Lecture Notes

Sexual orientation is the pattern of sexual and emotional attraction based on the gender of one's partner. Heterosexuality refers to emotional and sexual attraction between men and women. Homosexuality refers to emotional and sexual attraction between persons of the same sex. Bisexuality is an emotional and sexual attraction to both males and females. In contemporary American culture, heterosexuality is still the only sexual orientation receiving full social and legal legitimacy. Some other cultures, however, view same-sex relationships as normal, acceptable, and even preferable. A small number of countries worldwide, and a growing number of states within the United States, have legalized same-sex marriage.