5 of 11

Write now Article Tools

Page 4 of 6

about love of their heritage and culture. Having a same- sex relationship can sometimes be perceived as a full fontal attack against the family, and thus an act of rejection towards your African American people. Individuals of African American/ Black, Asian, Latino, Native American or Somali decent, may feel that their openly being a part of a same-sex relationship some how makes them no longer a strong positive force within their communities.

Gender-role Expectations: Girls are feminine, soft and nurturing. Boys are rough, masculine and stoic. These roles should be used within a marriage where the mother takes care of the children with her loving maternal nature, and the father uses his strength to be the breadwinner and prime disciplinarian. In today's changing society, these gender-roles may not be as rigid, however, they do still exists. To be classified as a "woman," a female most likely feels pressure to display what is largely considered to be feminine traits. To feel "manly," males feel pressure to show little feeling and emotion. There is the view that having a same-sex attraction goes against the traditional roles assigned to men and women. Often those who are in same-sex relationships are asked, "Who is the man, and who is the woman?" This very question denotes the fact the one participant within the same-sex relationship has to forfeit his or her identity as a "real" man or woman. In an effort to keep a desired sense of being man or woman, a person will hide his or her yearning to be a part of a same-sex relationship.

Self-Denial- After many years of being bombarded with the negative sentiments against same-sex romance, and the strong support of heterosexism, a person may feel compelled to deny any same-sex feelings. The negative stereotypes and consequences that can come with openly identifying as gay can be intimidating. The one in the closet may say, "I'm nothing like those gay people. I am healthy, attractive, loving, respectful, moral and inherently good. I can't possibly be like them." The one in the closet may spend years with this attitude, in effort to ward off any negativity. This sort of person may even be in love with someone of the same sex, but refuses to acknowledge this out of fear.

There can be thousands of other personal reasons why the person in the closet feels forced to hide his or her hidden sexual emotions, but really, what does it feel like to live in this way?

Imagine a woman, in love with a man. She gets married. She has

• << 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!