5 of 11

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 6

Rather than risk being ousted by mother, father and siblings, the one in the closet chooses approval and acceptance.

Society: Society feeds everyone heterosexism in very large doses. From television, the printed page, school and the workplace, we are taught to be heterosexual. Girls are told to have dolls, dream houses and other toys with domestic undertones. Boys are told to be strong and masculine, so that they can be head-of- household as a husband some day. The work place can be filled with married individuals and people who often talk about dating situations with the opposite sex. In school while sexual education is discussed, the dialogue centers on the topics of abstinence until marriage, teen pregnancy and safe sex with condoms. All of which addresses heterosexual sex. Being that it seems to be a world filled with men and women who join together in holy matrimony, the person in the closet may not want to be seen as the deviate. Nor seen as the individual who goes against every heterosexual ideal and image. Being categorized as heterosexual has a sort of safety within normalcy. Being categorized as homosexual has a sort of danger that comes with anything that makes a person a minority or "atypical," anything that can possibly make the majority look down with an inferior air because of the contrast. In an effort to remain normal, good and a non-threat, many choose to keep their same-sex attractions under wraps.

Cultural Expectations: In ethnic communities the topic of how to deal with discrimination and racism is often discussed. A good number of ethnic individuals understand that we still live in a world where people have prejudicial ideals about people who are of a different racial background. Within these communities the sentiments against same-sex relationships can be even stronger. Entering into an open same-sex relationship can cause a person to become a "double minority," already a visible minority because of race, and now a sexual minority. In some ethnic communities the racial struggle can be very hard; to identify as openly gay seems to heap only more hardships upon a person and those associated with him or her. In the African American community heterosexism abounds. During time of intense racial struggle, emphasis was placed upon black men and black women to focus on marriage and family. The family could serve as a strong barrier against hate and violence. The family could take an active role in teaching the young African American community

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about The harm caused when homosexuals stay "in the closet"?
We want to hear your view. Write now!