Same-Sex Relations

Over the last five decades, the gay and lesbian movement has been instrumental in reshaping public perceptions towards same-sex relationships in the U.S. Essentially, it is impossible to study public perceptions towards same-sex relationships without considering the role of the gay and lesbian movement. For gay and lesbian individuals, this movement has enabled individuals who had previously been ostracized and stigmatized from mainstream social networks to carve a niche and feel a sense of belonging in alternative communities (Harper & Schneider, 2003). Even more significantly, the gay and lesbian movement has reshaped public attitudes and perceptions towards the gay and lesbian community in every sphere of mainstream society public education, employment, politics, religion and even entertainment.

In this chapter, a historical survey that traces the role of the gay and lesbian movement in changing public perceptions towards same-sex relationships during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and the present will be described and discussed individually. Although these eras are examined separately, it is vital to recognize the reality that some of the events and social phenomena do overlap.

1950s: Public Persecution of the Gay and Lesbian Population and the Birth of the Gay Rights Movement

According to Wright (1999), the postwar reconstruction period of the 1940s and the 1950s was characterized by the promotion of the ideology o

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tnessed harassing and provoking the rioters with derogatory remarks about their sexual behavior. Furthermore, interviews with the deputy inspectors who conducted the raids also highlighted the fact that the policy of raids was fundamentally one of harassment against minorities including gays. Even though the Stonewall bar had building code and liquor license violations, the police had no authority to enforce the closure of a bar. After the management who was arrested and booked paid the bail, it was able to return to the bar and reopen the business immediately. With the help of effective lawyers who were able to postpone the case repeatedly, bar owners could ensure that their business would remain open for years before their case went to trial. Essentially, by conducting the raids, the police inspectors knew that they could not achieve their purported objective of closing down the bar. Rather, in conducting the raids, the police had an excuse to harass minorities and the gay population (Amsel, 1987). 1970s: The Expansion of the Gay and Lesbian Movement and the DTtente with the Public With the rude awakening to their status in society, the gay and lesbian community became increasingly politicized in response to the

Category: Psychology - S