Abstract
This paper explains that nearly all developmental theories view heterosexual orientations as the default option; whereas, homosexual or bisexual orientations, referred to as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer), is considered to be the deviant behaviour. The author examines the differences and similarities in the development of LGBTQ youth as compared to heterosexual youth with respect to the development of sexual identities, the availability of positive adult role models and the development of interpersonal peer group and dating skills. The paper concludes that the major difference between LGBTQ adolescent development and heterosexual adolescent development is within society's views of homosexuality and bisexuality. Society should change these attitudes and should equalize same-sex legal rights.

From the Paper
"The development of a strong and stable identity, according to many theorists including Erikson, is the single most important developmental task that adolescents face. Failure to successfully develop an identity, or to struggle excessively through identity development, can have psychological and social ramifications that last for the duration of an individual's lifespan. Thus, the study of identity development is a widely popular topic within the social sciences. Recently, the identity development of LGBTQ youth has begun to be more closely scrutinized."

Tags:society, identity, discrimination, denial, relationships

Abstract
This paper examines homosexuality and discusses the facts that are known about homosexuality. The paper defines the term homosexuality and cautions that homosexuality consists of much more than how individuals engage in sexual activity. The author provides a short history of the presence of homosexuality in societies throughout the world and discusses how the acceptance of homosexuality varies across cultures. The paper also counsels that the stereotypes surrounding homosexuality should be examined cautiously, as they are not accurate representations of the whole.

From the Paper
"Thus, the environment, and our experiences as we grow up do impact our sexual orientation, but they likely impact our decisions of whether or not to follow our sexual orientation than the actual orientation itself. To elaborate, social norms dictate how young girls and young boys are to behave, our parents, teachers and friends put a great deal of effort, whether conscious or unconscious, into moulding our personalities and behaviours in a manner that will fit with our gender. Society raises nearly everyone to expect that they will be heterosexual, and in turn, society expects everyone to be heterosexual. Because homosexuality is viewed as a deviation from the norm, there are few places in society that can be found that would encourage children to view their future as holding homosexuality as a possibility."

Tags:human rights, sexual orientation, society

Abstract
An argumentative paper outlining how the law treats homosexuality. The author focuses on the history, marriage and adoption rights and benefits of homosexuals and the general effect of these laws on society.

From the Paper
'The issue of homosexuality has been brought to society's attention on more than one occasion, and still remains unresolved. The homosexual community should receive the same rights as the heterosexual community, thus the laws should relate to all of the society. By thoroughly researching the laws in relation to the homosexual community, it has been noticeable that homosexuals do not receive the same recognition as heterosexuals. Though same-sex relationship recognition in Canada has developed as a result of legislation, when dealing with benefits and adoption, homosexuals are still not granted full equality in regards to marriage. There have been many court casing which challenge the definition of "spouse", Bills that have been passed, obligation and rights have been granted, yet still, full equality for homosexuals has not been obtained."

Tags:legitimate, fair, equal, treat, respond, rights, legal

Abstract
This paper argues that homosexuality, specifically lesbianism, is not a natural process. According to the author it is rather socially constructed, and understood by the meanings people attribute to it. This paper examines the cultural institutions that aid this process by reinforcing individualization through the notion of identity formation, and the search to find one's sexual identity.

From the Paper
"The process of becoming is defined by the dictionary as "1 to come to be; grow to be 2 be suitable for; suit 3 looks well on" (Gage Canadian Dictionary, 1983, 100). Formally, that is, to become means to learn how to develop, how to arrive, how to be, how to act, how to live. In other words, it is a social process. In the world we live in, full of uncertainty, fear of the unknown and a reluctance to criticize science, reason, progress, individualization and rationality, the concept of becoming has been confused with the notion of being: "1 a person; living creature 2 life; existence 3 nature; constitution" (103). This confusion has trained us to attribute anything and everything " including sexuality " that concerns the "unknown," or that which opposes societal norms, to the scientific analysis of causation and effect. It has also trained us to ignore many of the social processes at essence of many of the issues of the world today. Essentially, humans are socially constructed. "

Tags:constructivism, gay, homosexuality, lesbian, sexuality, social, sociology, attributions, individuals, culture, society

Abstract
This paper discusses the changes in representation and perceptions of homosexuality over time. It suggests that the social acceptance of homosexuality and same-sex relationships has been growing. Based on this assumption, the paper questions if homosexuals have become less promiscuous or if society become less concerned with labeling homosexual behaviour as promiscuous and immoral.

