Sexual Orientations – Study Guide – Topics and Questions

1. Know the following terms and their meanings:

sexual orientation, homosexual, gay, lesbian, heterosexual, straight, bisexual

2. Know about the seven-point continuum of sexual orientation developed by Kinsey

What does a score of 0 on this scale mean?

What does a score of 6 on this scale mean?

Who is more likely to score between 2-5 on this scale (men or women)?

3. Know the following term and its meaning: sexual fluidity

4. What is the basic hypothesis of each of the following theories:

“by default” theory, the seduction myth, Freud’s theory

5. Have any studies found a difference in circulating levels of sex hormones in adult homosexual males compared to adult heterosexual males?

6. Have any studies found differences in the brains of homosexual men compared to heterosexual men?

7. What type of twins show higher concordance rates for homosexuality (identical or fraternal)?

8. In what year did the American Psychiatric Association remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders?

9. What are the goals of the following types of therapy?

1) gay affirmative therapy, 2) conversion or sexual reorientation therapy

10. What event, occurring in what year, served as a catalyst for the gay rights groups? and is also the event whose anniversary is celebrated with gay pride weeks and gay pride parades?

11. What sort of goals has the gay rights movement fought for? Be able to give an example in each of the following categories: 1) decriminalization, 2) antidiscrimination, 3) positive rights

12. In what year did the US Supreme Court rule that states must allow same sex marriage?

13. Know the following terms and their meanings: coming out, passing

14. What is the name of the organization that helps parents and others develop understanding, acceptance and support of homosexuals? (correct abbreviation is sufficient)

15. Who is likely to have the most sexual partners in their lifetime (gay males or lesbian females)?