Identity Development And Societal Attitudes of Gay, Lesbian And Essay

Identity Development And Societal Attitudes of Gay, Lesbian And Bisexual Adolescents - Essay Example ormation of self-identity is closely connected with the formation of sexual identity and as well as with individual’s sexual relations and societal behaviors. In the process of LGB identity formation and realization, an individual makes an attempt to solve a problem of internalized homophobia and redirects negative attitudes into negative attitudes. Further on, an individual feels comfortable when his â€Å"hidden† LGB identity is revealed by others. In order to trace the stages of LGB identity formation, it is relevant to refer to the modern literary sources that were focused on this issue. Having given a brief review to the modern scholarly journals, we can clearly see that identity formation among gays, lesbians and bisexuals is generally associated with the most important age stages. In these studies a linear research is provided. In other words, it is studied the way an individual is evolving from the stage of sexual attraction to sexual activities. In accordance w ith recent studies, the main changes in the process of identity development occurred among adolescent women and young men (Diamond, 2000, 2003; Dickson, Paul, & Herbison, 2003). If to summarize the results of these studies, we can see that very often adolescents do not identify them as LGB individuals. Thus, Diamond (2000;2003) has claimed that 70% â€Å"were consistent in their self-identification as lesbian, bisexual or unlabeled after two years, and 50% were consistent after five years† (cited from Hutson, 2009). Few young men identified themselves as â€Å"straight†. Among 216 bisexual males, only 17% became heterosexually oriented, while 15% remained homosexually oriented (Hutson, 2009). The reasons for such an unexpected shift among adolescents, who tend to develop their homosexual or lesbian... This paper stresses that there is a lack of humanity in the modern society. There are a lot of religious, social or homophobic principles that prevent people from being tolerant to people other than they. Nevertheless, it should be noted that there is a need to propagate a correct social stereotype about homosexuals and bisexuals. In case contemporaries remain homophobes, we would come closer to racist society. A propagation of a humane attitude to gays, lesbians and bisexuals is a relevant measure that has to be taken by the contemporaries. These individuals are full right citizens of our society. They should be free in making their personal choices and have the same freedoms as all other members of the society. There is no need to prevent these individuals from their right of becoming full-right participants of the society. Homosexuality is not an intimidating factor for the modern society. Thus, it is more relevant to be patient and tolerant to these individuals. Moreover, taking into account the fact that LGB individuals are responsive members of their communities, perfect parents and devoted spouse means that there is no deviance in the behavior of these individuals. It is better to create more favorable conditions for the full-fledged development of identities of LGB individuals. This report makes a conclusion that in case the modern society is more open to representatives of LGB, the latter would have a chance to live and function under no oppression. In this case, their self-and sexual identities would develop in harmony. Their clear sexual identification would facilitate a process of their further socialization. In spite of the fact that these people are often oppressed, they remain open and tolerant members of the society. If to treat them the way they treat all other people, the society would be more humane and full of respect.