Historical_and_Scientific_Perspectives_on_Homosexuality

Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality PSY/265 March 13, 2011 According to Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus (2005) homosexuality is an erotic attraction to, and interest in forming a romantic relationship with, members of one’s own anatomic sex. Although homosexuality refers to being sexually attracted to members of one’s own anatomic sex, the term homosexual applies to both men, often referred to as gay males, and women, most often referred to as lesbians (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus (2005) state that in early Greek history it was not uncommon to witness acts of male-male sexual encounters between an adult male and an adolescent boy, it is believed that in some cases these acts were used as a rite of passage into manhood. In some cultures throughout history, like the Swans of North Africa, male-male sexual encounters were encouraged for prepubescent males because it was thought that the consumption of semen either orally or through anal intercourse would provide the boy a boost in strength and virility (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). Although it would seem that homosexuality was accepted in these cultures male-male sexual encounter were not viewed as homosexual encounters. Instead they were viewed as a normal rite of passage into manhood because once the adolescent boy reached the age of 16 to 20 years old they would enter into marriage with a female and live out a normal heterosexual lifestyle (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). A few centuries later the Roman society described highly feminine gay males that dressed flamboyantly, had very showy hair styles, and mannerisms (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). It was believed these men would visit certain neighborhoods looking for partners. The apostle Paul thought of this kind of behavior as a sign of the decadence of Rome thereby causing the Christian Church to assume a strongly negative view of homosexuality. In my opinion the beliefs of the apostle Paul is what caused the church to view homosexuality and any sex act that causes semen to be spilled, like fellatio or anal intercourse, as a sin against God. The historical perspective has been discussed so far, the early Greek and North African beliefs as well as the Roman and Christian church beliefs. According to Rathus, Nevid, & Fincher-Rathus (2005) another perspective of homosexuality is the cross-cultural perspective; which means that in some cultures male-male sexual activity is accepted and in other cultural societies male-male sexual activity is sanctioned and sometimes offenders are punished. The text states that in some society’s sexual activities between older and younger males are acceptable but a relation between two adult males is frowned upon. Could this point of view be biological in nature or is it simply a cultural moral belief that is passed along from one generation to the next' According to the biological perspective of homosexuality the acceptance of homosexuality could be inherited. The biological perspective focuses on the role of evolution, genetics, and hormonal influences in shaping sexual influences. Some people believe that homosexuals are born to be homosexual and others believe that homosexuality is a sign of a mental defect or illness. I do not presume to know what a gay male or female must feel because I do not happen to be gay. I can only imagine that in this day and age with the stigma that the term homosexual carries, it would be extremely difficult to “come out” about having anything other than a heterosexual orientation. I can not imagine how difficult it would be to admit to family or to your self that you are homosexual. I am betting you would encounter feelings of guilt and shame until you are able to come to terms with your sexual identity. As I mentioned before, I do not happen to be homosexual and I can honestly say that I have never had thoughts of being with another women. Frankly, just speaking of female-female relations turns my stomach. I am not sure if it is biology or my stern upbringing that influenced these feelings but I am sure of the fact that this is merely my opinion and not everyone will feel the same way. I realize that a lot of people that share my opinion do not like homosexuals or may suffer from homophobia; I am not one of those people. No matter your sexual orientation you are still a human being and deserve to be treated as such. References Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J. S., & Fichner-Rathus, L. (2005). Human sexuality in a world of diversity (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.