From the Paper
"The answer to such a question is not simple and lies somewhere in between the extreme possibilities at each end of the spectrum. The promiscuity of homosexuals has historically been exaggerated and placed at the centre of arguments condemning the behaviour of the entire group. While some homosexuals are indeed quite promiscuous, this does not lend itself to labelling all homosexuals as promiscuous individuals incapable of long-term, stable, monogamous relationships. Additionally, the promiscuity of an individual should not immediately translate into the denial of rights for that individual (Johnson, 2004). To the extent that homosexuality has historically been linked with higher levels of promiscuity, social factors influencing behaviour must also be considered. For many years homosexuality and homosexual behaviour was considered not only deviant, but also criminal (Johnson, 2004). Today, homosexuals are still denied basic human rights and the ability to enter into legal marriages recognized by the government and society. In many places homosexuals are not allowed to adopt children, and homosexuals are often denied spousal benefits such as tax deductions, death allowances, sick leave for family illnesses, pension benefits and many more benefits associated with being in a socially and legally recognized relationship (Patterson & D'Augelli, 1998)."

Tags:promiscuity, lesbian, morality, behaviour

Abstract
This paper examines how with the increasing visibility of gays and lesbians in society, religious leaders, child psychologists, and other professionals are beginning to question whether children raised by a gay or lesbian couple will function the same as children raised by heterosexual couples. It looks at how there are many arguments against same sex couples raising children and how these arguments come from the religious community.

From the Paper
"It is evident that the traditional nuclear family has changed. It is no longer just mother, father and child. The family has become single parents, biracial couples; blended families, communal living, and homosexual couples are only a few among others. In the last decade Canada has seen a huge change in the legal and social status of lesbians and gay men. They are now able to marry divorce, adopt and have custody of children. Same sex marriage is now legal in parts of the world. Many believe this kind of unions is redefining what marriage and family is. It is true the number of same-sex families in Canada is unknown because the statistics Canada census "does not distinguish between unrelated individuals sharing living quarters and those who have a sexual relationship. "

Tags:children, love, parent, gay, lesbian

Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that same-sex adoption, or as it is more commonly referred to in the media, gay adoption, is the adoption of children by individuals in a conjugal relationship with a member of the same sex. The writer notes that the topic of same-sex adoption is highly controversial, due to the arguments by those opposed to it that same-sex marriage would do a disservice to the nation, traditional values and the health and well being of the adopted children. The writer argues that the arguments against same-sex adoption are based on flawed assumptions and therefore hold little to no water in terms of being valid arguments. Furthermore, the writer maintains that research indicates that same-sex adoption provides equal, if not more benefits to children, as compared to children of heterosexuals, and that to deny same-sex couples the right to adopt is a denial of basic human and civil rights.

From the Paper
"To continue to deny same-sex couples the right and the ability to adopt children together, instead of going through long drawn out processes in which one parent adopts as a single parent followed by the partner adopting the child later, is a continuation of severe discrimination, and should not be allowed.
"There is a growing body of literature concerning same-sex parents and their children. The research covers a variety of topics, including the process same-sex couples go through when deciding to have children, how they come to the decision, and how they decide upon which method to use when having children. The literature discusses the impact on the health of the individuals within the relationship in terms of their concerns for their children about social stigma and discrimination, as well as how their own personal levels of internalized homophobia relate to their decision of whether or not to raise children together. However, the literature of most interest to this paper concerns the effects on the children of growing up in a same-sex parented household. "

Tags:children, rights, parents, couples

Abstract
This paper looks at the widespread debate surrounding homosexuality, its causes, and some societal and Christian responses. It presents the arguments of "nature" vs "nurture" - the discussion whether someone is "born" homosexual or whether it is a product of their society and upbringing.

From the Paper
"There is a war being fought. A war without guns and countries, but nonetheless a war with sides, pain, punishment and death. North American society is the battleground of a new type of war. Social ethics, civil rights and Christian dogma all play a part in the battle of homosexuality. Homosexuality is the emotional and sexual attraction to members of ones own sex."

Tags:christian, debates, god, issues, sex, sexual, social

Abstract
This paper looks at the growing acceptance of gay and lesbian relationships in society, as well as homosexual marriages. The author focuses specifically on Toronto's Metropolitan Community Church, led by the Reverend Brent Hawkes, which offers the gay community vast support for the lifestyle, and performs controversial marriage ceremonies.

Tags:brent, church, community, hawkes, metropolitan, reverend, toronto

Abstract
This paper discusses how "Thelma and Louise" strayed from the typical "road movie" formula in terms of casting, theme and storyline. It shows how the film not only helped to redefine gender stereotypes but also paved the way for other women, as well as gays, people of color and other traditionally underrepresented groups, to become "road movie heroes" as well.

From the Paper
"The conventional road movie twosome, which is usually comprised of either two young males or a male and female with a romantic connection, has permeated the genre since its inception. Thelma and Louise broke that tradition by not only using two female protagonists, but by portraying men in a consistently negative light; essentially as either "rapists", "bullies" or "boy toys"."

Tags:action, adventure, film, gender, roles, theme, gay, color