Gays’, Lesbians’, and Bisexuals’ Roles of “Otherness” in Dominant Culture

Despite no visible differences such as those of ethnicity and race, homosexuals and bisexuals are still commonly defined as “other” in our society. Based soley on their sexual orientation, gays, lesbians, and bisexuals are continually targetted by intolerance, ignorance, and segregation because of their role as an “other” in the dominant culture. This “otherness” is a departure in characteristics and behavior from the range expressed as the local, safe norm. It causes intense concern and an attempt at comprehension. From this, the mind either quickly moves to apprehension, misunderstanding, and fear, or to repulsion and hatred. Although the dominant group’s mindset still exists today, the situation is gradually improving through pro-gay legislation and continually more liberal views pertaining to sexuality.

A bisexual friend of mine gave me her opinion when she heard the topic of my “otherness” paper. “I don’t feel my ‘otherness’ on a daily basis because of the ease of ‘passing’ in a heterosexual world. Actually, my sexual preference is never an issue until someone makes an ignorant remark or assumption

s been passed regarding basic rights and especially same sex marriage. While the struggle for this type of legislation has been an upward battle, the most recent developments have been steps in the direction of tolerance and acceptance. More liberal views coupled with awareness have begun to soften the harshness of the discrimination and the social stigma against gays, lesbians, and bisexuals.

In their movement from otherness, gays, lesbians, and bisexuals have faced monumental obstacles. For gay, lesbian and bisexual activists, the word "Stonewall" signifies quite possibly the most important, single landmark in the worldwide struggle for gay rights. In 1969, at New York's Stonewall Bar, homosexual patrons fought back when Stonewall was raided one night by New York City policemen, who came hoping to arrest gay patrons for engaging in then illegal homosexual acts. Since that night, Stonewall has been revered as an enduring symbol of the fight for gay rights, issues, and conflicts(Leadership U). Gays in the military have also been a relevant and more recent struggle. Favorable legislation has led to the “don’t ask, don’t tell” governmental policy. This attitude does not allow homosexuals and bisexuals to be openly gay, but does give them the basic rights that straight people have without constant fear of being discovered. More pro-gay legislation ha!

Upon coming out to her old friends and people upon first encounters, my friend faces an internal struggle. Fear of rejection and loss are always a concern. However, coming out to her parents and family was even more difficult, “I was afraid they would define me by my gayness, not by my personality or self worth. No

Some topics in this essay:
Culture Despite, York City, Psychological Association, Hammersmith Troiden, Hughes Tolerance, Overlooked Opinions, Bell Weinberg, gays lesbians, Stonewall Bar, gays lesbians bisexuals, lesbians bisexuals, dominant culture, sexual orientation, homosexuals bisexuals, Bisexuals’ Roles, dominant culture’s, bell weinberg, gay people, fear rejection, gay rights, “otherness” gays lesbians,