Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality - Essay Example

?Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality In the present of the debate about homosexuality, it is clear that there are two opposing views held about homosexuality. One asserts that homosexuality is legitimate; the other one asserts that homosexual they are not legitimate. Despite the complexity of the overall issue and the various attempts at reassessment, there remains a basic controversy over opinion over this central issue, which would seem incapable of resolution. In some societies, homosexual relations are often tolerated while I some societies, they are often condemned. Historical and scientific perspectives on homosexuality have shaped the way gay individuals perceive themselves in the following ways (Rathus, Nevid and Fitcher, 2011). Homosexuality especially those involving men have traditionally been limited to rites that mark the young males into manhood. Traditionally, some communities believed that semen boosts strength and virility. Therefore, older males transmit semen to the younger males through oral or anal sexual activities. For instance, among the Sambian people of New Guinea, young boys of 7-10 years are separated from their parents’ households to live with other adolescent males. The young males are expected to go through sexual rights of passage. For the young males to achieve manhood, they are made to drink semen from the older males. These traditional practices show that homosexual practices among males in the Sambian culture are allowed, however, these practices involve behavior and not sexual orientation (Rathus, Nevid and Fitcher, 2011). On cross-species perspectives, biologists have observed that a male baboon may preset his rear and permit other males to mount on him. This behavior may be perceived to be tantamount to anal intercourse among gay men. The mounting behavior among male baboons may characterize a supremacy ritual with lower ranking males adopting a submissive posture toward the dominant males. Among juvenile animals, male-male behavior may be a form of play. Females may also attempt to mount other females, although the motives might not be the similar with those of humans (Rathus, Nevid and Fitcher, 2011). Hormonal influences and sexual orientation perspective indicate that sex hormones profoundly influence the mating behavior of other animal species. In particular, testosterone is essential to male sexual demarcation. The levels of testosterone and its derivatives in urine and blood have been assumed to be influence individual sexual orientation. In adulthood, testosterone has activating effects considering that it impacts the intensity of one’s sexual desire. However, it is not known to dictate the preference for members of the same sex. Sexual hormones in men do not have activating effects towards women (Rathus, Nevid and Fitcher, 2011). The historical and biological perspectives to homosexuality have both led to the perception that homosexuality is natural or homosexuality is behavioral, and is not related in any way to the hormonal perspectives of homosexuality. Individuals, especially those in the traditional Sambian culture in the New Guinea will see homosexuality as being legitimate. The Experiences of Coming out and Adjusting as a Gay Individual Coming out public in relation to one’s “abnormal” sexuality is normally a challenge to many. In order to overcome this challenge, a person needs to go through certain stages. The first stage often involves deciding whom to inform of the situation first, and the responsibility that the person has toward informing other family members of the same, or making sure that they do not find out. This often leads to a conspiracy of silence between some of the family members. Maintaining family secrets concerning homosexuality ca cause tension and stress in any family system as it defines factors that serve to divide and alienate family members (Howe, 2011). Further, members of the family often seek someone to blame. Parents often wonder whether they did not do something that caused their son or daughter to become gay or lesbian. They may question whether they were not suitable to be role models for their children. Sometimes family members can move past their feelings of blame, confusion, anger, and failure as parents to accept and affirm their love for their homosexual child. Some families take years to accept the situation, while some never accept the situation of their homosexual child (Howe, 2011). Families often reject the truth that they have their perceived or real status as a normal family misplaced or lost. They may be confronted with homophobia in the workplace, in the larger family system, within the religious community and in their own social network. In addition, the family will have to weigh the implications of the disclosure as the family of a homosexual. They will often struggle with decisions about who, what, where, when, and how to tell, so family members must also wrestle with these decisions in relation to other family embers, and friends. Parents as well as homosexual individuals may experience feelings of denial, grief, shame, and confusion (Howe, 2011). How Historical and Scientific Perspectives have reflected on my Sexual Orientation Homosexuality among individuals will lead to more sexually stable and healthier lives within the context of social acceptance according to some scientists. The individuals will gain full recognition as citizens of worth, while perhaps reducing dangerous casual sex lifestyles. People often want to receive the same benefits and respect that heterosexual spouses share. Some quarters state that allowing homosexuality would strengthen family values for all families and protect children by providing a stable, socially sanctioned and economically successful family. However, culturally, homosexuality has been associated with immorality and disregard for popular ethics. Historically, being straight has been the norm and anything otherwise was wrong. In this respect, my being straight has been in line with my cultural background. Homosexuality should not be seen as if it will further oppress those who practice it. People who hold radical position feel that if homosexuality is to be legalized, it would have negative consequences for those not desiring to marry. It should not be viewed that marriage is oppressive for women. Legalizing homosexuality will reduce the prejudice and hatred many in the society feel for sexual minorities (Moberly,1983). Conclusion The following interpretation is founded on an independent evaluation of the traditional and scientific psychoanalytic position. It is true that a homosexual orientation is not dependent on genetic predisposition, abnormal learning processes, or hormonal imbalance, but on challenges experienced in relation to parent-child relationship, especially during life’s earlier years. According to Moberly Elizabeth (1983), one constant underlying fact suggests that any homosexual has suffered some problem in their relationship with the parent of the same sex. Furthermore, there is a corresponding desire to amend this deficit through engaging in homosexual relationships. However, a point that ought to be considered is that there is possible deterioration in the parent-child relationship after the parent discovers that the child is homosexual. It is sometimes assumed that this implies that homosexuality is not caused by relational difficulties in the first place (Moberly,1983). References Howe T (2011). Marriages and Families in the 21st century: A Biological approach. London, John Wiley & Sons. Pp 224-227. Moberly E (1983). Homosexuality: A new Christian ethic. New York, James Clarke & Co. Rathus, S., Nevid, J. & Fichner-Rathus, L. (2011). Human sexuality in a world of diversity (8th ed.) Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. Read More