Identity Development And Societal Attitudes of Gay, Lesbian And Bisexual Adolescents - Essay Example

?Identity development and societal attitudes of gay, lesbian and bisexual adolescents Thesis: A conservative model of personal relations and marriageis substituted with a wider look on human relations. Our society is ready to accept gays, lesbians and bisexuals and the latter do not miss their chance to protect their rights. Introduction The development of self-identity is of crucial importance for any person. Having identified ourselves, we can further develop our lives. In the modern society, with its overall processes of globalization, different boundaries are blurred. The same happens to the large part of individuals: sometimes they cannot identify who they really are. Further research is focused on the discussion about lesbians, gays and bisexuals (LGB) identify themselves and the way society attitudes to these individuals. LGB individuals’ self-identification How do these people identify themselves? Is it a more complicated process of self identification in comparison with other individuals? In modern scholarly journals this group of individuals is referred to as LGB (Rosario, Schrimshaw, Hunter & Braun, 2006). We would refer to this group in the same way. Basically, it is claimed that the societies that have more hostile attitudes to LGB group, there are more of the representatives of this group. In accordance with the psychological theory of sexual identity, individuals are on their way to restoration of “congruence among affect, cognitions, and behaviors because incongruity generates psychological tension” (Rosario, Schrimshaw, Hunter & Braun, 2006). Once an individual has identified him/her with gays or lesbians, he would further shape and transform his/her identity in accordance with the representatives of this group. Another famous name of sexual identity development for representatives of LGB group is "the coming-out process." Further theories on sexual identity formation were mainly based on this model. It is supposed that formation of identity is initiated by “becoming aware of one's unfolding sexual orientation, beginning to question whether one may be LGB and exploring that emerging LGB identity by becoming involved in gay-related social and sexual activities” (Rosario, Schrimshaw, Hunter & Braun, 2006). Thus a formation of self-identity is closely connected with the formation of sexual identity and as well as with individual’s sexual relations and societal behaviors. In the process of LGB identity formation and realization, an individual makes an attempt to solve a problem of internalized homophobia and redirects negative attitudes into negative attitudes. Further on, an individual feels comfortable when his “hidden” LGB identity is revealed by others. In order to trace the stages of LGB identity formation, it is relevant to refer to the modern literary sources that were focused on this issue. Having given a brief review to the modern scholarly journals, we can clearly see that identity formation among gays, lesbians and bisexuals is generally associated with the most important age stages. In these studies a linear research is provided. In other words, it is studied the way an individual is evolving from the stage of sexual attraction to sexual activities. In accordance with recent studies, the main changes in the process of identity development occurred among adolescent women and young men (Diamond, 2000, 2003; Dickson, Paul, & Herbison, 2003). If to summarize the results of these studies, we can see that very often adolescents do not identify them as LGB individuals. Thus, Diamond (2000;2003) has claimed that 70% “were consistent in their self-identification as lesbian, bisexual or unlabeled after two years, and 50% were consistent after five years” (cited from Hutson, 2009). Few young men identified themselves as “straight”. Among 216 bisexual males, only 17% became heterosexually oriented, while 15% remained homosexually oriented (Hutson, 2009). The reasons for such an unexpected shift among adolescents, who tend to develop their homosexual or lesbian identities, are experiments among youths in their sexual lives. Moreover, this type of sexual identity formation should be correlated with “two basic theories on sexual identity formation: Cass’s model of sexual identity formation and D’Augelli’s model of LGB development” (Hutson, 2009). Cass has defined that individual’s identity formation is defined in cognitive terms: firstly, an individual considers his identity and then evaluates the way people around him consider his identity. Cass claims, that an individual transfers from identity confusion stage to identity pride and identity synthesis (Rosario, Schrimshaw, Hunter & Braun, 2006). There are some other stages between these two basic stages of identity formation. If to sum up behavior of an individual who is in the process of identity formation, it can be seen that an individual’s negative attitude to LGB individuals transforms into positive attitude to this group and even his/her further synthesis in this group. D’Augelli considers identity “as a social construction, shaped to varying degrees by social circumstances and environment; it is changeable throughout life” (Hutson, 2009). In accordance with the stages of development of identity suggested by the scientist, there are three basic variables influencing on identity formation. Firstly, an individual shapes his own considerations and attitudes to his sexual identity; secondly, he evaluates his sexual identity in accordance with views given by his family and friends; thirdly, an individual considers his sexual identity in terms of a certain socio-historical/cultural context (Rosario, Schrimshaw, Hunter & Braun, 2006). Societal attitudes to LGB The fact that LGB are being treated in the modern world in a more tolerant manner cannot be questioned. Still, it cannot also be denied that LGB are constantly struggling for their rights and are shocking public with Gay Parades, mass protest actions against prohibition of same-sex marriages and so on. Therefore, it cannot be claimed directly whether a modern society is totally open to accept LGB as citizens with full rights. LGB individuals have burst into the modern society and are in the process of constant