Same-Sex Desire and Gender Variation Essay Example

Same-sex desire and gender variance are critical topics, especially in contemporary times. Instances of same-sex relations are common throughout human history, which shows that the phenomenon has not just appeared in recent years. Homosexuality is now a common practice in many cultures, but LGBT members still face unnecessary issues.

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Many western societies were against homosexuality, until the late 1800s, because it was considered a sin (Holler, 2010). The social norms and laws had outlawed same-sex relations and gender variant behaviors, such as wearing the clothes of the opposite sex. The common belief was that God had created two distinct sexes, which was the natural order of things. However, in the Samoan tradition, there are biological males who identify as members of a third gender. Boys are identified as fa'afafine, from an early age, and they take on the responsibilities, dress, and manners of a woman (Burton, 2017). Same-sex relationships were outlawed in western societies but commonplace in the Samoan culture. Historical artifacts dating back to over 2,500 years are evidence of the prevalence of homosexuality in past cultures. A fragment of ceramic in the British Museum depicts Gilgamesh, a mythical king, grieving over the loss of his male lover (Dobbin, 2013). It appears to me that the attitudes on gender variance and same-sex relations are a matter of perception and culture rather than a universal law.

The history of same-sex desire drives me to think that people should begin to become open to the idea that same-sex relations are quite normal. When the study of human sexual behavior began in the 1850s, sexologists concluded that some men and women belonged to third sex that engaged in same-sex relations and displayed gender variance (Holler, 2010). Therefore, people learned that it was not abnormal to become attracted to someone of a similar gender. History shows that the desire between members of the same sex has always been present, and hence I believe that society should strive to accommodate this scenario. After learning the history, I can see that same-sex desire is part of the human condition, and this is a crucial factor in our contemporary societies.

Many members of the LGBT community grapple with issues like discrimination, stigma, and violence among others. I think it is quite unfair to subject people to inferior treatment based on their beliefs and desires. Some cultures today are open to homosexual relations while others are not, which continues the narrative that has prevailed throughout history. The issues facing the LGBT community are based on cultures and ideologies of a particular country. In the west, the rise of individualism has seen an increase in same-sex relations since the focus is on individual satisfaction rather than societal norms (Twenge, 2016). I believe that there ought to be freedom of sexuality in the same way that people are free to practice any religion without persecution or discrimination.

I think that some historical figures have stood up in the study. President Obama campaigned for LGBT rights in America and around the world. In a trip to Africa, he compared homophobia to racial discrimination (Burton, 2017). It stood out because the president is a powerful and authoritative figure, and hence his opinion on a particular issue has a massive impact on people's reasoning.

Conclusion

Gender variance and same-sex relations have been a part of human society for many years. some communities outlawed homosexuality while others were more accommodating. Same-sex relations are not a disease or a crime, and hence I believe LGBT members should not be discriminated for their choice. It is the role of society to accommodate the diverse choices of LGBT people.

References

Burton, N. (2017). Gender Variation and Same-Sex Relations in Precolonial Times. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201707/gender-variation-and-same-sex-relations-in-precolonial-times

Dobbin, A. (2013). LGBT people existed long before 1967 - as the British Museum reveals. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jun/20/lbgt-people-1967-british-museum

Holler, J. (2010). Pathologizing Sexuality and Gender. Visions Journal, 6(2). Retrieved from http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/sites/default/files/visions_lesbian_gay_bt.pdf

Twenge, J. (2016). Why We're Having More Same-Sex Relationships Than Ever. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/our-changing-culture/201606/why-were-having-more-same-sex-relationships-ever