Interactionist View of Sexuality

• In our society, no one gets 'outed' for being straight & there is little controversy in identifying someone as heterosexual
• Socially, culturally & legally, the heterosexual lifestyle is promoted and praised unlike homosexuality in some cases
• Interactionists look at the social construction of sexuality - How society creates this idea e.g. Homosexuality existed for a long time before it was even named (Labels attached to the terms & how it is perceived)
• Lehne completed their studies on the Interactionist View of Sexuality in 1995
• Lehne (1995) stated a socially determined prejudice, homophobia, is an irrational fear or intolerance of homosexuals (and how Homophobia is particularly directed at Gay Men)
• Interactionists also examine the process of how individuals identify themselves as homosexual
• Dubé completed their studies on how Interactionists view the process of individuals identifying themselves as Homosexuals in 2000
• Dubé (2000) said 'Coming Out' implies not just the disclosure of a gay identity, but also the individual's positive attitude towards the commitment to that identity
• Rivers & Carragher completed their studies on how individuals identify themselves as homosexual in 2003
• Rivers & Carragher (2003) stated to avoid negative responses from others, young lesbians and gay men hide their sexual orientation from family & friends