Changing attitudes on homosexuality

As the 2000s nears a close, it has been a decade like none other.

Besides escalation of social issues (terrorism, economic inequality) and environment issues (global warming) the 2000s, I think, has been a record decade for how the outside world perceives homosexuals, particularly lesbians.

In 1994, only 14% of American teenage girls identified as lesbian or bisexual, however, a poll taken in 2008 reports that now 31% of American teenage girls identify as lesbian or bisexual.

Compared with their male counterparts, in which 13% identified as bi or gay in 1993. However, in 2007, the figure actually declined to 10%.

Why has this happened?

I can think of society's ever-changing attitudes on homosexuality, especially since the turn of the millennium.

Here are a few

1) The generation of teenagers right now has no recollection of the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s.
2) Hollywood and the music industry. Lesbians (and homosexual men to a lesser extent) have been portrayed more favorably in recent years. The stereotypical "butch" lesbian persona has largely been abandoned by mass media and replaced with the young, sexy, and feminine lesbian idea. Do "If you seek Amy" and "I Kissed a Girl" ring a bell?
3) Perceptions of homosexual women by men. A recent poll conducted my men who view pornography on "a regular basis", found that as much as 80% of them enjoy watching "scenes with more than one woman and no men". This has also happened at high schools across the nation. Young teenage girls are being pressured into homosexual situations by their male peers, even surprisingly, their own boyfriends.
4) The leniency of religious institutions. Since 2000, I belief, religious people and churches have become more accepting of homosexuals.

I am not bashing homosexuals.

I just it is interesting to see the trends in our society and comment on them.

What do you think?

It's a good thing.

In 1994, only 14% of American teenage girls identified as lesbian or bisexual, however, a poll taken in 2008 reports that now 31% of American teenage girls identify as lesbian or bisexual.

I call bull**** on whoever made such a poll. If such a poll exists and got such results, it obviously had a very biased sample, if it wasn't just data faked out of wishful thinking by one of those boyfriends you were talking about.

At 10/19/2009 5:48:49 PM, Ragnar_Rahl wrote:
I call bull**** on whoever made such a poll. If such a poll exists and got such results, it obviously had a very biased sample, if it wasn't just data faked out of wishful thinking by one of those boyfriends you were talking about.

You know, I'd usually agree with you, but I am a little reserved about this case...

The simple fact that it is now perceived as 'good' to identify yourself as at least bisexual in most circles. It is a popularity boost, as well as a turn on. They may not actually be bisexual or whatever, but that doesn't stop them.

This club was started at my school called the "Gay-Straight Alliance". This is cool and all, but it's kind of stupid. What do they do at this club? I mean, are they just supposed to sit there and be accepting? Do they do charity?

At 10/19/2009 7:06:36 PM, Volkov wrote:

At 10/19/2009 5:48:49 PM, Ragnar_Rahl wrote:
I call bull**** on whoever made such a poll. If such a poll exists and got such results, it obviously had a very biased sample, if it wasn't just data faked out of wishful thinking by one of those boyfriends you were talking about.

You know, I'd usually agree with you, but I am a little reserved about this case...

The simple fact that it is now perceived as 'good' to identify yourself as at least bisexual in most circles. It is a popularity boost, as well as a turn on. They may not actually be bisexual or whatever, but that doesn't stop them.

Polls are supposed to be anonymous. Lying to gain cred like that, especially when it's not your peers you're talking to, but a pollster, is highly implausible with any well-constructed poll.

At 10/19/2009 7:08:33 PM, wjmelements wrote:
This club was started at my school called the "Gay-Straight Alliance". This is cool and all, but it's kind of stupid. What do they do at this club? I mean, are they just supposed to sit there and be accepting? Do they do charity?

From what I know, they try and promote tolerance for gay rights. Maybe they do charity, maybe they're just a group dedicated to spreading a positive attitude about gays. I don't know, but I bet you they don't do much.

At 10/19/2009 7:08:33 PM, wjmelements wrote:
This club was started at my school called the "Gay-Straight Alliance". This is cool and all, but it's kind of stupid. What do they do at this club? I mean, are they just supposed to sit there and be accepting? Do they do charity?

I believe there should not be gay-straight alliance clubs. Essentially, they usually lead to more violence, prejudice, and hatred between the two groups. I could not imagine having one at my school. I tolerate homosexuals, but I will not go around in public and be supportive of a lifestyle I do not appreciate.

At 10/19/2009 7:17:28 PM, studentathletechristian8 wrote:
I believe there should not be gay-straight alliance clubs. Essentially, they usually lead to more violence, prejudice, and hatred between the two groups. I could not imagine having one at my school. I tolerate homosexuals, but I will not go around in public and be supportive of a lifestyle I do not appreciate.

Some people do appreciate it, hence why they're in the Gay-Straight Alliance. I mean, its hard to have more violence and prejudice if they're tolerate and appreciative of homosexuality. Just because you don't like it, doesn't mean others are the same.

At 10/19/2009 7:22:51 PM, Volkov wrote:

At 10/19/2009 7:17:28 PM, studentathletechristian8 wrote:
I believe there should not be gay-straight alliance clubs. Essentially, they usually lead to more violence, prejudice, and hatred between the two groups. I could not imagine having one at my school. I tolerate homosexuals, but I will not go around in public and be supportive of a lifestyle I do not appreciate.

Some people do appreciate it, hence why they're in the Gay-Straight Alliance. I mean, its hard to have more violence and prejudice if they're tolerate and appreciative of homosexuality. Just because you don't like it, doesn't mean others are the same.

I don't think you understand. From what I have noticed, various schools that have established Gay-Straight Alliances create more violence by non-members who are personally against gays. These tend to be the jocks, bullies, etc., and the whail on the gay kids in the club and the other members involved. I have seen tables and complete club stands destroyed by anti-gay kids in school not part of the club. In retaliation, other pupils not involved in the club (but support homosexuals) do something sneaky to get back at the anti's, and the fight goes on. Most people in high school are against homosexuals. I don't think you understood the indirect effects. I was not going for literal, but more in common grounds.