Essay about Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality

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Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality
Cherdorise Keen
PSY/265
August 3, 2014

Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality Throughout history, as time has progressed the acceptance of homosexuality has progressed as well. Many years ago, homosexuality was taboo because it wasn’t spoken of and it was kept very discreet. Some of the perspectives of homosexuality have been negative and have made it very difficult to accept their way of life. Today, homosexuality has become more acceptable which has given them a chance to live openly. Our society has reached a point where gay pride parades are attended by many and there are TV shows, movies and commercials that support the LGBT movement. The historical and scientific perspectives of homosexuality have shaped the way gay and lesbian individuals perceive themselves in society. This way of life was historically perceived as a sin and abomination. In the ancient times of Rome and Greece, homosexuality was common and acknowledged within their culture. From a religious perspective, Christianity denounces homosexuality. Many references have been made in the Holy Bible regarding the sinfulness of homosexuality. For example, the book of Leviticus suggests that if a man lies with a man as he would with a woman, they have both committed an abomination which shall result in death. This type of behavior was unfavorable in the eyes of God and was to be removed from the Earth. The book of Genesis talks about the city of Sodom that was destroyed by God because of acts of homosexuality and total chaos by those living in Sodom. The term sodomite became a slur that referenced a person that indulged in homosexuality. Sodomy is another term that describes the act of anal sex which is associated with homosexual relations. Other cultures and religious beliefs have similar concerns about homosexuality and were not open to the idea of it being a natural way of life. The biological perspective of homosexuality has also have shaped the way gay individuals view themselves. Some believe that this is based on biological influences regarding genetics, hormones and evolution. It is also possible for the homosexual preference to be inherited according to individuals that believe they were born gay. Sex hormones are responsible for controlling our mating behavior and play a role in our attraction to others which can affect the intensity of sexual desire. Homosexuals will experience a various situations and adjust differently in terms of being gay, lesbian and bi-sexual. Many are often confused and try to reject the way they feel regarding their sexuality. Some homosexuals believe that it’s impossible to be bi-sexual and claim it to be a cop-out for those who deny being gay. Others perceive bi-sexuality to
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