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.

 

'Gay cure' ?

     Early this October in California, two therapist allegedly 'cured' a teen of his homosexuality, as stated in a CNN article. He confirmed this accusation and agreed that he was now heterosexual. Many in California believe this is wrong on almost every level. They recently passed a law that states they cannot speak or attempt any type of 'conversion' for gay teens under the age of 18 because it could cause severe depression. Though many citizens feel this law is helpful in protecting the teens mental well being, others feel it violates their civil rights to speak freely.
    In my opinion,  I feel this law is necessary to protect the teens in California that are vulnerable and confused about their sexuality. If stories and attempts are made to  change who they are and how they feel, it could severely damage their self-esteem, leading to greater issues. I believe being gay is not a choice, but instead something you are born into. I can't speak for anyone else, but I believe everyone offers individuality to this world and if any therapist is trying to change your personality, then it should be kept private to protect the wellbeing others.

Newark Archbishop: Pro-Gay Marriage Catholics Should Forgo Holy Communion

     After large controversy in the Catholic community about the sanctity of gay marriage, Archbishop John J. Myers, published a letter where he defends his stand against it. In this letter, he states his belief that homosexuality in itself is not a sin, but acting upon ones homosexual tendencies is. He strongly believes that it is not natural for two men, or two women to share a sexual relationship. "Two men or two women cannot come together in any bodily way that tends towards a single biological good. They may be seeking mutual pleasure, but pleasure is only a good when it is taken in something independently good." After stating what he feels are facts about marriage, he continued to elaborate that any Catholic that feels strongly towards the legalization of gay marriage should withhold from accepting the Holy Communion. This article on the Christian Post explains in more detail his ideas behind this concept.

     As a Catholic myself, I was disappointed after reading this article. I believe In God and live by the faith that Jesus included all men and women. Jesus' mission was never to exclude a certain group of people for their beliefs, but instead accept and love them for who they were as an individual. He sat with the prostitutes, tax collectors, and even leapers. I respect Myers' opinion against gay marriage, but what I do not accept is that because I believe that love is blind, and that I should include and accept all people, I cannot accept the body of Christ into my life. I feel it is very hypocritical that a man that is meant to live a life like Jesus Christ is excluding honest and kind men and women for something that is not even under their control.

The New Normal

     Has anyone else noticed the increasing number of sitcoms involving gay marriage? These hilarious shows like Modern Family, or Partners, show marriage and relationships with a more modern approach. Sadly, many anti-gay groups such as One Million Moms, is staging a protest against NBC's newest addition, The New Normal. This show is about a gay couple looking for a surrogate mother to have their first child.While many believe this show sends positive message about love and family, an article in the Huffington Post says that the One Million Moms group stated "NBC is using public airwaves to continue to subject families to the decay of morals and values, and the sanctity of marriage in attempting to redefine marriage. These things are harmful to our society, and this program is damaging to our culture."

     I personally believe what they have to say is wrong on so many levels. In my opinion, their narrow minded view of love is the real reason for the decay of moral values in today's society. If a television sitcom is funny, and interesting... there is no real reason to protest. The rise of television shows featuring gay characters is a sign that maybe gay marriage is the 'new normal' and groups such as the One Million Moms needs to realize that our culture is evolving for the better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoltPi6zC_Q

Classes Open at Gay High School

     An article on CNN Politics wrote about the start of a new school year for an alternative high school for homosexual students. This high school is not strictly for gay students, but it does offer a safe friendly environment for those who are openly gay. The education they have to offer is just as challenging as any other school, and the atmosphere is more welcoming to those who had once been ridiculed for their sexual orientation. Rather than being harassed for being different, the students attending this high school are surrounded by their peers and testify that the bullying has significantly decreased. 
    Even with this new improvement, many of you could only imagine how this could get a lot of  negative attention from anti-gay activists. There are often protests that take place outside of the building led by Kansas minister Fred Phelps, where he states they need to repent for their "sodomite behavior."
     This new school could raise many questions and concerns, but I personally believe that if the students are happy, then there is nothing wrong with it. They are being accepted for who they really are and receiving a quality education. Doesn't every teenager, regardless of sexual orientation, deserves that?

Boy Scouts Continues to Exclude Homosexuals

     When one thinks of the Boy Scouts Club, ideas of adventurous camping trips and community service comes to mind. Sadly, that ideal image of boy scouts was destroyed in my eyes after reading an article in the New York Times, explaining that membership to join the Boy Scouts was banned to those who were openly gay. When executive board members of Boy scouts were questioned about their discrimination against homosexuality, they responded that their rules against gay membership "reflect the beliefs and perspectives” of their society.

     After reading this article, I was angered over the fact that a club that is meant to teach the male youth of America about equality and acceptance was actively excluding an entire community of people. The Boy Scouts code of honor is meant to represent acceptance and equality, and I find it shocking that this club acts in such a hypocritical manner. The Boy Scouts act as role models for today's youth. Do we really want intolerance to become acceptable in our future generations? 

     Discrimination against homosexuals is evident in all aspects of life: in school, the work place, and even within their own homes. In addition to the mental mistreatment they face within their community, the rate of hate crime involving gays and lesbians is increasing dramatically and laws against same sex marriage are being passed in various states. This blog will primarily focus on the injustices homosexuals face today and how our so called “progressive” government is taking steps backwards in this nations fight for equality.