Introduction
Today, the world is experiencing a diverse tapestry of human identity based on race/ethnicity, social class, age, gender, sexual identity, and ability condition. These various threads have each contributed to the rich mosaic of societal dynamics. Among these variations, sexuality stands out as a master status.
Sexual orientation is an individual’s sense of personal and social identity in terms of their romantic, emotional, or sexual attraction to men, women, or both (American Psychology Association, n.d.). It is also associated with their related behaviors to the appeals and membership in a group with others that have similar habits. Since this conduct deviates from the traditional societal norms, they always encounter numerous problems within society.
According to Fleishman (2020), this issue is one of the most important and contentious social in the current era all over the globe. For example, gay activists have fought against the rigid cultural norms in the US, limiting their tolerance and acceptance in the community. One victory attained was on 26 June 2015 when the US Supreme ruled in the Obergefell v. Hodges case that it is constitutionally right for same-sex couples to marry (Fleishman, 2020). Despite these legal and social advances in the past two decades, LGBTQ people “continue to face widespread discrimination and violence in many countries” (The World Bank, n.d., p. 1).
Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore the multifaceted world of attitudes and perspectives surrounding these new sexual identities. It focused majorly on personal, familial, and public dimensions. It will scrutinize the influence of power on various power structures and institutions in perpetuating or challenging discriminatory practices. It asserts that understanding and dismantling the discrimination that individuals with non-normative sexual identities face plays a crucial role in developing a more inclusive, equitable, and accepting society.
Personal Attitudes and Beliefs on the Social Issue
I have always been intrigued by the readings on sexuality and the distinction between sexual orientation and gender identity. I have always dug into the challenges that people in the LGBTQ community encounter to shape my general perspective. Many factors have influenced my personal attitudes from a young age to adulthood.
For instance, have always been rooted in the need for equality, social justice, and empathy for everyone. They have evolved through education and exposure to the stories of this marginalized group. The more I develop a deeper understanding of their daily experiences in society, the more I accept and offer to support them.
My perception of sexual identity was initially based on societal norms and cultural expectations that surrounded me. As I grew older, I started to question and challenge these notions. I began interacting more with people who openly identified with this group, which helped expand my thinking and beliefs toward them. The encounters served as a window into how humans are different and why it is important to understand and accept everyone for being themselves.
My commitment to being empathetic to individuals with non-normative sexual identities has been key to shaping my attitudes towards them. After recognizing their unique daily struggles, I have tried to foster a supportive environment. This has gone beyond passive awareness to active advocacy for equality for all, despite their differences.
Moreover, the resilience and strength that they have always shown despite going through these traumas have deepened my conviction to address the root causes of prejudice in society. While I cannot attain the change alone, I believe that it all starts with a single individual. Therefore, by understanding my personal beliefs on how I view these people, I have a better chance to begin the fight on an individual level. Ultimately, this will help attain an equitable and inclusive surrounding for everyone, despite their differences.
Attitudes and Beliefs of Friends and Family
I have lived around family and friends long enough to understand their attitudes and beliefs towards discrimination of people with non-normative sexual identities. Conversations with them have unveiled a diverse array of perspectives towards this community, reflecting on the broader society. Many family members and friends always have an open mind and work towards accepting the LGBTQ community. They have mostly emphasized why it is important to embrace diversity, underscoring the shared humanity transcending differences in sexual orientation.
They hold progressive views, take an active part in advocating for equal rights, and embrace those dealing with gender identity issues. They have come to their conclusions based on diverse experiences in the world today through globalization, educational backgrounds, and a better understanding of the struggles that these vulnerable individuals encounter. The perspectives have also stemmed mostly from the recognition of inherent dignity and humanity for everyone, despite their sexuality.
However, within my immediate social sphere, there are those who have negative views towards LGBTQ people. For example, older family members often hold traditional values and would need time to accept these new norms. As a result, they may end up expressing reservations or discomfort when they come across these habits that deviate from conventional practices. Such attitudes are often rooted in societal conditioning and religious beliefs that were common during their upbringing. Therefore, even though there are challenges, everyone is seeking a way to foster an inclusive, equitable, and accepting surrounding.
Public Attitudes and Beliefs
The US public attitudes towards members of the LBTQ community have changed significantly over the years. Even though the expected goals have not yet been attained, there is a discernible trend toward increasing acceptance and support of these individuals. This can viewed through legal developments, societal reactions, and public opinion polls. For instance, one significant indicator of shifting perspectives is reflected through many laws enacted to protect this vulnerable group.
On 26 June 2015, the Supreme offered a ruling in the Obergefell v. Hodges case, making it constitutionally right for same-sex couples to marry (Fleishman, 2020). This has been followed by the June 2020 ruling on Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, and the passage of the February 2021 Equality Act (Blazina & Baronavski, 2022). This was a milestone after many decades of activism, protest, and lawsuits. However, about 19 states have implemented restrictions on transgender individuals, like their playing for sports teams matching their gender, illegalizing gender transition care for those under 18 years, and excluding coverage from Medicaid (Choi & Mullery, 2023).
