Gender and Sexuality

Attitudes Toward Homosexuality

Attitudes toward gay and lesbian couples have become more accepting over the past two decades. And while gay marriage is still a topic that stirs heated debates, a recent Gallup poll (2014) shows that the majority of Americans—55 percent—now support same-sex marriage. Among young adults, this number jumps to nearly 80 percent. These numbers are in stark contrast to a 1996 Gallup poll indicating that 68 percent of Americans were against gay marriage.

For this activity, locate two articles online that address gay marriage. One article should support gay marriage; the other should argue against it. Make sure to select articles published within the past five years.

Question 1

Summarize each article, including any information the authors provide to support their positions. Cite your sources for each article or provide the URL of each Website that you used.

Question 2

Some individuals continue to argue that homosexuality is a choice. There is very little, if any, credible research to support this position. Provide evidence from your textbook showing that sexual orientation is influenced by psychological, biological, and social factors.

Question 3

Look online to find information about conversion therapy. Cite your source(s) or provide the URL(s) of any Website that you used to answer the questions below.
a. Explain what conversion therapy is.
b. What organizations are likely to endorse conversion therapy?
c. How does the American Psychiatric Association or American Psychological Association view conversion therapy?
d. Based on your findings, as well as research presented in your textbook, do you believe that conversion therapy can “cure” homosexuality? Explain your answer.

Look online to find information about conversion therapy. Cite your source(s) or provide the URL(s) of any Website that you used to answer the questions below. a. Explain what conversion therapy is.b. What organizations are likely to endorse conversion therapy?c. How does the American Psychiatric Association or American Psychological Association view conversion therapy?d. Based on your findings, as well as research presented in your textbook, do you believe that conversion therapy can “cure” homosexuality? Explain your answer.

Question 4

Depending on how sexual orientation is defined, the prevalence rate of homosexuality in the general population ranges from 1 to ___ percent.

Question 5

Which of the following factors is associated with homosexuality?

A single “gay gene”

Abnormalities in the amygdala of the brain

Dysfunctional family relationships

Genetic and nonshared environmental factors

Question 6

Dwayne and Richard are a married gay couple who recently adopted a six-month-old baby girl named Maecy. According to research presented in your textbook, which of the following statements is true?

Maecy will be as well-adjusted as children raised by heterosexual parents.

Maecy will likely have adjustment problems in later childhood and adolescence.

Maecy will likely be the target of bullies once she enters school.

Maecy will likely be gay or bisexual.

Dwayne and Richard are a married gay couple who recently adopted a six-month-old baby girl named Maecy. According to research presented in your textbook, which of the following statements is true?

Question 7

Are therapies designed to change sexual orientation effective? Explain you answer, citing research from your textbook.

According to the American Psychological Association, there is no evidence to support the use of therapy to change sexual orientation. In fact, these techniques can cause severe psychological harm to the individuals receiving them. In the United States, it is illegal in some states to conduct therapy designed to change sexual orientation.