Sexuality in America

Sexuality in America Sexuality has always played a significant role in the way a person is seen in front of the eyes of the society. In the past matters of sexuality were not very complicated partially due to the then socially acceptable division of gender and sex. It was very clear that the divide only existed between males and females or masculinity and femininity. However, with the societal development over time, previously taboo sex roles and identities that were frowned upon started to come to light. Individuals no longer accepted the black and white definition of sexuality; instead, more focus was put in the grey area region of sexuality. Persons now openly started to identify themselves as being gay or lesbian, others as transgender and some as bisexual in nature.

Sex as it had been known for centuries on end was now on the brink of total transformation. In American cities such as San Francisco, the movement by these alternative sexualities took on more prominence and basically became a new way of life. The case, however, was not the same throughout the country as such alternative sexualities met stiff resistance especially in the conservative sections of the country such as the Southern States.

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The clamor for rights The entry of alternative sexuality into American society was to further complicate the delicate dynamics of equality that had been plaguing the nation for decades. The American society had always been socially skewed against women and race. The steps towards racial equity were slow but sure ever since the countrywide abolition of slavery to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. However, what still remained well into the 21st century was the subtle society wide discrimination against women. Men had gradually relegated women to a class behind them in the important aspects of the community, be it in professional fields to positions of leadership where women continued being conspicuous by their absence. The need for women to get an equal shake in the American society was the basis of the feminist movements that aimed to tackle voter and representation rights for women and tear down on cultural and social inequalities (Herdt & Howe, 2007).

Female organizations such as the National Organization for Women (NOW), League of Women Voters stepped up their efforts for gender equality for women in representation and the workplace. These efforts not withstanding, the American society is still rife with discriminatory practices against women. For instance during recruitment of staff, especially in top management, women are at a definite disadvantage than males of similar qualification (Herdt & Howe, 2007).

It is also not surprising that even when they are hired for an executive position, they still attract lesser perks that males. The reason for this has been cited as lack of sufficient will power by policy makers and the media to genuinely shred the negative aspects women discrimination.

Despite the spirited efforts by the women groups in capping discriminatory practices, the female folk still remain significantly disadvantaged against their male counterparts. The civil societies of the new sexualities of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) persons were

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also keen to safeguard their interests in the American society through initiatives similar to the feminist movement. Organizations such as the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) are relentless in their efforts to ensure that their members are not discriminated against and that they have access to the same resources as any other American. However, the plight of GLBT individuals is slightly different from those of women. The reality is that although in the American society, especially in the country’s major cities alternative sexual preferences are tolerated, strong conservative views still limit their complete integration (Herdt & Howe, 2007).

The conservatism that is associated with religious organizations that basically ban homosexuality means that these individuals find it difficult to land worthwhile economic opportunities. Instead, it is only in progressive economic sectors such as the entertainment industry where the GLBT persons can claim to have a relatively fair shot of succeeding.

Professions such as teaching, especially in elementary stages still remain among the most difficult sector for a GLBT person to have a career. The reason for this is the misconception that many parents have that the sexuality of the teacher may rub on to their children (Herdt & Howe, 2007).

Issues relevant to both women and GLBT Among the issues that are most near and dear to both women and GLBT are those to do with political representation. The importance of representation cannot be over emphasized since it is through representation that legislation and policy that affect their lives are passed. Without adequate representation, hopes of attaining equality will remain just a pipe dream without any realistic chance of materializing (Herdt & Howe, 2007). Socially, the public misconstrued perceptions on women and alternative sexual lifestyles have to change. As long as the perception

SEXUALITY IN AMERICA abounds that women are genetically inferior to men and that the GLBT people are only in the lifestyle for the sake of seeking a thrill, then no significance progress can ever be achieved.

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Herdt, G. & Howe, C. (2007). 21st Century sexualities: Contemporary issues in health, education and rights. New York, NY: Routledge.