LGBTQIAP Identities, Sexuality, and Sexual Discrimination (1)

LGBTQIAP Identities, Sexuality, and Sexual Discrimination (1)

 My aim is not to denigrate any Sexual Identities or Orientations but to write an article to serve as research work. Sexuality involves information about human development, sexual orientation, and sexual relationships, including sexual health. Sexual identities refer to the relations of power and convention between the sexes, and the Acronym LGBTQIAP identifies different sexual orientations and identities. This article focuses on Sexual Identity and Sexual Orientation. 

 Organic Appetite has increased on all fronts. When one goes into malls and neighborhood/farmers’ markets, there is a displayed array of organic fruits and foods. In sexual identity and orientation, my focus is on the entities of Organic and Inorganic Sexual Development. Wrong sexual orientation causes unhealthy relationships and discrimination. This article strongly encourages the systematic response to all sexuality hindrances for a better society and gendered spaces using the Love weapon.

 Sexual Identity is complex when viewed through philosophical and sociological lenses of the 21st century. Sexual Identity exists in multiple varieties, which encompasses infinite erraticism and probability. There are three fundamental components of Sexual Identity: 

• Gender Identity, 
• Sexual Orientation, and 
• Romantic Orientation. 

 Each component exists independently of the other and intersects in ways that change a person’s overall sexual Identity. It is necessary to give a conceptual analysis of the keywords in usage to understand this article better. I want to highlight some Courts’ judgments regarding the contraction. The first example on Breaking News on July 17, 2019, is from the 47 Judges of the World Human Right Court that declares: No Rights to Homosexual (STRASBOURG, FRANCE)[1]. The second example is the Supreme court of Nigeria that pronounced on January 17, 2020, in Abuja, that all women with clitorises longer than 7.5 centimeters (3 inches) can be legally considered men.

Conceptual Analysis of Key Words

Scholars’ definitions for some keywords and the meanings adduced from their interpretations are referenced here: 

 Sexual Identity/Sexuality:

Sexual Identity is how one thinks of oneself regarding whom one is romantically or sexually attracted. [2] Sexual Identity may also refer to sexual orientation identity when people identify or dis-identify with sexual orientation or choose not to identify with sexual orientation. [3] Sexual Identity and sexual behavior are closely related to sexual orientation. Still, they are distinguished,[4] with Identity referring to an individual’s conception of themselves. Behavior refers to actual sexual acts performed by the individual, and sexual orientation refers to romantic or sexual attractions toward persons of the opposite gender, the same gender, to both sexes or more than one gender, or no one. 

Sexual Identity is a component of an individual’s Identity that reflects their sexual self-concept. The integration of the respective identity components (e.g., moral, religious, ethnic, occupational) into a more significant overall identity is essential to developing the multi-dimensional construct of Identity. [5] Sexual Identity can change throughout an individual’s life and may or may not align with biological sex, sexual behavior, or actual sexual orientation. [6]. Sexual Identity is more closely related to sexual behavior than sexual orientation is. In a 1990 study by the Social Organization of Sexuality, only 16% of women and 36% of men who reported some level of same-sex attraction had a homosexual or bisexual identity. [7] 

The same survey found that 96% of women and 87% of men with a homosexual or bisexual identity had engaged in sexual activity with someone of the same sex, contrasted with 32% of women and 43% of men with same-sex attractions. Upon reviewing the results, the organization commented: “Development of self-identification as homosexual or gay is a psychological and socially complex state, something which, in this society, is achieved only over time, often with considerable personal struggle and self-doubt, not to mention social discomfort.” [8] 

Historical models of sexual Identity have tended to view its formation as a process undergone only by sexual minorities. In contrast, more contemporary models view the process as far more universal and attempt to present sexual Identity within the enormous scope of other major identity theories and processes. [9]. Philology around sexual orientation is constantly evolving. Sexuality is not binary, but two categories always describe the types of sexual orientations: mono-sexual and plural-sexual. Categories of mono-sexual are heterosexuals and homosexuals. Plural-sexual or Plurisexual are individuals with attraction to multiple genders like bisexual, pansexual, queer, or fluid communities. [10]. 

