Development and Transition Markers for Homosexuality Essay -- Homosexu

Introduction It is the duty of social workers to advocate for vulnerable and oppressed groups. Becoming aware of the life span development of various cultures, nationalities, ethnicities, social classes, and diverse forms of families enables social workers to identify areas that are unique and require further research. Learning about the unique aspects of various cultures and social classes also provide social workers with an enhanced understanding and ideas for social work implications on a micro and macro level in efforts to improve the wellbeing of the clients. This paper serves as a written analysis of homosexuality as a social class and discusses unique aspects of development, transition markers for various life stages, and implications for further research and social work practice. Homosexuality Homosexuals consist of gay males and lesbian females who prefer same-sex relationships. Homosexuality goes against all cultural beliefs, gender, and family roles that society values. As a direct result of going against social norms homosexuals experience a lot of backlash that impacts their quality of life and development throughout their lifespan. Gender Differences Gender differences among homosexual males and females are unique aspects of development. When it comes to sexual orientation, society associates gender differences such as masculinity with men and femininity with females (Lippa, 2008). However in the social class of homosexuals, character associations with gender tend to be nontraditional. According to Lippa, most gay men believe that they are more feminine and less masculine in comparison to most heterosexual males while lesbians describe themselves as extremely masculine and less feminine in comparison to ... ...n childhood gender nonconformity and adult masculinity- femininity and anxiety in heterosexual and homosexual men and women. Sex Roles 59, 684-693. Muraco, A., LeBlanc, A. J., & Russell, S. T. (2008). Conceptualizations of family by older gay men. The Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 20(2), 69-90. Ryan. C., & Futterman, D. (1998). Lesbian and gay youth: Care and counseling. New York: Columbia University Press. Skidmore, W. C., Linsenmeier, J. A. W., & Bailey, J. M. (2006). Gender nonconformity and psychological distress in lesbian and gay men. Archive of Sexual Behavior, 35, 685-697. Swank, E. & Raiz, L. (2010). Predicting the support of same-sex relationship rights among social work students. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 22, 149-164. Taylor, H. (2000). Meeting the needs of lesbian and gay young adolescents. Clearing House, 73(4), 221-224.