contradiction between generally accepted morals and stereotypes. The matter of same-sex marriage or the right of LGB individuals to adopt children is the most striking issued for modern LGB individuals. Thus, it is relevant to our contemporaries to realize the fact that LGB live in the same society as heterosexuals and sexual orientation should not be a preventive factor for their full right participation in the modern society. Very often, an official marriage among LGB individuals is perceived as a fake or a whim. Their union is often considered to be unstable and these people are supposed only having fun together. Nevertheless, in accordance with data presented by Eskridge (1996) only a small percent among gays are not looking for serious relationships. The same thing happens to heterosexual youth. When we talk about adolescent gays or lesbians, it should be noted that these people are looking for a stable partner for many years. Once they have found their beloved person, they are not supposed to let him/her go. Such features are natural of gays: these people are tolerant, monogamous and devoted partners. Moreover, they are active participants of a social life of their community. Therefore, the society should not be too strict and discard a possibility of same sex marriage. In case this type of marriage is allowed, the society would benefit from it. This fact is supported by Vary (2006) who underlines that LGB individuals are open to social contacts, are good neighbors and caring persons in general. In spite of the fact that they have come across numerous obstacles, they did not lose their hope in good people and want to remain tolerant and responsive citizens of their countries. Concerning LGB individuals’ rights to adopt children, it should be noted that it is unfair to restrict these rights. This claim can be supported by the fact that homosexuality or bisexuality is the core identity of an individual. The modern researches and studies have been often devoted to the topic of LGB individuals’ abilities to be parents. Every aspect of a child’s life is taken into account by these parents. If to take into account the fact that LGB individuals can become parents only by means of surrogacy, they are initially not so closely related with their children. Nevertheless, these persons are attentive and caring parents. This fact should be explained to the society and people should be aware of the fact that LGB parents sometimes can be more tolerant and caring and turn into better parents in comparison with heterosexual parents. The main argument provided by the antagonists of homosexuality is the fact that once the society acknowledges LGB as full rights citizens, potential spouses and parents, it comes to a “slippery slow”. This wrong idea can be opposed by proponents of LGB individuals by the fact that these individuals want to get married and have their children because they want to confirm their love, devotion to each other and mutual affection. Moreover, in accordance with psychological studies, these individuals should not be considered as “abnormal”, deviant or pervert individuals. Psychologists claim that homosexuality is a “a perfectly normal variation on how humans develop, and there is now a substantial body of evidence from science that there are sound reasons why it has evolved, and why it is not selected against in evolutionary pressure” (Bidstrup, 2011). Therefore, the modern society should not be scared off by homosexuality. There is no need to prevent these individuals from their right of becoming full-right participants of the society. Homosexuality is not an intimidating factor for the modern society. Thus, it is more relevant to be patient and tolerant to these individuals. Moreover, taking into account the fact that LGB individuals are responsive members of their communities, perfect parents and devoted spouse means that there is no deviance in the behavior of these individuals. It is better to create more favorable conditions for the full-fledged development of identities of LGB individuals. Conclusion Unfortunately, there is a lack of humanity in the modern society. There are a lot of religious, social or homophobic principles that prevent people from being tolerant to people other than they. Nevertheless, it should be noted that there is a need to propagate a correct social stereotype about homosexuals and bisexuals. In case contemporaries remain homophobes, we would come closer to racist society. A propagation of a humane attitude to gays, lesbians and bisexuals is a relevant measure that has to be taken by the contemporaries. These individuals are full right citizens of our society. They should be free in making their personal choices and have the same freedoms as all other members of the society. Moreover, in case the modern society is more open to representatives of LGB, the latter would have a chance to live and function under no oppression. In this case, their self-and sexual identities would develop in harmony. Their clear sexual identification would facilitate a process of their further socialization. In spite of the fact that these people are often oppressed, they remain open and tolerant members of the society. If to treat them the way they treat all other people, the society would be more humane and full of respect. Works cited 1. Bidstrup, Scott. "Gay Marriage, the Arguments and the Motives". Available at: 2. Rosario, M., Schrimshaw, E. W., Hunter, J., & Braun, L. (2006). Sexual Identity Development among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youths: Consistency and Change over Time. The Journal of Sex Research, 43(1), 46+. 3. Eskridge, W. N. The Case for Same-Sex Marriage: From Sexual Liberty to Civilized Commitment. Free Press, 1996. 4. Vary, A. B. (2006, June 20). Is Gay over? A New Generation of Same-Sex-Loving Youths Are Breaking Down the Old Definitions and Choosing to Call Themselves Queer, Questioning Open, Fluid-Anything but Gay. Should We Mourn the Old Word and What Will Take Its Place? The Advocate 98+. 5. Hutson, B. (2009, November). The "Coming Out" Challenge: African American Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Professionals Are Trying to Gain More Ground in Corporate America, but Unchecked Discrimination Still Exists. Black Enterprise, 40, 55+. Read More