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Jul 02, 2017

Catherine Owens

Please! Respond to these 2-classmates--Thank you!

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Collapse SubdiscussionJean Thorndike
Jean Thorndike
TuesdayJun 27 at 10:37pm
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Hi Class:
A reminder to check your email for information on how to approach and structure the Week 2 paper and Week 2 journal.
Send me an email if you have questions.
Take care,
Dr. Jeanie Thorndike
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Collapse SubdiscussionYvette Lunday
Yvette Lunday
WednesdayJun 28 at 5:35pm
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An example of a sexual identity issue is gender dysphoria. This ensues when there is an obstinate sense of incongruity between one’s experienced sex and their gender. Gender dysphoria is characterized by robust tenacious association and identification with the opposite gender and anguish with their biological gender. Men and women differ in many ways. Although the fundamental differences between the two sexes are rooted in biology, they also include psychological traits. Individuals with gender dysphoria experienced the desire to live as members of the other gender and often exhibit this by adopting mannerisms and even dress associated with the opposite sex. This incoherence can result in significant distress which can even result to the desire to be a member of the other gender (Yarhouse, 2015).
The issue of gender identity is a big social, cultural and religious issue. Theological arguments surrounding the matter of gender dysphoria originate from the Bible. The Bible teaches that God created man as either male or female. Consequently, gender dysphoria and transgenderism fall short of the glory of God. Christians are required to act according to this biological design of God’s creation. The scripture says that true freedom does not come from proclaiming our radical independence but from embracing who we are. Therefore, one can only achieve true happiness by embracing their sexual identity and not desiring to be of the opposite gender. Moreover, the Bible teaches that we are created in the image and likeness of God. As God’s creation, humans need to be happy in how they were created.
No simple explanation has been conclusively reached as pertains sexual orientation. According to scientists, several factors including genetic, hormonal and social factors play a role in shaping one’s sexual orientation. The most popular explanations for sexual differences and adjustments are biological theories. This postulate that sexual differences are because of a complex interaction of genetic factors, the early uterine environment and the structure of the brain. Emerging research, for instance, indicates that sexual differences are mediated by direct genetic effects of the X and Y chromosomes. Sex differences have also been identified in the brain. The brains of the female and male show differences that have implications for each sex. The differences may, for instance, affect behaviors that are unique to each sex (Ngun, Ghahramani, & Vilain, 2012). Overall, whereas these differences can inform researchers and clinicians in their work, it is imperative that they are not used as a basis for discrimination.
Ngun, T., Ghahramani, N., & Vilain, E. (2012). The Genetics of Sex Differences in Brain and Behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 32(2), 227-246.
Yarhouse, M. (2015). Understanding gender dysphoria: navigating transgender issues in a changing culture. Illinois: InterVasity Press.
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- Collapse SubdiscussionJean Thorndike
  Jean Thorndike
  WednesdayJun 28 at 11:48pm
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  Hi Yvette:
  There are a number of biological factors that influence gender development, brain structure and function, prenatal hormones and genetic influences. As you note gender roles is shaped as a social construct based on the norms of the society in which a person lives. Also you highlight the cognitive development of gender identity that begins to form early on in a child’s life. For some individuals gender identity is a more complex process depending on the early biological development of his/her body (see intersex syndrome question).
  Dr. Jeanie Thorndike
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- Collapse SubdiscussionGordon Jablonski
  Gordon Jablonski
  ThursdayJun 29 at 6:48am
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  Two really good videos to watch are:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea10c6VXVx8 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.andhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDiYeJ_bsQo (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
  According to our text, "the pioneering sex researcher Alfred Kinsey suggested that sexual orientation runs along acontinuum with “exclusively heterosexual” on one end and “exclusively homosexual” on the other (Kinsey,Pomeroy, & Pomeroy, 1948). That is, sexual orientation does not consist of discrete ends of a scale as was oncethought. People who are in the middle of the scale show equal attraction to males and females and are usuallyreferred to as bisexual." (p. 12.7) Transgender teens are real. There are many of them and according to the text, "the greater exposure to harassment probably contributes to higher rates of substance abuse, depression, andsuicidal ideation." (p.12.7) It is important to follow science closely and to have compassion for the LGBT community. People are comprised of nature and nurture. People do not need to embrace any god or commandment. Science is where the answer lies. The scientific community is learning a little more each year on why the chemical, hormonal and biological issues create gay and transgender people. I personally love these people and will stand up for their rights as an advocate and ally in my human services career. Thank you.
