Serra Oral
Senior Editor–Opinions
In our Sexual Attitudes and Activities Survey, about 5.9% out of 272 respondents listed themselves as being homosexual or bisexual. When a person has these sexual orientations, how they view and treat sex is different even if what they mean behind it is the same.
The subject of homosexuality is something that isn’t often addressed, even in our progressive time. “There have been many years of prejudice,” school psychologist Dr. Rosella Fanelli said. “I think we have come a long way, but there are still people, religions, and organizations condemning it. Also, a majority of people are heterosexual. It is the social norm so they feel more comfortable.”
Not only do sexual orientations affect the public’s view on homosexual sex, it also affects the individual’s opinion. Junior Renee believes that her sexual orientation affects her view on sex. “When you are a different sexual orientation, whether you are bi or whether you are gay, you kind of grow up too fast,” she said. “You sexually mature mentally more than a heterosexual because you need to figure out what you’re feeling. As a kid, you can’t really ignore those feelings.”
Even with the maturity Renee felt, the readiness to participate in sex may come later for some. “The right time is some time in college, but definitely not before because you’re not sure about everything,” senior Cheryl said. “In college it’s just easier because you’re older and you know more.”
While knowledge is something that can affect the readiness of the person, there isn’t a lot of information on the topic. For some, this is not important. “I know I don’t know everything about it, but I know the important stuff so it doesn’t really bother me that there isn’t much information,” junior Harold said.
Even so, those looking for more information tend to go to the internet, to sites like glsen.org. However, it can be difficult to find other sources. “There is no line on the internet between complete information and flat out pornography,” senior Anna said. “That’s a problem because heterosexual people have the option of getting this information in a clinical way and unfortunately people in my walks of life don’t have that option.”
Others, because of the lack of information, sometimes use pornography as a source. “If there is something that’s outside of my comfort zone I won’t try to look it up but if there is something I’m interested in, I might,” Renee said. “I learn more visually than I do listening and reading so for me that’s a better way to understand.”
Part of the problem of not having much information is not knowing entirely how to protect themselves in sex. “The problem is that, particularly for gay women, you don’t really hear of any contraceptives,” Anna said. “Of course there are devices you can use and things you can do, but you have to intensively research them.”
Some people who are homosexual don’t see the purpose of contraceptives. “I don’t plan on using contraceptives,” Cheryl said. “Honestly, you cannot get pregnant.”
On the other hand, there is the issue of sexually transmitted infections. “I am a little worried about STIs, but if you are in a committed relationship you would know and I hope that person would tell you,” Cheryl said. “If I had any fear not to trust them then maybe I would.”
Harold believes that sex is less serious because of his sexual orientation. “I think it would be a bigger deal if I were a heterosexual because of the possibility of pregnancy,” he said.
Despite this, the acceptance of homosexuality plays a role affecting the comfort level regarding homosexual sex. “I think my family would be more comfortable with the idea of me having sex if I were heterosexual,” Anna said.
“It’s the unfortunate nature of humanity to see it as corruption. My father wouldn’t talk about it anyways. My mother would feel like she couldn’t relate and would feel off-put because of that.”
Nevertheless, the meaning behind sex—no matter your sexual orientation—is the same. “It should be something sentimental,” Harold said.
