Question 1

How does the gender binary seen in Western society affect how we consider sexual orientation?

Accepted Answer

The gender binary in Western society often leads to the assumption that one's gender identity is tied to their sexual orientation. For example, the belief that a person who identifies as a woman should be attracted to men, or a person who identifies as a man should be attracted to women. This can result in erasure and marginalization of individuals who do not fit neatly into these binary categories.

Question 2

"Binary categories of sex" can best be understood by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Binary categories of sex are socially constructed divisions of male and female and heterosexual and homosexual relationships. They are not solely based on biological sex differentiation. These categories reinforce gender stereotypes and can lead to inequality.

Question 3

How can gender be "fluid" if a person is born either male or female?

Accepted Answer

Gender is a social construct that describes the way a person experiences their own identity in terms of masculine or feminine characteristics. While sex (being born male or female based on biological factors) is binary, gender is a more complex concept that can fluctuate and change throughout a person's life. Therefore, a person's gender can be described as fluid.

Question 4

A male-to-female transgender individual who remains married to her female spouse can describe herself as a lesbian.

Accepted Answer

A transgender woman, regardless of her sex assigned at birth, has the right to define her gender identity and sexual orientation. If she identifies and presents herself as a woman and is attracted to other women, she can choose to identify as a lesbian, just like any other woman who is attracted to women. It is important to respect individuals' self-identification and not categorize them based on one's own perception or stereotypes.

Question 5

Research, as well as contemporary culture, reveals the Americans are accepting of homosexuals as opposed to homosexual acts. Which of the following is a plausible reason?

Accepted Answer

This reason suggests that while Americans may support equal rights and protections for homosexuals, they may still view specific behaviors as immoral. This aligns with the idea that many Americans may accept the existence of homosexuality but not necessarily homosexual acts.

Question 6

Despite being a minority that has suffered the deprivation of civil rights as other inequalities, Blacks tend to be more hostile to homosexuality than Whites. Choose the accepted explanation.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that Black Americans are more likely to have conservative religious views than White Americans, and many traditional Black churches preach against homosexuality as a sin.

Question 7

Numerous studies all indicate that negative attitudes about gays and lesbians are reduced by what process or phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Regular contact with members of the LGBTQ+ community has consistently been shown to reduce negative attitudes and increase acceptance. This is often referred to as the "contact hypothesis" and is supported by numerous studies. Exposure to positive portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals in media can also have a positive impact, but regular personal contact is considered the most effective way to reduce prejudice. Desegregation and activism by groups such as Act Up can also contribute to increased acceptance, but they are not as consistently effective as regular contact.

Question 8

The scholar Stephen Murray has posited the term "quasi-ethnic group" to describe the homosexual community. Why is might this term be provocative, even for those who agree with him?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The scholar Stephen Murray has posited the...

Question 9

Why did opponents to the Defense of Marriage Act emphasize the need to protect civil rights?

Accepted Answer

Opponents emphasized civil rights to align with public sentiment, as Americans tend to support or not strongly oppose civil rights issues, making it a strategic focus for gaining broader acceptance.

Question 10

Why is the language in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act so problematic in its application in deciding cases of discrimination based on sex?

Accepted Answer

Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act does not define "sex," leading to narrow interpretations and challenges in applying it to cases of sex discrimination.

Question 11

Many states have passed laws against employment discrimination based on sexual preference. Some have of exclusions for certain occupations. What kind of job is likely meant here?

Accepted Answer

The exclusion for certain occupations is likely meant for a very limited range of occupations in which biological sex would prevent one from performing his or her duties or interacting with people of the opposite sex on religious grounds and the like. Examples could include jobs in religious institutions or single-sex facilities such as prisons or health care facilities.

Question 12

Which is true about American attitudes to homosexuality compared with those of other industrial nations?

Accepted Answer

Studies and surveys have consistently shown that Americans are generally less accepting of homosexuality than citizens of other Western countries. This is likely influenced by factors such as religion and cultural norms.

Question 13

The military's former policy of "don't ask, don't tell" (DADT) was eliminated in 2011. Legally, what was defective about the law?

Accepted Answer

The policy of "don't ask, don't tell" was found to be defective because it was based on stereotypes and required individuals to hide their true identity, which did not stand up in many court cases. This violated the principle of equal protection under the law.

Question 14

Attempting to shame gays and lesbians or to force them to adopt a heterosexual lifestyle can best be described by what term?

Accepted Answer

Heterosexism is the belief that heterosexual relationships are superior to homosexual relationships and can lead to discrimination and persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals. Attempting to shame them or force them to conform to a heterosexual lifestyle is an example of heterosexism.

Quiz 7: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identityexpression, and Inequality