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  - Collapse SubdiscussionGordon Jablonski
    Gordon Jablonski
    ThursdayJun 29 at 6:50am
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    REFERENCES
    YOUTUBE
    Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding Development: A Lifespan Perspective. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc
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Collapse SubdiscussionEdith Martinez
Edith Martinez
WednesdayJun 28 at 10:41pm
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A sexual identity related issue that has affected many individuals usually is caused by their gender identity. Gender identity can be constructed by various variables. Some classify gender as what the individual biological sex is. There have also been studies conducted in which according to Mossler & Ziegler, “Specific anatomical brain differencessuggest that gender is at first biologically and genetically driven; sex influences specific kinds of genderdevelopment and behavior” (Mossler & Ziegler, 2016). There are also environmental influences which are often based on sociocultural norms. This is an issue in some cultures, as they force their children to adopt what they feel is socially acceptable and can sometimes be oppressing to what the child may feel. This child will then grow up without having reached their gender identity. Today’s society, it is not as harsh to be proud of the gender one identifies themselves as. America has become very accepting of people’s decisions and gender or sexual identities.
A valid theoretical argument made is that sexual identity is constructed and reached once an individual has had a chance to explore and feel truly comfortable with themselves. If the individual feels forced to feel, dress, act, talk and find the opposite gender attractive the individual may never truly be themselves and reach happiness. Due to cultural norms, the cognitive influences that have been suggested to them may be inconsistent with their self-concept, often this leads to low self-esteem and depression. According to Madison, Doug, Lori, Sonja, and Kenneth, “children with gender dysphoria show an increased rate of self-harm/suicidality as they get older” (Madison, Doug, Lori, Sonja, & Kenneth, 2016).
There are differences in sexual orientation due to different reasons. Cultural reasons may form the individual into the cultures desired sexual orientation for the individual based on their biological sex at birth. Sexual orientation can also be attributed to the environmental influences such as a young boy having only sisters who have dolls as toys. This may cause the boy to engage in playing with the toy dolls. Over the years the boy may identify himself like a girl. Children are often taught what the “right” toy to play with is. I agree with the cognitive influence theory, according to Mossler & Ziegler, “children begin to construct gender-type in the same way Piaget would say they construct knowledgeabout the physical world” (Mossler & Ziegler, 2016). It has been reported that by age four children have reached their gender stability and understand that boys will grow up to be men and that girls will grow up to be women. Gender constancy is then acquired by the children as they start to observe what men and women act like or look like and try to conduct themselves in similar ways. Boys may start liking to wear belts with buckles or avoid anything with any other color besides blue, black and green on it because they feel it is a color for girls and girls may start sitting properly while wearing a dress or want play make up and not want to wear anything that looks boyish to them.
Madison, A., Doug P., V., Lori, W., Sonja, S., & Kenneth J., Z. (2016). Self-harm and suicidality in children referred for gender dysphoria. Journal Of The American Academy Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, (6), 513.
Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding development: A lifespan perspective. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
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Collapse SubdiscussionSandra Walker
Sandra Walker
WednesdayJun 28 at 11:28pm
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Sexual identity/orientation is defined by one’s pattern of erotic responsiveness and the sex of one’s preferred sex partner (Byne & Stein, 1997). The causes of sexual identity have not been definitively identified from a scientific standpoint, but from a biological standpoint, it is assumed that sexual identity results from a sex-reversed or incompletely sexually differentiated brain as the intersex assumption. Likewise, it is said that sexual identity runs in families, but not necessarily genetic as individuals share environmental variables as well as genes. Finally, there is speculation that homosexuals might have atypical levels of androgens or oestrogens called sex hormones in their bloodstreams, which may also be a contributing factor. (Byne & Stein, 1997).
Although homosexuality is becoming more widely accepted in today’s society, the practice is still stigmatized, creating an identity formation among homosexuals due to prejudice and feelings of shame (Mossler and Ziegler, 2014). Personally, I am one percent of society who accepts homosexuals in regards to gay and lesbian individuals, as I have a gay brother. The issue that I have is more with understanding the complexity of bisexuality. With gay individuals, they are attracted to men of the same sex. Females are considered lesbians when they are attracted to women of the same sex. Now, where it becomes perplexing to me is when you have a male and/or female who is equally attracted to both sexes, also known as bisexual.
To me, bisexuality is perplexing, as the practice lacks clarity between attraction, behavior and identity. Many questions come to mind regarding bisexuality. For instance, does bisexual individuals refer to themselves as gay or straight? Do they gravitate more to the same sex or the opposite sex? Are bisexual individuals referred to as homosexual or heterosexual? These are all questions that I feel contribute to the ambiguity of bisexuality.
