Chapter Nine
Sexual Orientation Diversity
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Terms of Sexual Orientation - 1
• Sexual Orientation
The classification of individuals as heterosexual,
bisexual, or homosexual based on their emotional,
cognitive, and sexual attractions, as well as their selfidentity and lifestyle.
• Heterosexuality
Sexual orientation in which the predominance of
emotional and sexual attraction is to persons of the
other sex.
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Terms of Sexual Orientation - 2
• Homosexuality
Sexual orientation in which the predominance of
emotional and sexual attractions to persons of the
same sex.
• Bisexuality
The emotional and sexual attraction to members of
both sexes.
• LesBiGays
A term that collectively refers to lesbians, gays, and
bisexuals.
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Terms of Sexual Orientation - 3
• Transgendered
Individuals who express some characteristics other
than their assigned gender or biological sex.
• Transgendered Individuals
Persons who do not fit neatly into either the male or
female category, or their behavior is not congruent
with the norms and expectations of their sex.
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Conceptual Models of Sexual
Orientation - 1
• Dichotomous Model
Model in which people are either heterosexual or
homosexual
• Unidimensional Continuum Model
Model in which sexual orientation is viewed on a
continuum
• Multidimensional Model
Views sexuality as a function of degrees of various
components such as emotions, behaviors, and
cognitions
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Conceptual Models of Sexual
Orientation - 2
• LesBiGay/Transgender Affirmative Model
Model which has an emphasis on diversity and gender issues.
• Prevalence of Homosexuality, Heterosexuality,
and Bisexuality
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The prevalence of homosexuality, heterosexuality, and
bisexuality is difficult to determine.
Due to embarrassment, a desire for privacy, or fear of social
disapproval, many individuals are not willing to answer
questions about their sexuality honestly.
Sexual fluidity: erotic responses may vary according to the
situation
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Theories of Sexual Orientation
• Biological Explanations
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Genetic Theories
Perinatal Hormonal Theories
Postpubertal Hormonal Theories
• Social/Cultural Explanations
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Parent-Child Interaction Theories
Sexual Interaction Theories
Sex-Role Theories
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Gay and Bisexual Identity
Development - 1
Synthesized Model of Gay Identity Development
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Gay and Bisexual Identity
Development - 2
• Stages of Development
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Stage 1: First awareness or realization that one is “different”
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Stage 2: Test and exploration
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Stage 3: Identity acceptance
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Stage 4: Identity integration
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Coming Out - 1
• Coming Out
(A shortened form of “coming out of the closet”)
Refers to the sequence of defining one’s self as
homosexual and disclosing one’s self-identification to
others
• Coming Out to One’s Self
The process of accepting one’s bisexual identity may
include confusion, refusal, exploration, acceptance.
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Coming Out - 2
• Coming Out to Parents and Siblings
Although the majority of families are neither totally
rejecting nor totally accepting, parents must often
grieve and obtain accurate information about gay
lifestyles.
• Personal Choices: Disclosing One’s
Homosexuality to Parents
The decision to come out to one’s parents is related to
the perceived risks/reactions of doing so.
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Coming Out - 3
• Personal Choices: Would You Accept or Reject a
Gay Son or Daughter?
Parents are confronted with the decision of accepting
or rejecting the homosexuality of their offspring.
• Coming Out to a Heterosexual Partner or Spouse
and Children
Many homosexuals in heterosexual relationships do
not disclose their sexual identity for fear of rejection
and loss of custody.
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Coming Out - 4
• Sexual Questioning
• Diamond and Savin-Williams (2000) advocate shifting
from the traditional coming out to an emphasis on the
process of sexual development instead of on a
particular outcome.
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Homosexual and Bisexual Relationships -1
Social and institutional supports for relationships is
what most clearly distinguishes same-sex from
heterosexual couples.
• Gay Male Relationships
A common stereotype of gay men is that they do not
seek monogamous long-term relationships. However,
most gay men prefer long-term relationships.
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Homosexual and Bisexual Relationships -2
• Lesbian Relationships
Most gay women value stable monogamous
relationships that are emotionally, as well as sexually,
satisfying.
• Bisexual Relationships
Bisexuality is one of the least understood aspects of
sexual orientation. So strong is the tendency to
dichotomize sexual orientation that many people
simply do not believe it exists.
Margaret Nichols
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Sexual Orientation and HIV Infection
• Most worldwide HIV infection occurs through
heterosexual transmission.
• However, in the United States, HIV infection remains
the most threatening STD for male homosexuals and
bisexuals.
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Heterosexuality, Homonegativity,
and Homophobia - 1
• Heterosexism
The belief, stated or implied, that heterosexuality is
superior to homosexuality.
• Homonegativity
Construct that refers to antigay responses including
negative feelings, thoughts, and behavior.
• Homophobia
Negative emotional responses toward, and aversion
to, homosexuals.
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004
Heterosexuality, Homonegativity,
and Homophobia - 2
• Sources for homonegativity and homophobia in the
United States:
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Religion
Marital and procreative bias
Concern about HIV and AIDS
Rigid gender roles
Psychiatric labeling
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Discrimination Against Homosexuals
Discrimination against lesbians and gays can occur at
the individual or group level, and is found in the
workplace, school, legal system, and in family
matters.
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Biphobia
• Fearful, negative, discriminatory reactions toward
bisexuals
Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2004