Introduction
Homosexuality is a sexual behavior that has generated a lot of interest throughout time. Some people are of the opinion that homosexuality is a deviant behavior while others see it as a natural phenomenon. This needs to be a more developed thesis statement which also needs to be restated in the conclusion. See above notes on thesis statement development. The views of homosexuality in the society have changed over the time in the psychology field and homosexuality is no longer considered a mental illness on the other hand, in the religious front people have learnt to tolerate different people.
Main body
The Greeks considered sex as a pleasurable act of nature in the 4th century BC. Sex could be enjoyed between members of either sex (Sarason, I and Sarason, E, 2005, p. 272). This means that homosexuality was allowed during this time. However, it is important to note, that in some regions such as Ionia same-sex relations were prohibited (Pickett, 2006, p. 1). Alcibiades a politician and an Athenian general in the 5th century BC was a homosexual and it is said, “in his adolescence he drew away the husbands from their wives, and as a young man, the wives from their husbands” (Pickett, 2006, p. 1). Alexander the Great, who was a Greek king during the 5th Century BC, was a homosexual.
On the other hand, during the 4th and 5th centuries BC, the Roman society held a negative perception of sexuality; this was due to the turmoil experienced long before Christianity influences took root. The turmoil was economic as well as social that led to frustrations, these frustrations experienced by people at that time made people intolerant of the homosexuals. During this time, Christianity only allowed sex for procreation. All other sexual expressions were a sin. The law forbid homosexuality and those who engaged in it faced execution (Pickett, 2006, p. 1).
From the 12th to 14th centuries, the persecution of homosexuals rose sharply and many were executed among them were Muslims and Jews (Pickett, 2006, p. 1). Sex was only recognized within marriage institutions and therefore any kind of sexual activities was a sin. Homosexuals would be executed and denied burials because they were considered an abomination for their unnatural sexual behavior.
People were intolerant of those individuals who engaged in same sex relations. The Catholic Church used the concept of nature as a measure of morality. Homosexual behavior was unnatural thus, immoral (Pickett, 2006, p. 1).
Between the 14th and 18th centuries, people who engaged in homosexual behavior in Europe were burnt alive. Furthermore, people would be coerced into confessing their sexual or erotic thoughts and those who renounced these thoughts could be forgiven (Sarason, I & Sarason E, 2005, p. 272).
During the 19th and 20th centuries, the perception of homosexuality changed and people became more tolerant of homosexuals. This change occurred in the psychology field, due to the change of the perception that this sexual behavior was not a mental illness. Therefore, the severe punishments such as execution against homosexuals declined. The theological framework about homosexuality also changed and secular definitions became popular. In the psychology field, psychiatrists considered homosexuals to be suffering from a mental illness. However, this notion changed after various researches were conducted and they proved that homosexuality was not a disorder. This change of view of homosexuality in the psychology field led to the removal of homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1973. Later in 1975, the American Psychiatric Association did the same. The APA stated, “Homosexuality is neither a mental illness nor a moral depravity. It is the way a portion of the population expresses human love and sexuality” (Johnson, 2003, p. 1).
The change in the view of homosexuality during the 19th and 20th century can be attributed to biological theories that affect personality. In medicine homosexuality was explained as natural and innate (Pickett, 2006, p. 1). Biological theorists noted that homosexuals’ brains are different from those of heterosexuals. This can only mean that homosexuals do not choose homosexuality. The homosexuality sexuality behavior is innate. rather it chooses them. Thus, people started to change their stance on homosexuality including the psychologists and psychiatrists.
Since the 1960s, there was a rise of movements fighting for the liberation of homosexuals. This was led by the discriminations that homosexuals were going through. For example, homosexuality was a ground for one losing his or her job in the federal employment (). The police often brutalized homosexuals not because they had committed illegal activities but for being homosexuals. The homosexuals also face the public wrath in forms of beatings and often times the police could not protect them. They also faced humiliations and movements had to come up and defend the people who had a different sexual preference. Groups such as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (L.B.G.T) movement fight for the rights of people who have different sexual orientations from the heterosexual society. In addition, in November 2009, the Lesbians and Gays rallied in Washington to demand for equal treatments in all aspects of life such as serving in the military and marriage.
More recently, on May 28, 2010, the President of the United States, Barak Obama proclaimed May as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (L.B.G.T) pride month (The White House, 2010, p. 1). Our society has become more accepting of homosexuals in recent years. For example, Ellen DeGeneres, who is a popular television host, came out of the closet proudly and declared she was a lesbian in 1997. This revelation was accepted in our society and she has gone on to host major events such as the Grammys, Academy Awards, and the Emmys. She has also won various awards as an actor. Today homosexuals have made some significant gains in acceptance and they have been allowed to marry in some countries such as Canada and United States among others (Sarason, I & Sarason E, 2005, p. 275). This change in attitude towards homosexuality and the acceptance of people with different sexual orientations can be explained by the knowledge of behavioral theories that explain that an individual’s behavior is shaped by the environment. On the other hand, this may also explain why some people see homosexuals as bad role models as they may influence people to imitate their sexual behaviors.
More and more states in the U.S. are changing laws to allow gay marriages. However, there is stigmatization and prejudice in the society and homosexuals continue to experience discrimination and a lot of stress. This means that revealing ones sexual orientation becomes difficult. Some homosexuals are now willing to come out of the closet and declare their sexual orientation, but still fear rejection by family and friends causing them a lot of stress and worry. They may also face discrimination, verbal abuse, and violence from intolerant people in the society (The American Psychology Association, 2002, p. 2).
Conclusion
The issue of homosexuality will continue to raise interest. This is due to the misconceptions that surround it. I agree with the changes overtime because all people are created equal regardless of their sexual orientation, race, religion, or ethnic background. Homosexuals are people first, have rights, and should be allowed to live free from discrimination and prejudice. Homosexuals should not have to feel the need for guilt, fear, or shame. After all, heterosexual or homosexual we all should be treated with respect as equals. This is because the views of homosexuality have changed overtime due to changes in the psychology field, religion and the society in general. People have become more tolerant of homosexuals. For instance, in some churches today like the Anglican Church, there are gay Priests.
References
Johnson, R.D. (2003). Homosexuality: Nature: Nurture. Web.
Pickett, B. (2006). Homosexuality. Web.
Sarason, I. E., & Sarason, B. (2005). Abnormal Psychology: The Problem of Maladaptive Behavior.11th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson/Prentice-Hall.
The American Psychology Association. (2002). For a better understanding of sexual orientation and homosexuality. Web.
The White House. (2010). Presidential Proclamation–Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. Web.