Research studies have shown that bisexual people often complain about not being included by gay/lesbian and heterosexual people in their world. They feel a sense of isolation compared to gay/lesbian and straight people because they lack a community where they can feel accepted for their sexuality (Labriola, n.d., p.2). I believe that this has become such an issue with the gay/lesbian and straight community because of the identity dynamics of bisexual people.
Other perplexing issues resulting from bisexuality consist of the following: many gay men feel that bisexual men are really gay, but they are just in denial about being gay, and that they should "just get over it." Many straight men are homophobic and hate and fear both bisexual and gay men, often victimizing them with harassment and physical violence. Many straight women reject bisexual men out of misguided fears that they have AIDS, and admonish them to "stop sitting on the fence and make up their minds." Bisexual women are often distrusted by lesbians for "sleeping with the enemy," hanging onto heterosexual privileges through relationships with men, and betraying their allegiance to women and feminism. Straight women often reject bisexual women out of fear they will make sexual overtures and try to "convert" them to being bisexual (Labriola, n.d, p.2 & 3). Again, I feel that other homosexuals question bisexual people and heterosexual people, like me, are confused as a result of the dynamics surrounding bisexual people. In order for this particular practice to be less of an issue, all pertinent information regarding bisexuality must be clarified and made definitive.
References
Byne, W., & Stein, E. (1997). Ethical implications of scientific research on the causes of sexual orientation. Health Care Analysis: HCA, 5(2), 136-48. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02678419
Labriola, K. (n.d.). WHAT IS BISEXUALITY? WHO IS BISEXUAL? Retrieved June 28, 2017, fromhttp://www.cat-and-dragon.com/stef/Poly/Labriola/bisexual.html (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding development: A lifespan perspective. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
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- Collapse SubdiscussionGordon Jablonski
  Gordon Jablonski
  YesterdayJun 30 at 11:11am
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  Hi Sandra, thank you for your thoughtful post on this sensitive topic. I agree with you that the LGBT community has been misunderstood and oppressed in many ways over the years. One of the reasons I decided to go into human services was to make sure that all people receive services equally and fairly. I have worked in welfare office before and see that some people who are not as educated can treat people who are different in abhorrent ways. When we are talking about the adolescent who is struggling with their identity and their sexuality, it is important that we easily guide their way so that they can make decisions for themselves. I like to base my information off of science because research into sexuality has been ongoing for quite some time now. According to Mossler and Ziegler (2016), "Although several notable studies have found very high concordance rates forhomosexuality among monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins (suggesting a genetic determinant), thosestudies suffer from poor methodology, including self-selected samples (e.g., Bailey & Pillard, 1991; Kallman,1952)." (p. 12.7) Unfortunately when it comes to homosexuality and transgender, we must wait for more scientific studies to be done on hormones, chemical differences, brain structural differences and the like. I believe that just like boys and girls have different brain structures, so do those who have a different sexuality. I think the science, in time, will prove that there are differences in hormones and brain structures of people who are heterosexual and those who are homosexual or transgender. According to Reuters (1991), "Simon LeVay compared the brains of 19 homosexual men who had died of AIDS... LeVay and another neuroscientist said in a second article in the same issue of Science that it was unlikely to have been a reason for the differences observed in the research subjects brains." (para. 9) Very interesting!
  References
  Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding Development: A Lifespan Perspective. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc
  Reuters. (1991, Aug 30). Homosexuality in males linked to brain structure. Calgary Herald Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/244105894?accountid=39364
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Collapse SubdiscussionJean Thorndike
Jean Thorndike
WednesdayJun 28 at 11:49pm
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Intersex Syndrome - What did you discover?
Hi Class:
Sometimes a person is born with a biological abnormality that does not give them a clear physiological identity as a male or female. These problems in biological development are called Intersex Syndrome.
Follow the link to a PBS website on the topic and respond to the questions below (At least 75 words).
1. What did you discover about Intersex Syndrome?
2. What issues might an individual wrestle with in his/her life if their biological development is linked to intersex spectrum?
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/gender/spectrum.html (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
If the link does not take you to the site please cut-and-paste it into your browser.
Dr. Jeanie Thorndike
P.S. Responding to one of my post can count towards your discussion replies.
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- Collapse SubdiscussionGordon Jablonski
  Gordon Jablonski
  YesterdayJun 30 at 11:32am
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  1. What did you discover about Intersex Syndrome?
  2. What issues might an individual wrestle with in his/her life if their biological development is linked to intersex spectrum?
