Final Conclusion

     After concluding this survey, I realized that opinions on gay marriage really depend on three main factors: religious belief, general knowledge of homosexuality, and age. Participants with strong religious affiliation almost always strongly disagreed with the statement that homosexuals should be permitted to marry. Those who were educated at an early age about homosexuality were indifferent towards them getting married, and those below the age of 18 all agreed it was only fair for everyone to be allowed to marry.
     I believe this strongly demonstrates how education, religion, and age strongly effect outlooks on life. I was not too surprised about the outcome of these surveys because I knew these factors would have this effect on the outcome. During my presentation in class, I will be speaking about these questions more in detail and the outcome of all age groups and other factors, also how they differed.

Survey Sample

1. I am a religious person.
strongly disagree    disagree    neutral    agree   strongly agree

2. Homosexuality is a choice.
strongly disagree    disagree    neutral    agree   strongly agree

3. Homosexuals have the right to be married.
strongly disagree    disagree    neutral    agree   strongly agree

4. It is right that people openly protest against homosexuals.
strongly disagree    disagree    neutral    agree   strongly agree

5. Growing up, my parents never taught me about homosexuality.
strongly disagree    disagree    neutral    agree   strongly agree


Open ended:
In the space provided, explain your perception of homosexuality, and if you feel they should or should not be permitted to get married.

Research Update

I have conducted my survey on 4 grandparents and 4 older adults and through only one generation, the results only differed slightly. I noticed more liberal, open minded views in the younger generation, but nothing as radical as one might hope.  I'm excited to learn and hypothesize why this might be, and survey more of my peers and then the children, discovering their points of view.

Details of the survey

I will ask 10 questions regarding homosexuality to four age groups:  four children between 5-13, four teenagers between 14-18, and four young adults between 19-40, and then finally, four older adults between the ages of 41-70.  The goal of this survey is to record their reactions and responses based on different ages and generations. Afterward, I will be able to come up with a hypothesis and explanation as to why certain age groups reacted the way they did.

Perception of Homosexuality Survey

For our second quarter project, I will be conducting a survey. During this survey I will be monitoring responses I receive from a variety of age groups. I've chosen this type of project because I am curious to see the difference between generations and their idea of what is right and wrong for gay men and women.

Helping a Child to Come Out

     On Thursday, October 11th, it was National Coming Out Day. Many anxious girls and boys embraced their sexuality and exposed their true identity to their loved ones. Such a topic can be difficult to speak about, but some parents, as explained in the New York Times article, Helping a Child Come Out, took the news by stride and showed nothing but love and support to their children. These proud parents explained that they always had a feeling their children were gay, but wanted them to feel comfortable enough to officially tell them. In fact, new research shows that signs of homosexuality can be prominent at the young age of three years old. Within the last few years, the average age of coming out has become lower and lower, and at such a young age, it is critical to have the approval and support of loved ones.
     Seeing these proud and supportive mothers really made me appreciate the love that parents have for their children. These mothers and fathers came together showing that sexuality does not define who you are as a person and is nothing to be ashamed of. Without the support of family, gay children are more likely to have low self-esteem, and face bullying which could contribute to the high suicide rate of gay teens. In the long run, this support at home could save the life of one child at a time.

Texas School Punishes Boy for Opposing Homosexuality

     A 9th grade student, Dakota Ary, in Fort Worth, Texas, was suspended for a total of two days after openly stating he felt homosexuality was wrong during his German Class. His mother fought back saying he was a model student and this comment should not leave any infractions on his otherwise perfect record. She argued that he was only stating his beliefs as a Christian and should not be penalized and more importantly, that he has the right to speak freely. After various phone calls and the involvement of Pope and an attorney, his punishments were lifted and he was no longer held responsible for his actions.
     I believe they made a fair point about freedom of speech, but I believe that does not give anyone permission to discriminate against a certain group of people. His comment could have seriously insulted anyone of the students, proving his disregard for anyones feelings. I believe a two day suspension may have been a little too harsh, but letting him off with no punishment is is almost a reward for his ignorance.