Moreover, the opinion of the American public offers a nuanced overview of the complex fabric of beliefs towards non-normative sexual identities. Blazina and Baronavski (2022) note, “a 64% majority of Americans favor policies that protect transgender individuals from discrimination in jobs, housing and public spaces such as restaurants and stores, including 37% who strongly favor them” (p. 4). A very small share of about 10% of the US population opposes these regulations, while a quarter of them are confused (Choi & Mullery, 2023). While progress is still being made, the reaction from some portion of society shows that more needs to be done. Many instances of discrimination, violence, and backlash against this group are still high in the US’s schools, workplaces, and social places (Adamson et al., 2022). This shows how complex the societal attitude is towards LGBTQ individuals.
Institutions, Power Structures, and Influence on Attitudes
Power structures in the US have influenced or reacted to public opinion on discrimination against people with non-normative sexual identities in various ways. For instance, the government has been on the frontline in setting legislation and policies to shape people’s attitudes. For example, in the June 2020 Supreme Court ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, the government affirmed that an employer firing a person because of their sexuality violates the Constitution (Blazina & Baronavski, 2022).
Educational institutions have also played a part in helping the country ensure equality for everyone despite their sexual orientation. For instance, the state of California recently passed legislation that prompts the school curriculum to include contributions and roles of LGBTQ Americans to its political, economic, and social development (Bittker, 2022). This law aims at changing the attitudes of the public about this vulnerable group and encouraging acceptance and support. Moreover, the purpose of the FAIR Education Act is to end the exclusion of LGBTQ history in education and ensure all students are safe in schools (Bittker, 2022).
Media and cultural organizations have also been important in shaping people’s narratives and attitudes. For instance, when movies, television, and literature depict these people positively, it is more likely to change how others think or interact with them (Rosenblum & Travis, 2016).
However, in case of power imbalances in this sector can lead to biased portrayals or the marginalization of non-normative sexual identities. This can be witnessed in many religious groups that maintain conservative doctrines, contributing to stigmatization (Blazina & Baronavski, 2022). Religions that reinforce traditional beliefs have led to a complex interplay between their teachings and societal attitudes. By gaining a better understanding of how institutions and power structures influence the public’s views, relevant stakeholders can know how to effectively dismantle inequalities and create supportive environments.
Public Attitudes/Laws in Canada
One country other than the US that has also been in the frontline fighting for the rights of people in the LGBTQ community is Canada. In this nation, there are many legal developments, public opinions, and societal reactions revolving around the equal treatment of this group. For instance, the Constitution of Canada explicitly grants many rights to people with non-normative sexual identities. It has made numerous efforts to protect them from discrimination, violence, and other issues. In 1969, it decriminalized same-sex sexual activity and ensured they were constitutionally safeguarded as of 1995 under the equality clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Government of Canada, 2023).
Additionally, it was the fourth country globally and the first in the North American continent to legalize the marriage of people of the same sex on 20 July 2005 (Dragicevic, n.d.). This was followed by many other legislation for ensuring society is safe for all LGBTQ members and guaranteeing support to those who are yet to come out. In June 2017, Canada also passed Bill C-12 to respond to the broader conversation around gender, the use of pronouns, freedom of speech, and the rights of gender-diverse and transgender Canadians (Dragicevic, n.d.).
There is also an increasing positive attitude in Canada toward people with non-normative sexuality. For example, “six in ten (61%) of adults say they support LGBT people being open about their sexual orientation and gender identity with everyone (vs. 51% worldwide)” (IPSOS, 2021, p. 6). Moreover, about 48% of them indicate that they support when they show affection in public, compared to 37% worldwide (IPSOS, 2021).
Lastly, public reactions have been positive, influenced by numerous pride events. They celebrate Pride Month every June, Public Service Pride Week every third week of August, and other related activities all summer (Statistics Canada, 2023). All these suggest that Canada has made significant steps in ensuring an equitable and inclusive society.
Conclusion
The US has a complex and dynamic landscape of attitudes and perspectives surrounding sexual identity, particularly discrimination and violence expressed towards LGBTQ individuals. Sexual orientation has always stood up as a master status that has played a part in shaping personal identity and how members interact within their society. My personal journey on the perception of people with non-normative sexuality has transformed based on education, exposure to the challenges they encounter, and inherent dignity and humanity. This evolution mirrors the broader societal trend related to taking these people as members of society. Similar factors have also influenced my point of view of my familial and friendship circle. They have diverse perspectives influenced by cultural background, age, and subjection to global stories associated with this problem.
In the US, public attitudes indicate the impacts of the efforts made over the years to create an equitable and inclusive society. The government has introduced many laws, schools have included some of these issues in the curriculum, and the media has helped change people’s stereotypes. Canada has also introduced legislation to safeguard the group’s rights, which shows how the globe is determined to make changes. In essence, a better understanding of this global concern offers a foundation for improving things.
References
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