For this Discussion, you analyze two case studies of individuals who have multiple identities related to sex, gender, and sexual orientation and consider how these identities would affect aspects of t

For this Discussion, you analyze two case studies of individuals who have multiple identities related to sex, gender, and sexual orientation and consider how these identities would affect aspects of their lives if they lived in your culture.

Review the two case studies in this week’s Learning Resources and consider the subjects’ specific identities related to sex, gender, and sexual orientation.

Think about how Alberto and Jeanette would experience life in your culture given their specific identities.

Consider the advantages and challenges that Alberto and Jeanette may face regarding friendships, romantic relationship, and sexuality within your culture.

Post a brief description of your culture. Then explain the advantages and challenges that Alberto and Jeanette would encounter related to friendships, romantic relationships, and sexuality in your culture.

Case Study: Alberto

Alberto is an 18-year-old genetically born male. He is the eldest of four siblings; he has

two brothers (ages 17 and 14) and a sister (age 12).

From the time Alberto was a young child, his parents noticed that he was quiet and shy

compared to other boys his age. He learned to read at a very young age and was

content to curl up with a book rather than play with other children. Several of Alberto’s

early grade school teachers referred to him as “sensitive” and “gentle” for a boy. Alberto

was very close to his siblings growing up, often acting as caregiver or babysitter when

needed, and he generally helped out a great deal at home with chores.

When he showed a keen interest in science and creative writing during middle school,

Alberto was encouraged by several teachers to join school academic clubs to foster

these interests. Alberto did so, and he built a small but close group of friends. Alberto’s

father, hoping to “toughen him up,” tried to encourage Alberto to participate in sports,

such as football or basketball, but Alberto showed no interest.

During 10th grade, Alberto became the target of bullying by several older boys at

school. They frequently verbally harassed him, calling him names like “sissy” and

“Alberta” and using slurs related to his mixed-ethnic heritage. Occasionally, one of the

boys would shove Alberto into the hallway lockers or spit at him in the cafeteria.

Subsequently, Alberto struggled both academically and socially in 11th and 12th

grades. He started to have sexual and romantic thoughts about other boys. Although he

was close to his group of friends, he did not feel comfortable sharing these feelings with

anyone. He had a girlfriend through part of his senior year; although he found her

attractive, he was confused about his romantic and sexual feelings toward her. They

spent most weekend evenings together, but they limited their physical relationship to

mostly kissing, holding hands, and cuddling.

Alberto recently graduated high school and is planning to attend college. Although he is

close with his mother and would like to talk to her about his feelings, he has not shared

any of his confusion about his sexuality with her, as she is very religious and he fears

she would become angry and reject him.

Case Study: Jeanette

Jeanette is a 34-year-old genetically born female. She is an only child who was

raised by her father and grandparents. When Jeanette was eight years old, her

mother died as a result of a car accident.

As a young woman, Jeanette was very successful in school, often advancing far

more quickly than her peers with normal academic milestones. She was able to

maintain very high grades despite occasional experimentation with drugs and

alcohol. Jeanette was well liked and well regarded by both her classmates and

her teachers.

Jeanette attended an elite private college on a partial scholarship; she worked

part time on campus to supplement her scholarship funds. It was during college

that Jeanette realized she was attracted to both men and women. After a brief

“coming out” period, she was fairly open about her sexuality. She also realized

she was interested in a career in law and pursued her juris doctorate immediately

upon completion of her bachelor’s degree.

Now a successful criminal prosecutor, Jeanette loves her job and has aspirations

to advance in the law firm where she works and then pursue a career in local

politics. She enjoys the demanding pace and the challenging and unpredictable

nature of prosecuting criminal defendants.

In addition to her career, Jeanette enjoys a wide range of physical activities as an

outlet for stress. She is particularly drawn to highly competitive and risky sports,

such as martial arts and large wave surfing. She has participated in various

marathons and is currently training for an Ironman triathlon competition. She

takes great pride in her athletic ability and stamina, and she frequently visits the

gym.

Jeanette has remained, for the most part, single. She has had several

relationships with both men and women; these relationships lasted a few months.

However, she finds it difficult to maintain a relationship given the demands of her

job and sporting interests. She prefers to casually date and enjoys an active

sexual life.

Recently, she has begun to experience some 

challenges at work with regard to

advancement and her direct supervisor. On several occasions, he has made

vague comments about women who are not “feminine” and jokes about how the

“old boys club” at the office is disappearing. Despite having a very successful

prosecution record, Jeanette received a very lukewarm annual performance

evaluation. Her supervisor commented specifically about his concerns regarding

her leadership ability, and he wondered aloud if she might “soften” her approach

a bit.