Same Sex Relationships

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Recommended: Human animal relationships

Same-sex relationships have been seen throughout the world for many years. It took same-sex human relationships many years to get to the forefront through history, and it seems to be the same case in animals. Through research and studies, same-sex relationships are being recognized more and more in animals as well as in humans. Within human relationships and animal relationships as well, there are many sex and gender implications. Historical perspectives of not presenting sexualities out of the norm due to resistance in spite of solid research based evidence are now being used to support the sensitive nature of the topic. Brett outlines the science of homosexual relationships amongst animals. Science and knowledge are enculturated (Fausto-Sterling) and scientists have seen heterosexuality, where others are now seeing homosexuality. Heterosexuality is seen within society as the ‘normal’ way of life, but it is important to look at all ways of living.

Homophobia seems to be a gendered topic. Men tend to be thought of as being more homophobic than women (Frank, 2008). The behaviours that are exhibited by some men in society support this statement. Negative comments, bullying and physical assaults have been documented as a result of homophobic behaviour. As seen in Hopkins article “Gender Treachery,” the term “girl” signifies “a failure of masculinity”, “a failure of living up to a gendered standard of behaviour”, and “a gendered standard of identity” (p.130). In other words, the term girl is used to bully those male individuals who seem to be more ‘feminine’. Is homophobia simply ‘intrinsic to contemporary heterosexual masculinity?” (Frank 2008). I do not believe that the term homophobia is simply intrinsic to contemporary heterose...

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...244-248). In di Leonardo, M. & Lancaster, R. (Eds.) The gender/ sexuality reader. New York, NY: Routledge.

Frank, K., (2008). “Not gay, but not homophobic”: Male sexuality and homophobia in the ‘lifestyle.’ Sexualities, 11 (4), 435-454. Retrieved March 17, 2010 from Academic Search Premier database.

Gill, R. (2008). Empowerment/Sexism: Figuring female sexual agency in contemporary advertising. Feminism and Psychology, 18 (1), 35-60. Retrieved March 20, 2010 from Academic Search Premier database.

Hopkins, P. (1992). Gender Treachery (pp. 129-151). In Ashton-Jones, E., Olson, G.A. & Perry, M.G. (Eds.) Gender Reader. Toronto: Longman.

Looy, H., Bouma, H., (2005). The nature of gender: Gender identity in persons who are intersexed or transgendered. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 33 (3), 166-178. Retrieved March 24, 2010 from Academic Search Premier database.

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