Homosexuality

Views of homosexuality have evolved over time. It seems that homosexual behavior was actually deemed acceptable in ancient Roman times. It was probably around the time of the Enlightenment that Christian values overruled, shedding a negative light on any type of non-heterosexual behaviors. Homosexuality was then viewed as a sinful, unhealthy, and deviant choice. Fairly recently, societal views have turned more tolerant. Researchers have found homosexuality to be caused by genetic makeup, rather than decision. Therefore, people are now seemingly sympathetic toward those afflicted.

Literature Review

Avery, Chase, Johansson, Litvak, Montero, and Wydra (2007) explored “America’s Changing Attitudes toward Homosexuality, Civil Unions, and Same-Gender Marriage…” since the late 1970s. They reviewed public opinion polls to find a reason for the ever-present, staunch opposition to homosexuality, in a time when same-gender marriages and unions are becoming socially acceptable and legal. Avery et al. found that surveyed Americans are more flexible in their acceptance of certain recognitions of same-sex unions, but hold opposition to homosexual marriages. They speculated that Americans view marriage as a holy union, and homosexual couples entering into the sanctity of marriage defy Christian beliefs and the word of the Bible. Avery et al. also concluded that Americans do not want their acceptance of same-sex unions to be misconstrued as an acceptance of homosexuality itself.

Saranson and Saranson (2005) explained the changing views of homosexual behavior from a clinical standpoint. They stated that despite the removal of homosexuality from certain lists of mental disorders, there are still varying views among the general public and even some psychological professionals. Saranson and Saranson clarified the fact that homosexuals might be at a higher risk for distress or mental disorders, but not because they are homosexual. It is because society still perceives homosexual behavior as inappropriate, thus stigmatizing (distressing) homosexuals. Aside