Abstract This paper tries to explore the existence of "gaygene". Among several evidences, Hamer et al studies suggest that some genes at Xq28 region of X chromosome may influence the sexual behavior. The result of the study was wrongly presented by the media, which ultimately led to the development of a misconception among people at large, that homosexual behavior was governed by "gaygene". By presenting the facts in a lucid manner the paper tries to break the myth about the existence of "gaygene".
From the Paper "The study was much publicized by the media2 and a layman, not familiar with scientific terms, soon developed a misconception that a gay inherits his homosexual behavior. In this context, Dr. Jeffery Stainover (2002) says, "It is important to note that serious research on the biology, innateness, or genetic determinants of homosexuality has only just recently begun. Exactly opposite to what the public is being led to believe, the research that has been done so far suggests that genetic factors account for, at most, but a small proportion of the risk." (Chapter "The Biology of Homosexuality: Science or Politics")3. Infact, LeVay stressed that his findings did not prove that homosexuality is genetic."
A paper examining the issue of gay marriages and whether they should be legalized because not doing so would deny homosexuals their basic civil rights.
Abstract This paper is a study for understanding whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages. The paper is divided into three sections arguing three thesis statements. The first thesis statement argues that marriage is a civil right of every individual, as it is essential for the emotional well-being of individuals and denying it to the gay community is discriminatory. Hence, the study begins with a discussion of the argument that denying the civil rights of marriage is discriminatory. The second thesis statement asserts that gays are denied the rights which are associated with marriage and that denying these rights is a violation of their civil rights and therefore a need exists to legalize gay marriages. By way of this thesis statement, the paper offers an understanding as to the rights which are associated with marriage but which are denied to gay couples and discusses whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages taking this perspective into consideration. The third thesis statement argues that legalizing gay marriage is necessary for the security and well-being of the children that gay couples are caring for. Herein, the paper attempts to analyze whether children of gay couples would entail the security required if gay marriages are legalized. Thus, on the basis of the above three thesis statements, the paper tries to formulate an understanding of whether denying marriage to homosexual couples leads to denial of civil rights to the gay community and whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages.
Table of Contents
Introduction
First Thesis Statement
Second Thesis Statement
Third Thesis Statement
Conclusion
From the Paper "Whether the US community is prepared to permit people to marry without the consideration of gender is gaining our notice daily. Religion and civil marriage are two clearly different entities. Certainly this is completely fitting. Certainly, the state must not have the right to order for whom religious organization might carry out marriage services --- akin to the fact that religions institutions must not set terms regarding who might get a license for civil marriage from the state. Latest census data show that the number of faithful same-sex couples in the US has been mounting, as also the number of same-sex couple's upbringing children. Accordingly recognition in the eyes of law is crucial to safeguarding the emotional and financial health of these families. Besides, legal approval should be on a same footing with that of heterosexual marriage ---'separate but equal' is by no means equal."
Abstract This paper explains the term germline manipulation and discusses this method of genetic engineering. Gene manipulation techniques are discussed, as well as the challenges and uncertainties that gene therapy might bring with its advantages. The paper studies the laws and rights governing germline manipulation in countries such as Canada and China. With the view that germline manipulation represents an infinite potential for treating genetic diseases such as Huntington's, the paper advocates more flexible laws, support and research so that future generations can reap the benefits that germline technology has to offer. This paper includes figures.
Outline:
Comparison of Gene Manipulation Techniques
What is Nuclear Cloning?
Use of Animals
Techniques Used
Hope For Huntington's disease
Opposition
Fearing the Future
Opportunity to Cure
Laws and Rights
An Open future
Recommended readings
From the Paper "The strongest drive built into every living organism is survival, consequently it should be of no surprise that we want to be healthy and live longer. Life is a tricky term to define. If we do attain the power of immortality by engineering our genes to keep replicating indefinitely, then will we still be alive? Then again cancer cells replicate indefinitely, yet ironically their immortality leads to our death. Such are the reasons why one must take caution when approaching newly developing technologies like germline therapy."
Abstract The writer defines what gene therapy is - whereby cells are provided with new genetic material. It lists its advantages in the medical field especially in the treatment of cancer. The paper discusses the two main forms of gene therapy - in vivo and in vitro and looks at how the therapy is performed.
