Post-Bac

Since the initial defining of the terms homosexual and heterosexual, there have existed sexual identity categories. The categories were created as unequal, with homosexuality being rendered as inferior to heterosexuality, which was assumed to be the natural order of sexuality. In categorizing homosexuals as distinct, they were created as a separate class of people, capable of their own identity. The identity was originally a negative trait socially, and was associated with discrimination and hate crimes. Discrimination has been reduced and the homosexual identity has been integrated into society more fluidly in modern times, but this creates a problem for gay identity. A question is raised of whether gay identity should continue to exist, or if the identity should fold into the rest of society to become invisible

Symbols of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people over time have ranged from the very visible six-striped rainbow flag to the more obscure and seldom recognized purple hand. The symbols have a varied history. Some symbols were given by outside influences; others were originated from within gay liberation movements. The symbols are as diverse as the individuals that they represent.

The psychiatric and mental health institutions were heavily involved in the creation of the stereotype of homosexuality as a disease. This paper explores how this view has changed over time and the impact that the institutions have had on homosexuals. This paper also addresses discrepancies in the way that policy of the American Psychiatric Association has been interpreted compared to the actual policy changes that were made. What is gender identity disorder and how does it relate to the removal of homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders?