Equal Opportunity of Homosexuality Through History - Essay Example

Health and Social Care: An Equal Opportunity Issue of Homosexuality Introduction Changes in attitudes with regard to sexuality have been ed to liberalisation process in due consideration to one’s cultural and social background. Such process became beneficial to lesbians, gays, or the homosexuals in general that they no longer experience the extremities of social inclusion as the norm over the past several years (Wilton, 2000, p.1). Social change, however, encompasses long periods of inconsistency and uncertainty especially in terms of sexuality wherein tolerance coexists with severe prejudice or partiality. With these criticisms, the homosexual community is often described as marginalised and vulnerable since they are at high risk of coping with psychosocial problems in relation to both actual and anticipated reactions of fear from the people around them. The homosexuals may be also prone to harassment, physical and verbal attacks, and the risk of being exposed to having an HIV infection, and STD particularly for the male homosexuals (Clermont & Durand, 1997, p.8). This paper seeks to discuss an issue concerning homosexuality particularly with regard to the health and social care of homosexuals. Furthermore, this seeks to evaluate the impact of historical and contemporary beliefs of homosexuality from an anti-heterosexist perspective. 2. Historical and Contemporary Beliefs on Homosexuality Empirical studies on homosexuality only began in the late 20th century regardless of the number of case studies and theoretical writings conducted particularly with regard to its treatment (Morin, 1977, p.630). Contemporary beliefs on gays and lesbians were greatly changed and influenced due to the pioneering studies that centered on homosexuality. Among the most influential of these pioneering studies were probably those of Martin, Kinsey, and Pomeroy whose works have demonstrated the extensive presence of homosexual behaviour contrary to what most people previously believed in (1948 cited in Morin, 1977, p.630). In the early times, most psychologists and psychiatrists believed that homosexuality is associated to a mental disorder (McConaghy, 1993, p.127). Other scholars considered it as a symptom of emotional disorder while others regard it as one of the severe disorders of intelligence and personality (Hooker, 1957; Curran, et al., 1980 cited in McConaghy, 1993, p.127). These beliefs, however, may imply a liberal approach or attitude toward homosexuality considering that its long history of moral and legal beliefs was perceived to be as unnatural and criminal. Above all, its existence in traditional societies is usually cited as the common historical belief that prevailed over the past several years. Additionally, Greenberg (1988, p.4) noted that the foremost historical studies in homosexuality stirred up an early homosexual emancipation movement as derived from the ancient Greece to accentuate the nobility and dignity related to homosexuality as valued by society. Primitive people also claimed that homosexuals were believed to have extraordinary abilities both mentally and spiritually making them equally superior as they were both lovers of men. Although little is known about gay men’s daily experiences from different historical periods, much knowledge on gay sexual orientation can be attributed to ancient Greece where it tolerated attitudes that support homoerotic relations as a positive development for men (Fassinger, 1991, p.160). On the contrary, the contemporary views on homosexuality cover relevant issues including public morality, overt sexual behaviour, public health, civil rights, law, as well as the biblical interpretation on the substantial matters concerning this particular subject (DeYoung, 2000, p.71). There is a growing concern for HIV infection that affects a number of homosexuals yet the citizens’ perception on the relevance of the Scriptures largely determines how society would address the issue on the basis of morality or public health. In the United States for example, the present legal status of homosexuals depends heavily on both state and local legislations, which varies according to the idiosyncrasies in the workplace, the public officials, and the courts’ regulation (Fassinger, 1991, p.161). There is still a continuous discrimination against gay men and lesbians in today’s society particularly in the case of American society. Although there are nearly about 500,000 gay couples, they are prohibited to marry despite the fact that some states have already legalised same sex marriage (White, 2009, p.238). Relevant to this issue, however, can be mainly attributed to religious and moral beliefs where contemporary campaigns condemn gays against their rights. At some point, it could be observed that these campaigns against homosexuality discriminate the gay men as perverts or sinners who need salvation instead of considering them as normal citizens who need constitutional protection (Long, 2012, p.53). 