  What I discovered about Intersex Syndrome is that there a lot of chemical issues that play into the part of being intersex. I have a friend who is intersex and it was a struggle for her because she identified as female but she had a male sex organ as well. And the androgen release caused her to get facial hair and a deep voice. I like how the website provided stated that out of every one hundred births this error seems to happen in the chromosomes--known as an intersex disorder. According to Mossler and Ziegler (2016), "Sometimes there are inconsistenciesbetween chromosomal sex development (genotype) and anatomical development (phenotype). These conditionswere previously referred to as hermaphroditism, but medical professionals have been using the more descriptiveterm disorders of sexual development to broadly include a number of conditions." (p. 3.2) There are several genetic variations. According to The Mercury (2016), "A few years ago, I produced and directed an autobiographical documentary called Orchids: My Intersex Adventure on my story of growing up intersex. Intersex applies to an individual with a combination of male and female biological sex attributes, and it is also known as a disorder of sex development or hermaphroditism..." (para. 4) This person had androgen insensitivity syndrome at birth and went on to explain how the life they created has meaning.
  References
  Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding Development: A Lifespan Perspective. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc
  Why I decided to reveal my gender. (2016, Jun 09). The Mercury Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1794701734?accountid=39364
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  - Collapse SubdiscussionJean Thorndike
    Jean Thorndike
    YesterdayJun 30 at 9:55pm
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    Hi Gordon:
    Thank you for your post on the topic of intersex syndrome and sharing the Mercury link. I think for most people the topic of intersex syndrome is new to them and they might not realize the complexity of different hormones being "turned on and turned off" in the development of the fetus and how this impacts the gender of the fetus. Having knowledge about intersex syndrome could help individuals to be more understanding and compassionate in their dealings with others.
    Dr. Jeanie Thorndike
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- Collapse SubdiscussionSandra Walker
  Sandra Walker
  YesterdayJun 30 at 2:18pm
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  Intersex Syndrome is very interesting. I found the syndrome to be comparable to Hermaphroditism in that both female and male sex attributes are present. I discovered that there are various forms of intersex syndromes that appear to be more common than not. According to Gold (2001), "problems in the formation of chromosomes, gonads, or external genitals can lead to the range of intersex conditions," which was very interesting to discover. I would have to ask the questions, what measures could the expecting mother have taken to prevent these seemingly tiny errors from occurring during the pregnancy, and what prenatal testing, if any, are available that could have been conducted to determine this condition?
  I believe that individuals who are born with intersex syndrome will have the difficult decision to make in regards to the gender identity that he or she would choose. I would assume that the individual would choose the identity that he or she feels most represents who they are or the gender that he or she tend to relate to or are most comfortable with.
  References
  Gold, C. (2001, October 30). The Intersex Spectrum. Retrieved June 30, 2017, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/intersex-spectrum.html
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  - Collapse SubdiscussionJean Thorndike
    Jean Thorndike
    YesterdayJun 30 at 9:56pm
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    Hi Sandra
    I agree that it would be quite challenging for the individual born with an intersex syndrome as well as their parents. In the past, when a child was born with intersex syndrome whatever was the most predominate genitalia present at the time of birth was determined as the sex of the child and the other sex genitalia was removed. But over time it was discovered that at puberty when the sex hormones were activated for further development sometimes the wrong choice had been made. Now it is more common for the gender decision to be made at puberty and the individual is an active part of the decision process. Still, I find it a heart-rending situation.
    Dr. Jeanie Thorndike
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Collapse SubdiscussionGordon Jablonski
Gordon Jablonski
ThursdayJun 29 at 7:34am
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Sexual Identity Development
After reading Chapter 12 of the course textbook and the 60 minutes video I see the main topic is sexual development during adolescence. I identify a sexual identity-related problem as transgender teens. I have worked with these teens in a group home and a psychiatric hospital and also from a youth perspective on homeless youth. They are seeking love, compassion and warmth from an otherwise cruel world. They were born into bodies that they don’t feel comfortable in. It is not my place as a human services worker to try and change them or make them accept their biological body. Their brains tell them that they are not in the right body and this causes a dysmorphic state. According to Mossler and Ziegler (2016), “The greater exposure to harassment probably contributes to higher rates of substance abuse, depression, and suicidal ideation in this population.” (p.12.7) These teens struggle with society as there is a section of people who believe in a monotheistic god or polytheistic gods that want to convert these teens to heterosexuals and conforming people. The other side of the issue is for human service workers, parents and teachers to embrace these youth and their feelings.
