SEXUAL IDENTITY 1

Sexual Identity

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Date
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Sexual Identity-Related Problem

I consider sexual identity being subject to historical and cultural forces as an issue of

importance, especially to society. According to Diamond (2008), sexual identity can be

influenced by culture and history over a life course as changes in understanding occur. Such a

complex issue has led to sexual identity issues rising, leading to rechecking historical identity

development models. Such a problem has also led to extensive research that exclusively

identifies patterns, consistencies, variations and designs that can favorably identify sexual

orientations over time (Finkelstein, 2006).

Like any other social issue, sexual identity does not develop as just an individual

problem but also a cultural and social issue. Even though some other identity concepts are

widely covered in several models, sexual identity is not holistically covered. Theoretically,

sexual minorities like lesbians and gays create a strong tie within themselves and always have

a sense of identity when in an LGBTQ community. The group is always connected and, over

time, has shown the resilience of co-existence between LGBTQ members (American

Psychological Association, 2011). Such a co-existence proves that history is part of the

problems surrounding sexual identity in several people from a young age. The LGBTQ have

always stood with each other even to see the passing of the marriage equality act of 2015.

Historically and culturally, the sexual identity issue is viewed as a breeding ground for a

group of compassionate and supportive individuals because they experience similar

oppressions (Mossler & Ziegler, 2016).

In my view, there is a combination of different factors such as the genetic make-up of

a person, the surrounding environment that shape up a person’s sexual orientation. Persons

identified to have these sexual identities face stigmatization and often suffer from mental
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abnormalities relating to these abnormalities (Finkelstein, 2006). Psychological problems arise

and thus negatively affecting people identifying with being either gay, bisexual or a lesbian.

People with different types of sexual orientation should be accepted in society and not

discriminated.
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References

American Psychological Association. (2011). Practice guidelines for LGB clients: Guidelines

for psychological practice with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients. Retrieved

from http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/guidelines.aspx

Diamond, L. M. (2008). Sexual fluidity. Harvard University Press.

Finkelstein, S. (2006). 20/20: Exploring sexual orientation: Gay or straight, Part 1 [Video file]. New

York, NY: CBS Corporation. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoZoRbP-0WM

Finkelstein, S. (2006). 20/20: Exploring sexual orientation: Gay or straight, Part 2 [Video

file]. New York, NY: CBS Corporation. Retrieved

from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTLAof9oXCI

Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding development: A lifespan perspective.

San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.