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Articles
GAY, LESBIAN, AND BISEXUAL ORIENTATION
What is meant by gay, lesbian and bisexual orientation?
The term "homosexual" refers to a person who is emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted or committed to people of the same sex. The term "gay" is the term used to refer to male homosexuals and the term "lesbian" is the term used to refer to female homosexuals. Bisexuals are those who are emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted or committed to people of either sex. Though labels such as heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual may sound clear cut, this is not always so. A relatively small percentage of people consider themselves exclusively homosexual. A greater number think of themselves as exclusively heterosexual. These groups represent the broad ends of the spectrum. Individuals between the ends of the spectrum exhibit varying mixtures of preference and experience, which may also change over time.
"Homophobia" is the term used to describe the irrational fear of love, affection, and/or sexual behavior between people of the same sex. It has also been used to refer to the hatred of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. "Heterosexism" refers to an attitude, action, or institutional practice that subordinates people because of their sexual orientation. In particular, it includes the assumption that everyone is heterosexual or should want to be. An "ally" is any person who is not gay, lesbian, or bisexual, whose attitudes and behavior are anti-heterosexist on a personal and institutional level.
What can I do if I think I might be gay?
Confusion regarding sexual attraction and identity is very common for college age people. Some people "have always known" that they were attracted to members of the same or both sexes since early childhood; for others, this can be a sudden revelation that comes in their twenties or thirties, or even decades later. Recognition of such erotic desires can be accompanied by stress and anxiety related to feelings of isolation, questions about finding a partner, and/or fears of the disapproval of friends and family.
Two important things to keep in mind are that no two individuals have the same experiences examining their sexuality and that such explorations often take a very long time. Collections of coming out stories show the wide range of experiences related to sexual identity and can offer all sorts of examples of what others have faced and how they have dealt with these issues. Such collections, as well as a broad range of books on sexuality issues, are available in such safe and gay-affirming places as the Women's Center library, The Regulator on Ninth Street, and Southern Sisters downtown on Morris Street, as well as the Healthy Devil and the Duke library. Talking to people knowledgeable about such issues, whether they are openly lesbian, gay or bisexual individuals or are counselors, instructors, residence hall staff or other persons who are publicly gay-affirming, is another option. Not only can such persons provide important information, talking with them breaks the sense of isolation many students trying to deal with such matters alone have felt. The lesbian, gay, and bisexual campus organizations welcome heterosexual allies and those uncertain of their orientation to join and come to their events and to meetings.
How many gay, lesbian, and bisexual students are there?
Several major studies have indicated that up to 10% of the population are primarily or exclusively gay or lesbian. And up to one-third of the population may be bisexual. This means that there may be roughly 1000 gay or lesbian students, and 3000 bisexual students at Duke. Although this is a sizable number, many of these students are invisible to others at Duke for a number of reasons.
Most gay, lesbian, and bisexual people cannot be identified simply by looking at them. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual people are as varied in their dress, mannerisms, and styles as their heterosexual counterparts. While some gay, lesbian, and bisexual people fit the popular stereotypes, most do not. Similarly, many heterosexual individuals have characteristics that are stereotypically associated with gay, lesbian, or bisexual persons.
Some people believe that their sexual orientation is a private matter, and they choose to tell only those people close to them. These people are selective with whom they share this personal information, just as heterosexual individuals are often selective in sharing personal aspects of their lives.
Many gay, lesbian, and bisexual students are afraid of the consequences of being open about their sexual orientation. Historically, gay, lesbian, and bisexual people have lost jobs, custody of children, housing, careers, and even their lives when their sexual orientation has been discovered. Duke students may fear for their academic and professional careers, even for their physical safety. In the past, some Duke students who have been open about their sexual orientation on campus have experienced harassment, physical and verbal threats, and menacing phone calls. Many gay, lesbian, and bisexual Duke students prefer to keep their sexual orientation hidden in order to protect themselves from such consequences.
What causes people to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual? Is it a choice?
No one knows what determines sexual orientation. The most recent research indicates that it is some combination of biological and environmental determinants. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual students do not choose their sexual orientation any more than heterosexual students do. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual students may choose whether or not to acknowledge, accept and/or act on their sexual orientation: however, they do not choose to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
How can I support a friend, family member, or roommate who is gay, lesbian, or bisexual?
Do not be afraid to talk with them. For example, ask them about their dates and relationships as you would with your heterosexual friends. The gay, lesbian, or bisexual person may wait for you to raise the issue. Silence on your part may be interpreted as disapproval.
Be supportive. Being gay, lesbian, or bisexual in a homophobic society can be stressful and anxiety provoking. It is important for gay, lesbian, and bisexual people to have supportive allies.
Help stop heterosexist and homophobic behavior in your environment. Sometimes it is safer for heterosexual allies to confront homophobia than it is for gay, lesbian, and bisexual students to do so.
Educate yourself and others. Learn from your gay, lesbian, and bisexual friends, family members, and roommates. Attend events and read publications about gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues. Talk to people about gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues. Help make the Duke environment a safe and growth-producing one for all students.
What resources are available for lesbian, gay and bisexual students and their friends?
Various resources are available, both on- and off- campus, to students interested in lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues.
For more information about gay, lesbian, and bisexual life at Duke, click here for the Duke Queer Infoserver .
The Lesbian and Gay Health Project (286-4107) answers a wide range of questions, makes referrals and provides information about local groups and activities.
CAPS (660-1000) offers both gay-affirming counseling and makes off-campus referrals as well.
The Duke Gay, Bisexual, and Lesbian Association (DGBLA) and the Graduate and Professional Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GPGLA) meet regularly and welcome new members.
Outright! holds regular meetings for Triangle area lesbian, gay , bisexual and questioning youth under 21 years of age.
For students wishing more information on sexual orientation issues, contact Robin Buhrke at CAPS (660-1000).
A.C. Kinsey, W.B. Pomeroy, and C.E. Martin, Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, Philadelphia. Saunders. 1948.; *A.C. Kinsey, W.B. Pomeroy, and C.E. Martin, P.H. Gebhard, Sexual Behavior in the Human Female, Philadelphia,PA: Saunders,1958
Robin Buhrke, Ph.D., CAPS, Duke University, 1993; Ian Lekus and Elaine Allen, 1994.
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