To identify and evaluate the key positions and theoretical arguments relating to my issue, I see that transgender youth are bullied more by straight peers than heterosexual youth. According to Mossler and Ziegler (2016), “As a result, identity formation may suffer due to prejudice and feelings of shame. Homosexual relationships during adolescence are often fraught with additional anxiety for fear of persecution and rejection. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adolescents will therefore sometimes first date members of the other sex. More than heterosexuals, LGBT teens question their sexuality and their gender, epitomizing what Erikson referred to as role confusion.” (p. 12.7) Transgender youth are searching to be themselves and need to be free to explore. And, since we know that sexual orientation runs on a spectrum then those with sexual identity crisis such as transgender youth can take comfort in the fact that they can be gender queer. Some transgender youth decide to change their body appearance with clothing, makeup, jewelry, tattoos whether male to female or female to male. Some get surgery done on facial features or on buttox and other regions of the body. Many start taking hormones to suppress the biological sex characteristics. According to McGuire and colleagues (2010), “Transgender youth experience negative school environments and may not benefit directly from interventions defined to support Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB)
Youth.” (para. 8) It is important to support the LGBT community and embrace diversity and differences among people. This is how we as adults impact the youth by setting a good example of tolerance and respect and pro-social behaviors.
There are many reasons for sexual orientation or transgender behavior. There are nature and nurture debates. But there are also cultural differences (i.e. The native cultures recognize transgender and gay as two spirited). And there are hormonal differences and structures of the brain that differ between gay and straight people just like there are differences in brain structure between girls and boys. These are the reasons for differences in sexual orientations, gender identity and gender. All these positions can be found in science and in theory and evidence seen from research.
References
Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding Development: A Lifespan Perspective. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc
McGuire, J. K., Anderson, C. R., Toomey, R. B., & Russell, S. T. (2010). School climate for transgender youth: A mixed method investigation of student experiences and school responses. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 39(10), 1175-88. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/746772400?accountid=39364
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Collapse SubdiscussionKeina Coleman
Keina Coleman
ThursdayJun 29 at 3:09pm
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Sexual Identity Development
Homosexuality is an example of a sexual identity-related issue. Individuals who identify as being homosexual have been considered to be amoral and perceived as having a mental illness by some in society. Incorrect stereotyping of lesbian women and gay men have caused them to be discriminated against in society and within their own cultures (Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity, 2014). The fear discrimination and rejection has led to individuals declining to disclose their sexual orientation. The contrast in sexual orientation begins at an early age and biological and neurobiological factors play a role in an individual’s sexual identity and gender (Mossler & Ziegler 2016). Heredity also plays a role in one’s sexual identity.
Homosexuality is a hot topic of discussion in political, religious, and social arenas. This topic of homosexuality encompasses a plethora of issues. Individuals who self- identify, and who are of the Gay, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community are often judged by the theologies, values, and beliefs of the heterosexual community. Some heterosexual members of society are against same- sex marriages and are concerned about sharing restrooms with transgender individuals and others who have self-declared their gender identity (Gay, 2016). Title IX, which is a measure allowed individuals to restrooms according to their self-declared gender, has been reversed by the Trump administration (Danilova & Gurman, 2017). Individuals who practice the Christianity and other religions view homosexuality as being an abomination. Although the issue of homosexually is becoming more acceptable to society, the stigma of shame, rejection, and prejudice still remain.
Individuals who struggle with the issue of homosexuality have been bullied and have been victims of hate crimes. These experiences may contribute to this population have high rates of suicide ideation, substance abuse, and depression (Mossler & Ziegler, 2016. In my field of work, I counsel individuals from the LBGTQ community. Some of my clients have expressed that their feelings of rejection and shame have led them to engage in risky sexual behaviors and substance abuse. Some research has suggested that there is a link between substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, and sexual orientation (Schauer, Berg, & Bryant, 2013). Factors such as biology and heredity contribute to shaping one’s sexual identity. Political, religious, and social ideologies have influenced what is deemed to be normal sexual preferences. Hopefully, as time progresses society will begin to accept and expand the definition of sexual identity and sexual orientation.
References
Danilova, M., & Gurman, S. (2017, Feb 23). Trump administration to lift transgender bathroom guidance. St. Louis Post - Dispatch Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1870965921?accountid=39364
Gay, M. (2016, Mar 08). New gender choices on NYC restrooms; city agencies must allow people to use restrooms based on their self-declared gender identity. Wall Street Journal (Online) Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1771005378?accountid=39364
Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding development: A lifespan perspective. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
Schauer, G. L., Berg, C. J., & Bryant, L. O. (2013). Sex differences in psychosocial correlates of concurrent substance use among heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual college students. American Journal Of Drug & Alcohol Abuse, 39(4), 252-258.