 Sexual Identity or Sexuality exists in multiple varieties, which includes eroticism and probability. Various scholars have defined Sexuality in various ways. Tiefer noted that the most challenging aspect of studying human Sexuality is defining the subject matter. [11]. Therefore, Sexuality, while widely used, is rarely defined in research and has many diverse meanings. Researchers in Sexuality do not usually provide the reader with a clear definition of the term. If they do, they do not subscribe to a particular or predetermined one. Reiss indicates that a precise definition of Sexuality is not available. Naming and defining concepts is crucial in research, especially when using a feminist perspective. [12] Warren then points out succinctly that “what is taken to be ‘sexuality,’ what sex means, and what is meant by sex is the issue.” [13] 

 Despite the positions of Tiefer, Reiss, Warren, and Goettsche on the difficulties encountered in defining Sexuality or arriving at a generally accepted definition of the concept, viewing Sexuality through philosophical, biological, sociological, etc., lenses could provide a basis for discussion on the subject. If this view is sustained, there may not be a generally acceptable definition across all disciplines, but each discipline has comprehensive definitions. With fragile lines separating some closely related disciplines, some of such definitions could be applied across closely related disciplines, such as religion and philosophy.  

 LGBTQIAP Identities:

 LGBTQIAP stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Pansexual. The contraction is more inclusive than the acronym “LGBTQ,” which places all non-LGBT under the Q, “Queer” heading. Plurisexual individuals are likelier to label primary identities (the sexual orientation one best  identifies with). And secondary identities (additional descriptions of one’s sexual orientation) than mono-sexual individuals. [14].

There are a diversity of different sexual orientations with which a person might identify, all of which are independent of their gender and gender identity:

 Androsexuality/Androphilia 

This category is defined as attraction to men and/or masculinity. [15] 

 Aromanticism

People who do not feel romantic desire are considered aromantic. [16]. Aromanticism and asexuality are not mutually exclusive identities, and an individual can possess both. Aromantic asexuals are not interested in pursuing either sexual or romantic relationships with others. [17] 

 Asexuality

The Identity known as asexual does not experience sexual attraction or has no desire to engage in sexual activity. [18]

 Bisexuality

A person who is bisexual is attracted to people of both their type and another gender. However, bisexuality is a recognized sexual orientation and does exist within the LGBTQIAP community as a whole. 

 Demisexuality

This category is conceptualized as a “gray area” between Sexuality and asexuality. Demisexuality covers those who do not feel sexual attraction to others unless they feel emotionally connected to them. Demisexuality relates most to the formation of committed romantic relationships but does allow for other types of relationships—such as sexual relationships—to form. [19] 

 Gynesexuality/Gynephillia

These people are erotically attracted to women and/or femininity. Gynesexuality does not specify an individual’s gender as the term “lesbian” would, but denotes that they are sexually drawn to feminine qualities. Much like Sexuality, this definition includes people identifying with different sexual orientations. A heterosexual man and a lesbian are gynephillic in that they are attracted to women. [20] 

 Heterosexuality

Heterosexuality is a term to describe a physically, emotionally, and/or romantically attracted person to individuals of a gender other than their type.

 Homosexuality  

This classification is for physically, romantically, and/or emotionally attracted individuals of the same gender with which they identify. A man attracted to other men is usually considered “gay.” However, a woman attracted to other women may prefer to be called “a lesbian.” Other people in the LGBTQ community that are not homosexual sometimes refer to themselves as gay, although they may not identify as gay. While homosexuality accurately describes the type of attraction felt by some community members, the term is often seen as clinical or indicative of a psychological disorder or abnormality and may be offensive to some. More specific terms, such as gay and lesbian, are preferable for everyday use. [21] 

 Pansexuality

Pansexual describes a community of people whose identities vary from heterosexual and cisgender. [22] The word “pansexual” is derived from the Greek prefix “pan,” meaning “all.” People who identify as pansexual (or “omnisexual” in some cases) are attracted to others regardless of sex or gender. It includes attraction to people who identify as a male, female, transgender, intersex, third gender, genderqueer, or anything in between. [23] 

Queer

“Queer” is an umbrella term for all non-heterosexual, non-cis-gender identities. Queer Identity includes a bisexual person who does not feel comfortable identifying as “bisexual” or a lesbian who does not wish to identify as “lesbian.” 

