Abstract The military policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was developed to be a compromise between those who felt homosexuals should be allowed to serve in the military and those who wished them banned. However, due to multiple international conflicts, such as the war in Iraq, the Pentagon has issued a stop loss order for military personnel and the discharge of openly gaymilitary members has, in many cases, been suspended, by simply ignoring claims of homosexuality or using the loophole that was devised to be able to retain members if needed. This paper examines the topic and shows that this hypocritical waffling is one of the military's biggest labor relations issues that needs to be addressed immediately.
From the Paper "Although some gay servicemen have been discharged since the United States went to war in Iraq, cases such as Nguyen's and Hill's show that this is not always the case. Not only are military commanders not accepting simply a statement of homosexuality as proof, but also they are relying on the "for the good of the service" loophole to retain homosexual service members as well. As situations in other parts of the world intensify, such as Korea, Iran and Syria, and military troops are spread thinner, it is likely that the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy will continue to be overlooked and the built in loophole utilized more and more to retain all members of the service, no matter what their sexual orientation."
Abstract This paper takes a negative stance about gays serving in the United States military and against homosexuals in general. The author presents several arguments why gays should not be allowed to be part of the armed forces and highlights current legislation regarding this issue. The author sees homosexuality as a personal choice.
From the Paper "Many individuals believe that gays and lesbians are not capable of serving in the military forces of the country and this belief is not based only on personal values, but also on military necessity, though, that does not mean that the personal values of many persons do not reach the same conclusion. In terms of military necessity it is essential for gays and lesbians to be excluded from military units to maintain unit cohesion. Combat performance would also decline if open homosexuals were permitted to serve in the armed forces of the country. Some also view the gay soldiers to be perverts in uniform, and in many cases, they should not have the honor of serving the country even if they are able to observe all service norms. The concepts of homosexuality and lesbian behavior however, have no idea of the expected norms of loyalty, honor and patriotism."
Abstract In this article the writer eplains that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) is a military policy where gay, lesbian and bisexual members are required to keep their sexual orientation private and not engage in any sexual activities or conduct that would purport a homosexual lifestyle. This paper analyzes how this policy has failed to integrate homosexuals in the armed forces and has instead exacerbated the issues surrounding the gay ban in the US armed forces. The writer maintains that the DADT, irrespective of whether it had good intentions, has failed. The writer concludes that there is a need for changes in the United States Constitution if gays, lesbians, bisexuals, or transgender are to be integrated in the armed forces, since Congress has the power to deny individuals these rights.
Outline:
Introduction
A Brief History: Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue, Don't Harass
The Failure of the DADT Policy
From the Paper "The United States is considered one of the most economically advanced countries in the free world; however, they are lagging when it comes to changing policies that stand to benefit the overall economy. As stated by Belkin, increasing amounts of countries are allowing gays and lesbians to serve in the armed forces. Belkin shows that Australia, Canada, Israel, and Britain reversed its gay ban and have transitioned into countries that now have service members that are integrated into the armed forces, irrespective of sexual orientation. Unlike popular anti-gay individuals speculated there was no mass upheavals or unstable periods, when the gay ban was reversed, in fact many homosexuals still preferred not to share the fact that they were gay. With the DADT policy in place, it is unlikely that the United States will ever come close to the removal of gay bans in the armed forces as these countries have."
Abstract This paper examines the present restrictions that forbids gays from enlisting in the U.S. army. It compares this stance with the prohibition of women in combat units, which has subsequently been lifted. The writer shows how many now consider women to be an asset in the military. The author explains how the homosexual community hopes that this trend of acceptance will be extended to them as well.
From the Paper "The question of whether gays should be allowed in the military involves complex arguments not just on the issue of fairness to gays and others in a democratic society but also on the role of the military and any special concerns that have to be considered when creating policy for the military. The issue has been much discussed in recent years and is similar in tone to the argument formerly raised for admitting women into the military, though there are significant differences as well. Some of the primary reasons given for keeping women out of the service have also been advanced in a modified form for keeping gays out of the military, so the experience the military has had with women is instructive."
Tags:military, homosexual, discrimination, equality, combat, navy
Abstract Beginning with the discharge of Gotthold Fredrick Enslin from the U.S. military in 1778, this paper examines the history of homosexuality, which has emerged as one of the most salient issues within the U.S. military, as harassment, abuse, expulsion, and, in rare cases, murder, have become prevalent practices towards homosexuals. The paper examines the policies of the American government towards banning homosexuals from the military and Bill Clinton's 1993 law, which repudiated the ban that has enabled the U.S. military the legal right to exclude homosexuals from military service. The paper also looks at the issue of modesty and the the opinion of those who who feel that heterosexual soldiers might become sexual objects for homosexual soldiers if they were admitted into the military.
From the Paper "While the military's policy necessitates that gay men remain reticent of their sexual orientation, Professor Aaron Belkin affirms that if the ban were to be lifted, very few gays would actually come out of the closet because in most cases an openly gay individual would find himself in a rather precarious situation. The malicious nature of fellow service-members is a consequence of our society's unfamiliarity with homosexuality, consequently creating a propensity for many soldiers to make presumptions based on little information. Moreover, the policy of preserving the modesty of heterosexual men is based on the prudishness of American society and more importantly a naive conviction that homosexual attraction is congruent to heterosexual attraction."
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 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 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 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.