3. Impact on the health and social care of homosexuals Both historical and contemporary beliefs may have influenced the health conditions and social care of homosexuals. In fact, professionals in the field of psychiatry and psychology have already been involved in the treatment of homosexuality for decades of years. In pursuit of helping homosexuals, health professionals have provided them with various treatments, which include reducing the intensity of their homosexual behaviours, increasing their inclination for heterosexual behaviours, decreasing anxiety, and improving social skills among others (Richards, 1993, p.29). While the changing perspectives on homosexuality are sometimes controversial, there are subtle hindrances for conducting further research on the health needs on homosexuals considering that the negative perceptions could influenced those in the health care services (Cochran, 2001, pp.933). Similarly, Sussex and Scourfield (2004, p.123) noted that health issues of homosexuals may not be addressed properly given that medical professionals may have insufficient training in terms of dealing or interacting well with those in the homosexual community. In addition, most of these professionals may have prejudicial views on the lifestyle of the homosexual people, which could potentially result to receiving poor treatment, discrimination, or hostility by the health care experts. Based on the research findings of Langley (2001 cited in Sussex & Scourfield, 2004, p.122), older homosexuals were unable to satisfy their health and social needs despite the presence of having appropriate services from different supporting frameworks. The crucial role of the health care worker and the significance of heterosexism could, therefore, affect an individual’s identity given that physical and mental stress can be created when individuals are pressured to present themselves with a heterosexual identity. Also, most contemporary beliefs on homosexuality pose the risk of having HIV/AIDS that could severely affect the mental health and social status of the affected individuals (Nolle, et al., 2001). 4. Critical Evaluation The impact of historical and contemporary beliefs on the health and social care of homosexuals may be taken from an anti-heterosexist perspective where it needs a profound consideration for people to rationalise and interpret information relating to homosexuality (Hirschfeld, 2001). This also encompasses the ways of incorporating new ideas to eliminate the current notions and prejudices against homosexuality. Hirschfeld (2001, p.617) further noted that while heterosexist prejudice is mainly rooted from individual attitudes toward gender identity and sexual orientation, the anti-heterosexist approach on homosexuality imposes a burden of responsibility toward society in shaping the morality of individuals. Ritter and Turndrup (2002 cited in McGeorge & Carlson, 2011) argued that heterosexism may be used as an alternative to homophobia, or the fear of homosexuality and bigotry of sexual differences. With such perception, it is imperative for therapists to acknowledge an anti-heterosexist approach in treating the health and social issues of homosexuals in the same way as understanding the oppressive influence of sexism and racism into these marginalised individuals. From an anti-heterosexist perspective, however, Walsh (2012) emphasised the negative attitudes arising from discrimination and prejudice can be attributed to social influences where getting married to an opposite sex becomes the coping strategy of homosexuals in most countries. While an opposite-sex relationship is the morally accepted form of conduct in society, an anti-heterosexist may perceive of such notion that recognises the privileges conferred upon by the society toward the homosexuals due to their sexual orientation (Phelan, 2001). Although a heterosexist attitude often leads to direct discrimination and unfavourable treatment by some institutions and health care providers, an anti-heterosexist perspective, however, promotes respect, diversity, and fosters inclusivity of all individuals regardless of their gender identities and sexual orientation (Butcher, 2009). To some extent, therefore, the impact of both historical and contemporary beliefs on homosexuality as viewed from an anti-heterosexist perspective, promotes neutrality and equal opportunity regarding an individual’s behavioural consistency as far as their identities and sexual orientations are concerned. 5. Conclusion In general, several issues pertaining to homosexuality have already been prevalent not only in today’s society but also in the earlier times. Along with the changes that are taking place in society, changes in attitudes have also coexisted with the influence of societal norms that severely affect the homosexual community as one of the marginalised groups in society. Historical beliefs on homosexuality can be traced back to ancient Greece, where tolerance for attitudes that favoured homosexual relations is deemed as a positive developmental stage for men. Contrastingly, contemporary beliefs include issues concerning public morality, public health, and even the scriptural interpretation of homosexuaity. Both beliefs, however, are influential in terms to the health needs and social issues of homosexual people given that these largely affect their cognitive and psychological aspects as individuals. References Butcher, R., 2009. Diversity consciousness: opening our minds to people, cultures, and opportunities. 3rd ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education. Clermont, M. & Durand, S., 1997. 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