Sexual stigma

Stereotypes are then produced which further the debilitating effects of the label(s) placed on group members with non-heterosexual beliefs or practices.

[2] Todd D. Nelson mentions the perspective of structural sexual stigma, which is basically heterosexism.

Using an adaptation of institutional racism, heterosexism describes the mechanisms by which sexual minority members are disadvantaged.

Everyday interactions and exposures to stereotypes of a sexual minority group have become a growing incidence through institutional settings and social gatherings.

The embedding of sexual stigma within societal practices has ultimately reinforced the occurrence of prejudice and discrimination against homosexuals and the heterosexuals who support them.

[4] The stigmatization of any group is found unpopular by most people who disagree with the treatment of others due to a personal trait they can not change.

Deborah Preston and colleagues conducted a study that looked directly at homosexuality in rural communities and how stigma affected the outcome of sexual risk behavior.

This study also focused on the increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS in rural communities, which was considered the risk in behavior and the effects associated with it.

It was found that self-esteem and family stigma was related to the level of sexual risk behavior.

Preston's article concludes that perhaps stigma ultimately influences the behavior of minority members in order to avoid the negativity that has been associated with homosexuality in rural communities.

[6] Homosexual stereotypes claim gay men are more feminine in speech patterns, body language, and physical appearance.

It is suggested that because of the discretion of lesbianism, the dominating negative attitude developed and continues with gay men.

Heterosexual males have more societal pressure which contributes to ambiguity and a harsher negative attitude towards homosexuality.

[10] A study of responses after viewing gay images resulted that heterosexual men were more negative towards homosexuality than women.

Survey data indicates that large numbers of lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans want to marry if given opportunity and many have done so, including those registered in domestic partnership or civil unions.