From the Paper "One of the most important applications for gene therapy is as a potential cure for cancer. Cancer is a disease that occurs at the genetic level, with damaged genes being the cause of cancer. With genes being the cause of cancer, gene therapy is the most direct treatment approach. It gets to the base of the problem. Gene therapy is the process of providing cells with new genetic material. Cells can be provided with healthy copies of genes or the part of the gene that is damaged, or cancer cells can be delivered new genetic material that will allow them to be destroyed. There are two forms of gene therapy, in vitro and in vivo. The most common form is in vitro, which is where the targets cells are removed from the patient and then reinfused (Lewis, Heitkemper & Dirksen, 2000)."
Abstract This paper proposes that a Constitutional amendment to protect gay rights is necessary in order to protect the diversity of the country. The paper argues that those who oppose gay rights are prejudiced and that their arguments against gay rights can be invalidated. The paper discusses why gay rights are important, why the arguments opposed to gay rights are wrong, and why people should care about gay rights.
From the Paper "America is a boldly hypocritical nation. We are "the land of the free" but actively prevent people from living lives free from discrimination, from persecution, and from the kind of hatred that drove people out of Europe. The Declaration of Independence, the legal and spiritual foundation upon which this nation is built, indicates that all men are created equal with certain inalienable rights. Those rights are being infringed upon by the same people that claim to protect them. It appears that gays must revolt to carve those rights out of the nation. African-Americans have been freed from slavery, women have been granted suffrage, racial discrimination laws have been passed, and the fight for gender equality in the workplace has begun. As each new triumph occurs other challenges present themselves."
Abstract A paper which shows how the people actively involved with the gay rights movement may be highly organized and their objectives legitimate, but they are still considered a threat to traditional family values and "normal" sexual lives of other citizens. The paper discusses how the discovery of the deadly disease AIDS was yet another severe setback for the Gay rights movements, as the disease came to be linked to the gays, so much so, that AIDS was termed as a gay disease. Although the movement for the rights of gays has had its share of successes and failures, it has yet to see the movement converted into state legislation. The paper discusses sexual orientation, the HIV factor and the creation of resource centers and movements.
From the Paper "One of the achievements in this field was the creation of a resource center called the Office of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual (GLB) Student Support Services, with private funding, by the Indiana University Bloomington. It's principle objective was to serve the community of the university, with detailed information and resources on gays, lesbians, and bisexual issues, as well as offering information, support and referral for lesbian, gays and bisexual individuals. This center also refers students who have been harassed because of their sexual orientation to their GLB Anti-Harassment Team, which then assists the affected individuals, by finding a solution to their situation, and documents the incidents to ward off any future harassment. The benefits which have been highlighted by the opening up of resources centers such as stated above, is the creation of a support culture, which successfully helps those in need and guidance. [4]"
Tags: non-heterosexual, gays, lesbians, Anti-Harassment, Team, Censorship, GLAAD, Ellen, DeGeneres
Abstract This paper explains that, in 1960 in Canada, being gay was very difficult forcing gays to be completely closeted about alternative sexual orientations for fear of losing their jobs, their homes, their families and even their lives. The author pouts out that, in 2005 in Canada, being gay is much more open with some politicians openly gay and a very good chance that same-sex marriage will soon be legalized. The paper relates that change was not freely bestowed on gays nor has it been the result of a rise in tolerance and benevolence.
From the Paper In 1960 in Canada, being gay was very difficult. Most people were forced to be completely closeted about alternative sexual orientations, for fear of losing their jobs, their homes, their families, and even their lives. In 2005 in Canada, we see much more openness. Even some politicians are openly gay, and there seems to be a very good chance that same-sex marriage will soon be legalized. How can we account for this massive change? This change was not freely bestowed on gays - it has not been the result of a rise in tolerance and benevolence."
Abstract This paper reviews an article which describes materials and methodologies available for gene transfer. The paper points out advantages and disadvantages of the different methods. The paper also discusses the need to develop specific methodologies for each particular research project.
Abstract The paper discusses how for individuals who practice a homosexual lifestyle, the issue of gay rights looms large. Legislation passed in favor of or against gay rights has a real impact on the quality of their lives, i.e., spousal medical benefits, alimony-like support, being able to keep one's job or getting fired, the right to marry and the ability to adopt children. For the social and religious conservatives, the impact of the passing or the restricting of various gay rights is not as profound. They may be uncomfortable with having to recognize a marriage, for instance, between two males or two females, but gay rights legislation isn't going to profoundly affect the quality of their life.
