HDF110
Week 8 Notes: GENDER AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION
Ideology:
● Myths about people who identify as LGBTQ+
● Risks they face
● EX of ideology: homophobia & religion
● U.S. Pysch Association claimed it’s no more abnormal to be homosexual than to be
left-handed
Why Adults are Concerned About Teaching Kids About Being Gay:
● Believe these “lifestyles” are wrong
● Assume this means discussing sex at too young of an age
● Afraid children will experiment and/or become gay
Why Teach Tolerance from a Young Age:
● 1/10 people are homosexual—might be child or their family/friends
● For kids who grow up with gay parents-- should feel valued & accepted rather than
judged
● Teaching kids to value everyone reduces homophobia later
How Gender Roles are Maintained in Society:
● Economics: women in lowest paying jobs do more unpaid work (housekeeping,
children)
● Violence: Intimate violence
● Homophobia: threat of being called gay if you don’t conform to socially constructed
gender stereotypes
Link Between Homophobia & Sexism:
● Homophobia seen as attack on traditional gender roles
● Gay relationships don’t follow traditional gender roles, suggesting male dominance of
woman is not necessary and/or “natural”
● Men may see it as threat to their masculinity and power
Summary of Diff Views on LGBTQ+ Individuals (Littig and Beauchamp)
● Homophobic Levels of Attitude:
○ Repulsion: “Gays are sick”
○ Pity: “Heterosexual chauvinism”
○ Tolerance:
■ “It’s just a phase”
■ “Gays are less mature than heterosexuals”
■ “Gays shouldn’t be in positions of power bc they are still “’immature’”
○ Acceptance: “That’s fine as long as you don’t flaunt it”
● Positive Levels of Attitude:
○ 1. Support: person works to safeguard rights of gays bc they see treatment of
them as unfair (even if they are uncomfortable themselves)