Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in today's modern world, the issue of gay marriage has spawned a huge debate centering on whether or not gay couples should be legally allowed to become married. Those who oppose gay marriage contend that such an arrangement if made legal would destroy American society by changing the traditional family unit of a mother, father and children; others point out that gay marriage is not supported by the Christian religion. The writer discusses that in contrast, those who support gay marriage contend that such an arrangement between either two men or two women is factually not that different from traditional marriages and that all of the arguments against gay marriage are based on misinformation, rumor and outright lies by numerous national organizations seeking to make certain that gay marriage is never made legal nor recognized as a legitimate way of living. The writer concludes that it is quite clear that if gay marriage was legalized in the United States, our current social systems would not collapse nor become non-existent.
From the Paper "Not surprisingly, gay couples in today's America see this opposition to gay marriage as nothing less than an issue of civil rights. As outlined in the Bill of Rights, every American citizen is entitled to the same civil and legal protections regardless of race, national origin, religious beliefs and sexual gender. Thus, it is abundantly clear that gay marriage should be legal in the United States in the face of so much opposition which is mostly based on religious beliefs and unfounded cultural fears and phobias. For example, if the science of genetics does eventually determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that being gay is inborn, i.e. genetically predetermined, then what the Holy Bible says about homosexuality is hypocritical."
"In conclusion, it is quite clear that if gay marriage was legalized in the United States, our current social systems would not collapse nor become non-existent."
Abstract This paper looks at the masculine character of the woman, Fefu in Maria Irene Forne's play "Fefu and Her Friends". It shows the various ways that Fefu strays from her traditional role as a woman as she gives up her gender to join the male forces in society.
From the Paper "Feminism is an area of increasing interest and mystery especially in modern plays like Maria Irene Fornes' Fefu and Her Friends. Fefu, an antithesis to her stereotypical fellow women, serves as the bold, daring and "new cross-gender" type figure of the play. This broad spectrum of extreme levels of manhood portrayed by Fefu is equalized out and even supported by the overall characterizations of the women in the text. In turn, these characterizations of Fefu and her friends all come together to depict Fefu's "manhood." Although a woman, Fefu portrays herself as a strong, domineering character, like the stereotypical male, and tries to enforce this masculinity upon her friends."
From the Paper "Rock recordings and performances since the 1950s have been essentially about freedom and sex. The main derivative source, the blues and rhythm and blues, has always been essentially about freedom and sex. So how does rock portray sex? It is portrayed in all forms, in all deviations, in all fetish manifestations. In the pantheon of song characters and, indeed in the rock world itself, there are cross-dressers, homosexuals, transvestites, prostitutes, groupies and toyboys. There is bondage, incest, one night stands as well as love and marriage. It is all there and more. Yet there is a constant battle among critics and observers that has raged since rock's beginnings about how gender and sexuality is and should be portrayed. Generally, Rock and Roll tends to polarize opinion and has a tendency to push even the most objective observer into fits of subjective raving."
Abstract An examination of the advantages and the disadvantages of using self-efficacy counseling based upon the client's gender. The author analyzes whether issues of self-efficacy should be used in counseling depending on the gender of the patient due to the differences between men and women's reactions.
From the Paper "The self-efficacy theory is based on the statement that people deal with the environment and various situations based on their self-judgments of how well they can perform in a given scenario and how well they can cope with a given behavior. Self-efficacy also determines how long the individuals will persist at facing an obstacle and how much effort will be put in overcoming it (Bandura, 1982)."
Abstract This essay deals with the issue of beauty and its role in mate selection. The author discusses rational principles, ethical principles and biological differences, and the role they play in mate selection.
From the Paper "The problem of beauty and its role in mate selection in humans has long perplexed evolutionary psychologists, and it is only by a thorough examination of the factors involved and a clear statement of the arguments for and against the factors, that psychologists can best learn and understand what is entailed in the mate selection process. At least four basic factors or principles play significant roles in making men and women more sexually attractive."
Abstract This paper looks at all that is involved when changing genders. The author looks at both the surgical procedures along with the psychological implications. Detailed discussion of the surgical procedure is included -- and we therefore warn anyone before purchasing this paper that graphic accounts are given.