 The diversity of sexual identities is evident in sexual orientations. Sexual orientation, while not a fixed identity, cannot be intentionally altered, and thus the attraction one feels cannot be changed to fit a heteronormative culture. [24] 

   ***Notes

•   [1] System Hub @systemHubk. News & Media website published the story as Breaking News on July 17, 2019
• [2] L. O. Reiter, “Sexual orientation, sexual identity, and the question of choice,” Clinical Social Work Journal. 17, 1989, 138–50
• [3] PDF). American Psychological Association. 2009: 63, 86: Retrieved January 08, 2019. Sexual orientation identity—not sexual orientation—appears to change via psychotherapy, support groups, and life events.
• [4] L. O. Reiter, 1989, 138-150
• [5] K. Luyckx, Schwartz, S. J., Goossens, L., Beyers, W. & Missotten, Processes of personal identity formation and evaluation. In S. J. Schwartz, K. Luyckx, & V. L. Vignoles(Eds), Handbook of identity theory and research (Vols 1 and 2) (77-98). (New York, NY: Springer Science + Business Media), 2011
• Karen, Sinclair, About Whoever: The Social Imprint on Identity and Orientation, NY, 2013 Jump up to Rosario, M.; Schrimshaw, E.; Hunter, J.; Braun, L. (2006). “Sexual identity development among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths: Consistency and change over time.” Journal of Sex Research. 43 (1): 46–58. doi:10.1080/00224490609552298. PMC 3215279.
• [6] Ross, Michael W.; Essien, E. James; Williams, Mark L.; Fernandez-Esquer, Maria Eugenia. (2003). “Concordance Between Sexual Behavior and Sexual Identity in Street Outreach Samples of Four Racial/Ethnic Groups.” Sexually Transmitted Diseases. American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association. 30 (2): 110–113. doi:10.1097/00007435-200302000-00003. PMID 12567166.
• [7] Edward O. Laumann, The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States. University of Chicago Press, 1994, 301.
• [8] Edward O. Laumann,1994, 298–301.
• [9] F. R. Dillon, Worthington, R. L., & Moradi, B. (2011). “Sexual identity as a universal process.” In S. J. Schwartz, K. Luyckx, & V. L. Vignoles (Eds), Handbook of identity theory and research (Vols 1 and 2), (New York, NY: Springer Science + Business Media, 2011), 649-670
• [10] M. Paz, Galupo, et al. “Sexual Minority Self-Identification: Multiple Identities and Complexity.” proquest.com. 2.4, American Psychological Association. 2015. Accessed (February 03, 2019).
• [11] L. Tiefer, “Social Constructionism and the Study of Human Sexuality,” in P. Shaver & C. Hendrick eds. Sex and Gender, (Newbury Park: Sage Press, 1987), 10.
• [12] L. Tiefer, “Social Constructionism and the Study of Human Sexuality,” in P. Shaver & C. Hendrick eds. Sex and Gender, 10.
• [13] J.R. Warren, Human Sex and Sex Education, (Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1963), 69.
• [14] Galupo, M. Paz et al. “Sexual Minority Self-Identification: Multiple Identities and Complexity.” 2019  
• [15] Terri D., Fisher, et al., Handbook of Sexuality-Related Measures, 1988. Accessed (February 03, 2019)
• [16] “A Comprehensive List of LGBTQ+ Terms Definitions.” It is Pronounced Metrosexual. Accessed (January 29, 2019).
• [17] Ellen, Van Houdenhove, et al. “Asexuality: Few facts, many questions.” proquest.com. 40.3, Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. May 2014. Accessed (February 03, 2019).
• [18] Nicolette K. Robbins, et al. “A Qualitative Exploration of the ‘Coming Out’ Process for Asexual Individuals.” link.springer.com. 45. 3, Archives of Sexual Behavior. September 03, 2015. Accessed (February 03, 2019).  
• [19] Dominique, Mosbergen, “The Asexual Spectrum: Identities in the Ace Community (INFOGRAPHIC).” huffingtonpost.com. Huffington Post. February 02, 2016. Accessed (February 03, 2019).  
• [20] Fisher, Terri D. et al.  Handbook of Sexuality-Related Measures. 1988. Accessed February 27, 2017. 
• [21] “GLAAD Media Reference Guide – Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Glossary of Terms.” glaad.org. GLAAD. It was accessed (on February 02, 2019). 
• [22] Huante, David. “Terms, Definitions & Labels.” amherst.edu. 2016. Accessed (February 03, 2019)
• [23] “GLAAD Media Reference Guide – Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Glossary of Terms.” glaad.org. GLAAD. It was accessed (on February 01, 2019). 
• [24] “A Comprehensive List of LGBTQ+ Terms Definitions.” It’s Pronounced Metrosexual. Accessed (January 29, 2019).