulations will have to be passed and enforced tightly.
Nevertheless, the change has to start from the people themselves instead of depending solely on governments. People that truly care about this discrimination problem should stand up and fight for rights and encourage other people to reconsider their views. Education about the matter will also have to be integrated into communities and environments for the severity to lift.
5.2 Recommendations: some of the most suitable recommendations are for the government to pass laws and protect homosexual communities and individuals. These laws can include anti-discrimination laws in the workplace and other environments. Groups like the United Nations must discuss the matter and develop solutions in order to improve the situation. Organizations that support this cause should continue to contribute to the global recognition is same-sex rights.
In addition to this, society will also have to reconsider their attitude towards homosexuality and embrace modern philosophies. Workshops that provide homosexuals a chance to meet and socialize with similar people would expose them to a positive environment and prevent them from feeling alone amongst the unfair treatment that they experience. Education about this should also be more prevalent in society in so that people actually understand what the situation is. Encouragement and support for homosexuals is also very important in the process of solving this problem. Last but not least, people that approves and supports same-sex marriages and relationships should attempt to explain it to those who don’t and convince them to reconsider and think otherwise.
Reference List
Countries Where Homosexuality is Criminalized (2010). The Council for Global Equality. Available on http://www.globalequality.org/component/content/article/166. Accessed 4th March 2014.

Garnets, L. & Kimmel, D. (2013). Psychological Perspectives on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Experiences.
Columbia University Press, Vol 2. Available on http://books.google.com.vn/books?id=u9g7Eldl0CQC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false [on-line]. Accessed on 5th March 2014.

How You Can Help (2000). Stop Hate [on-line]. Available on http://www.stophate.us/howhelp.htm.
Accessed 4th March 2014.

Macrae, F. (2014). Being gay IS in your genes, say scientists in controversial new DNA study. Daily Mail
UK. Available on http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2559021/Being-gay-DNA-researchers-claim-controversial-new-study.html. Accessed 4th March 2014.

Mathews, C. & Adams, E. (2009). Using a Social Justice Approach to Prevent the Mental Health

Consequences of Heterosexism. Medscape [on-line]. Available on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586710_3. Accessed 4th March 2014.

Ottosson, D. (2007). A World Survey of Laws Prohibiting Same Sex Activities Between Consenting
Adults. International Gay and Lesbian Association. Available on http://www.rfsl.se/public/state_homophobia_september_edition.pdf. Accessed on 6th March 2014.

Pickett, B. (2011). Homosexuality. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Available on http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/homosexuality/. Accessed on 6th March 2014.

Statistics on Discrimination of Homosexuals (2009). Wordpress [on-line]. Avaiable on http://filipspagnoli.wordpress.com/stats-on-human-rights/statistics-on-discrimination/statistics-on-discrimination-of-homosexuals/#7. Accessed 4th March 2014.

What is Homosexuality? (2014). Exodus Global Alliance. Available on http://www.exodusglobalalliance.org/whatishomosexualityp93.php. Accessed 4th March 2014.