Abstract This essay discusses how gay and lesbian adolescents are an at-risk population. The paper argues that this phenomenon is the result of the homophobia that exists in the society at large. In the context of the discrimination against gay youth, therefore, the social worker's role becomes extremely significant. Indeed, there needs to be outside intervention to help gay youth deal with the oppression around them.
Abstract Like all people, gay men express themselves by how they dress, and those members of the gay community who 'cross-dress' or dress 'in drag' are no exception. This paper examines how society viewed gay men in earlier days, beginning with the Berdeche of Pre-Columbian Native America, and continuing until the present day. It examines, in particular, cross-dressers and drag queens whose very act of dressing 'differently' is a symbol of pride in their unique sexuality.
From the Paper "Charles? style of cross-dressing is as "typical" of today's queens as is his devotion to the community and to his and other gay men's hard-won rights. The queen is not merely a simple copy of a heterosexual woman; rather she is a character that is at once uniquely gay in the fashions and attitudes she represents, and in the causes she espouses. Increasingly, even heterosexuals have come to see the deeper meanings behind what were once taboo images. Authors, artists, filmmakers, and those paragons of popular culture ? advertisers ? reach out to gay men in ways they never have before."
Abstract This paper examines the legal status of same-sex marriages in several states in America, including California and Vermont. This paper details the law in California, which bans same-sex marriages, yet discusses the fact that the mayor recently chose to overrule these regulations by legalizing a large number of gay marriages. This paper delves into the increasing support for the legalization of same-sex marriages. The writer contends and explains why Vermont is considered the most advanced state in its acceptance of gay marriages. In 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court passed a decision which stated that gay couples had the same state constitutional rights as straight ones. This paper also discusses the Same-Sex Civil-Union Bill.
From the Paper "The virtual success of such a bill would be tremendous for supporters of gay marriages. As I have previously mentioned, the issue is not necessarily for gay civil unions to be called marriages. It is a much deeper issue, an issue where the homosexual civil union should be assimilated in all rights and obligations to the heterosexual marriage. In this sense, Connecticut seems to be on the same path as Vermont in recognizing the rights of gay couples. Progress was also made in New York towards achieving the legalization of gay marriages. Judge Doris Ling-Cohan ruled, at the beginning of 2005, in favour of gay couples being allowed to marry. According to the decision , there is no point in guaranteeing basic freedoms to lesbian and gay people if one is not interested in conferring one of the most essential rights of all, the right to marry whomever one may desire."
Tags: union, relationship, gay, homosexual, civil, law, rights
Abstract This paper discuses issues relevant to the identification and counseling of gay and lesbian high school students. It looks at the importance of counselors and teachers understanding the unique stressors of gay and lesbian students and an often unsupportive, unacccepting, hostile school environment. The paper conducts a research study of high school gay or lesbian students who have been subject to harassment, violence and verbal abuse.
Abstract In this paper, the history and the current status of the movement for gay marriage are examined. The writer discusses the issue of homosexuality from a secular and religious perspective. The writer then offers several different perspectives about the matter of gay marriage.
From the Paper "Andrew Sullivan states that homosexual marriage can be discussed on many levels including from the social, societal, political and religious perspectives. One of his most important points is this: Any rational person considering this issue would have to concede that without the right to same sex marriage there cannot be social economic or political equality for homosexuals in America. He suggests that fear of homosexuals and homosexuality is one of the last prejudices that American society has not yet faced. He suggests that for any prejudice to ... "
Tags:gay marriage, civil union, gay rights, civil rights, constitutional amendment, equality, public opinion, history
Abstract In this article, the writer lookks at the matter of gay marriage in the United States. The writer discusses prejudices within the American society in this regard. Further, the writer discusses the importance of gay marriages to equality for homosexuals. The writer also looks at the view of the Pope and the Catholic Church on gay marriages.
From the Paper "Andrew Sullivan states that homosexual marriage can be discussed on many levels including social, societal, political and religious perspectives. One of his most important points is that any rational person considering this issue would have to concede that without the right to same sex marriage there cannot be social economic or political equality for homosexuals in America. He suggests that fear of homosexuals and homosexuality is one of the last prejudices that American society has not yet faced. He suggests that for any prejudice to be defeated ... "