From the Paper "Transsexualism is defined in the Mosby's Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary as "a condition in which a person has an intense desire to discard one's biologic sex and live as a member of the opposite sex. It is considered a psychiatric disorder if the condition continues for more than 2 years. Some transsexual individuals crossdress and seek medical or surgical help to change their physical sex characteristics". Transexualism is marked by the belief of the individual that he or she was born into the wrong sex and should be the other. This is a conviction that usually dates back as far as the individual can remember and does not seem to be subject to change through life experiences. It can also be defined as extreme gender dysphoria. There is also a set of terminology created by the transgendered community that is now being adopted by the medical community. For example, a femisexual is a transsexual who crosses the gender barriers from male to female, having completed genital surgery whereas a mascusexual is a female-to-male transsexual who has completed genital surgery. Complisexual is a broad term to refer to individuals who are either femisexual or mascusexual. Treatment of transsexualism is aimed at helping the individual match their "inner sense" to their outward appearance and body, usually through hormone therapy and surgery. There are several theories as to what causes one to be a transsexual. Some are neurobiological while many older ones are psychosocial."
Abstract This paper deals with suicide in young males. Tracing some of the causes, like depression, the author attempts to provide an in-depth account of suicide. Quoting many experts on the subject, the author is able to provide facts and figures on the subject as well as lending a personal subjective account.
From the Paper ?The etiology of suicide among young males is complex. Factors that contribute to suicide among the general population also are largely accountable for suicides of young males. However, some particular etiologies tend to be especially relevant in explaining suicide among both male teens and young adults. These include: untreated depression, substance abuse, and a connection with birth trauma, psychosocial factors and helplessness.?
Abstract This paper lists arguments both for and against same-sex marriages. The author discusses the different schools of thought that both support and argue against same sex marriage and concludes with a personal opinion about the issue.
From the Paper ?I now pronounce you husband and husband,? the priest might say. "You may kiss the groom." This sounds a bit odd, doesn't it? This could be an excerpt from the ceremony of a same-sex marriage. Although they are not currently lawful in the United States, gay and lesbian activists are presently campaigning both in and out of the courtroom for same-sex marriages to be declared legal. However, there are several schools of thought that either support or oppose this issue."
Abstract This paper examines Christianity's attitude towards homosexuals in light of recent exposure of high-ranking church official's homosexual and pedophilia tendencies. It draws on many biblical sources in order to determine a stand to be taken amongst various Christian branches - Catholics, Presbyterians, Baptists and Mormons.
From the Paper "Christianity seeks to justify the marginalization of homosexuals by variously interpreting these passages. One must recognize that homosexuality, as a sexual proclivity, was acceptable in biblical times. While criminal by today's standards, in the Roman era, some men used younger boys for sexual gratification without the associated predatory, pederast behavior. The passages should be viewed within the social mores of the times. Biblical scholars also agree that the rigidity of interpretation of certain words: the etymology and relevance have changed, based on translation (Helminiak 85)."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth study of the topic of identity formation and how a non-traditional sexual orientation, such as being gay or lesbian, changes the development of one's identity. The paper examines the complex process of choosing a non-traditional sexual orientation. This includes the detailing of the many stages that the individual must face, and the many years that are often involved in the search for one's identity. The author looks at many different factors in society that affect the search for identity, including family life, friends, work and employment situations, age, environment and how they can have a negative or positive affect on the individual's lifestyle choice. The role of the social worker in helping the person deal with the problems that the individual faces in both their personal and professional life is also examined in great detail.
From the Paper "Considering general social and cultural attitudes about homosexuality, and the persistent view that the gay or lesbian identity is "abnormal", social workers must always be aware that many parents of homosexual individuals will feel a degree of shame at producing and rearing a "faulty" homosexual child. This is closely linked to the pressure of societal attitudes and concern with how others perceive their parenting, resulting in many parents becoming labeled with a similar socially stigmatized identity to that of their homosexual child. The social worker's role is to understand that many of these parents are likely to be concerned with feelings of guilt and self-blame, such as "Where did I go wrong?" or "If I had done this differently, then ... ", rather than with attempting to understand and empathize with their child's situation (Armesto, 2001). A great deal of this reaction is rooted in the family's racial, ethnic, religious, or cultural backgrounds, which often increase the family's anxiety and stigma with their disapproving and "sinful" view of gays and lesbians and the mythical beliefs that they promote as the causes of homosexuality. On the issue of self-acceptance, many studies indicate that it is the individual's network of friends, rather than the family, that plays the most significant role in gay and lesbian identity formation, indicating that the empathic understanding and support that is offered by members of the same sexual minority group, who have "walked the way", is a particularly influential and valued source of social support."
