Overview
This lecture focuses on the social dimensions, stigma, and definitions surrounding non-heterosexual identities, covering prevalence, the "coming out" process, and examples of same-sex behaviors among those who identify as straight.
Deviance and Sexuality
- Certain sexual orientations are considered deviant and stigmatized in society.
- Gays, lesbians, and other marginalized groups face prejudice and discrimination due to societal reactions.
- Sexual orientation has been subject to changing legal and public opinion over time.
Sexual Identities and Prevalence
- Common sexual identities include heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, and sexually fluid.
- Recent census data: 88% straight, 4% bisexual, 3% gay or lesbian, 2% other, less than 1% transgender in the US.
- Accurate data on same-sex orientation is difficult due to varying definitions (behavior, attraction, or self-identification).
The Kinsey Report and the Continuum of Sexuality
- Alfred Kinsey’s research (1948) introduced the idea of a sexual orientation continuum (Kinsey scale: 0-6).
- Findings: 50% of men reported erotic feelings for men, 33% had at least one same-sex experience, 4% exclusively same-sex.
- About 10% were predominantly homosexual, 2.5% exclusively so.
- The Kinsey scale challenged binary thinking about sexuality and sparked greater visibility for the gay community.
The "Coming Out" Process
- Coming out is a multi-stage process:
- Sensitization (awareness of difference around puberty)
- Identity confusion/disassociation (recognizing orientation, but uncertain or denying it)
- Identity assumption (public self-definition and community involvement)
- Commitment (sexual identity as a chosen way of life, often with stable relationships)
- Coming out is ongoing due to societal heteronormativity.
Same-Sex Activity Among Self-Identified Straights
- "Trades": Straight-identifying men who have unreciprocated casual sex with men.
- "Street hustlers": Usually lower-class male teens who exchange same-sex acts for money but identify as straight.
- "Situationals": Individuals (male or female) who have same-sex encounters due to situational factors (e.g., in prison) but identify as straight.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Deviant — behavior or conditions considered a violation of societal norms.
- Stigma — society’s negative labeling and treatment of certain groups.
- Kinsey Scale — spectrum from exclusively heterosexual (0) to exclusively homosexual (6) orientation.
- Pansexual — attraction to all genders and sexes.
- Sexually fluid — lack of fixed sexual or gender identity.
- Coming out — disclosing one’s sexual orientation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read textbook sections on homophobia and "other victims of social stigma" (section 10.7).
- Review the myths surrounding same-sex orientation in early chapter ten.