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Lecture Notes

Let's examine the definition of sexual orientation. It is the pattern of sexual and emotional attraction based on the gender of one's preferred partners.

 

Now let's address gender and sexual orientation. Gender, gender identity, and gender role are conceptually independent of sexual orientation. However, many assume they are closely related. Heterosexuality has been assumed to be a critical part of masculinity and femininity. Masculine men are attracted to women and feminine women are attracted to men. Along with this perception, two beliefs about homosexuality exist. Some believe that gay men can't be masculine and lesbian women can't be feminine. These beliefs imply that homosexuality is associated with a failure to fill traditional gender roles.

 

These negative stereotypes, which hold that people fall into distinct genders, with natural roles, and are presumed to be heterosexual, are referred to as heteronormativity, and merely fuel homophobia.