What does it mean to be a lesbian or gay man in our society?

     The perception of this country and their ideas about homosexuality are created using the term heterosexism as its foundation.  Heterosexism creates the social norm that the we are supposed to be heterosexual and this majority represents a privilege above the minority.  This term integrated with homophobia empowers both patriarchal power and nuclear family to be enforced.  The two main areas which have been targeted by fundamentalist ministers include: abortion and homosexuality.  These ministers have taken great measures destroy women’s clinics and create treatment plans to heal women/men from their homosexuality.  Fundamentalist ministers believe that any behavior that challenges the idea of heterosexism is unacceptable and risks severe punishment and loss. 
      Each child experiences puberty and as a result sexual awareness and hormones start to emerge. Through puberty, this country defines the boundaries for these youth in that the social construct created by society only allows heterosexuality and later marriage for reproduction purposes only.  Any child that challenges these boundaries set by heterosexism are then guided to conform to these norms.  Ultimately, any behavior or feelings of homosexuality are considered unmoral.  The last thing these youth want to do is be viewed as an outsider in such a vulnerable time in their lives.  Adults then have the power to control the feelings of these children because they are aware of children in this stage of life looking for acceptance.
      To be a lesbian in our society means that you are a women who has stepped out the social norms and has eliminated the idea that she needs to be dependent on a male for survival.  Somehow this idea of a women who do not need to be dependent on a man means that she completely against men in general.  Which is one of the most common misconceptions expressed in regards to a characteristic of a lesbian.  A lesbian challenges the idea of patriarchal power and nuclear family, the two key components of heterosexism.  As a whole, lesbians completely go against the roles associated with sexism in our country.  Lesbians challenge the status quo and are sometimes seen as outcasts.  Sometimes women are labeled a lesbian because their behavior is unacceptable and has nothing to do with their sexuality.  Some of these unacceptable behaviors include: fighting for equality, being assertive, enjoying the love and company of another women, and opposing violence. 

            Gay men challenge the norms set by society of male dominance and power.  Homophobia against gay men usually is derived from the idea of sexism.  Gay men who fit the stereotype and are noticeably homosexual experience hatred from heterosexual men because their behaviors or considered to be not normal. Two men being affectionate towards one another is only acceptable in sports and war.  When gay men show affection towards one another that don’t fit these two scenarios they are considered less of a man. The sexual identity of gay men is mostly the simple fear that this behavior goes against the “normal” idea of a male and does not fit into heterosexism.  Which like I stated before is said to by society to risk severe punishment and loss. 

 

 

            My personal opinion is that our country is evolving from these original norms expressed in regards to homosexuality.  It is unfortunate that these ideas still exist and people still confidently express their opposition to same-sex relationships, marriage, and way of life.  I feel that we should all have the choice to follow our heart and love without restriction. Love should not be defined by color, race, religion, or sexual orientation.  Ultimately, we all deserve happiness and not have to conform to ideas and concepts such as heterosexism because it challenges people to accept out of their comfort zone and oppose ideas that have been forced upon them.  Hate is far more a choice than homosexuality will ever be. 

 

References:

Rothenberg, P. S. (2010). Race, class, and gender in the united states. New York, NY: Worth Pubslihers.