Questioning Sexual Orientation

Respond to one of the following series of questions in no less than 200 words. Construct your own argument using the readings (cite), outside sources (optional), and personal experience as supporting evidence. Remember to respond to one of your peer's blogs unless you are the first poster (congrats) and to POSE A QUESTION at the end (some of you are ignoring/ forgetting this criterion).

#1. In the same way that our society defines “white” as the normative race resulting in white privilege, heterosexism defines heterosexuality as the normative sexual orientation and consequently, heterosexual privileges manifests in numerous unearned and unchallenged advantages and rewards bestowed upon heterosexuals. What are some of these privileges and how do they function on individual and institutional levels?

#2. What current challenges does the LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning) community face as a marginalized group? Pick 3 current forms of discrimination (or events which exemplify that form) and explain the assumptions or myths underlying their establishment and/or perpetuation.

#3. How often and in what manner are LGBTIQ persons represented in the media? Are certain members more favorably/ frequently shown than others? To reiterate Hicks’ question, does the recent increase in GLBTIQ visibility serve or impede LGBTIQ causes? How so?