It is considered to be a pandemic by the World Health Organization, and has, since 1981, killed more than 25 million people worldwide (United Nations).
In most of the world, HIV infection is more prevelant in the heterosexual population, especially Sub-Saharan Africa. In the United States, however, it became known as the "Gay Plague" due to its initial discovery in the homosexual population, the lack of condom use at the time, and the predominance of anal sexual activity. Unforrtunatly, HIV / AIDS also carries with it ostracism, rejection, and discriminiation. This stigma-related violence or the fear of violence prevents a number of individuals from seeking HIV testing, receiving their results, securing treatment, or even turning what would normally be a managable chronic illness into something that is dire and a death sentence -- as well as perpetuating the disease -- all because of misguided bias (Ogden and Nyblade)
Cultural Issues -- Just as the Civil Rights movement has changed the manner in which cultural diversity has changed the fabric of American society, there are openly gay politicians at almost every level of society. In fact, one of the strongest and most respected voices in Washington is Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank. Serving since 1981, he continues to be re-elected by wide margins and, while being openly gay, is a moderate on economic and crime issues, receiving respect from both sides of the podium for his balanced and considered viewpoints. It is just this balance, though, that seems to endear Frank, and others like him, to the contemporary American political culture. As Frank often notes; sure, he's gay, but he is also an American, a politician, and his sexual preference is only part of him; he's part Jewish, too (Weisberg). Now, contrast that with a few of the cultural issues facing gay people today. We can break these down into fiscal, equal rights, discrimination, Marriage/Partnership.
Fiscal -- When someone becomes a citizen of the United States, they are immediately granted certain rights as a U.S. Citizen. For instance, if a partnered gay couple who have an income change were allowed to federally file as a married couple they would save almost $7,000; or, in other words, to be gay in America today costs almost $7,000; to have less rights, to not be able to adopt in all 50 states, to not be able to pass on property without taxation interference in all 50 states, and not to have social security benefits and rights (Hahn).
Equal Rights -- the very essence of the Civil Rights fight over decades and decades was that every citizen, regardless of age or ethnicity, be accorded basic Civil Rights protection. However, in the 21st century, the question remains -- should civil rights laws protecting employees from discrimination also outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation? Indeed, in over 30 U.S. states, it is still perfectly legal for homosexual employees to be fired because the employeer discovers and disapproves of their sexual orientation -- regardless of whether being openly gay affects job performance at all. However, 85% of Americans oppose job discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, but the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) continues to fail in Congress despite a broad range of support. Some corporations have, however, put their own policies in place -- evading the law, and actually liberalizing the workplace on their own. The very fact, though, that in 2011, we are still discussing the issue of a basic civil right -- employment based on skill, being denied an entire group shows that we have not come as far as hoped in global civil rights (Civil Liberties - About.com).
Discrimination -- in most states, homosexuals are not allowed to make medical decisions for partners in an emergency; nor are they always even allowed to visit. Instead, permission for life-threatening or serious issues often fall to an estranged family, those who remain angry about the same-sex relationship in the first place. Additionally, if a same-sex partner is arrested, under the Constitution, one partner can be compelled to testify against or provide evidence against them, when legally married heterosexual couples are not. There is typically a section of a number of school curriculums that deals...
Gay Marriage A Discussion about the Relevant Factors that Affect Same-Sex Partners in the Modern World Gay marriage, or same-sex marriage, is one of the most controversial topics in the modern age. It can be a divisive topic because many people feel strongly about the issue from both sides. Many argue that any form of partnership should have equal rights as the traditional marriages do and cite legal arguments and make reference
Gay Serial Killers Serial killers continue to hold a fascination on the American public. The crimes of this subset of murderers are frequently sexualized in nature, which perhaps adds to the titillation in media coverage. It is worth observing that many of the most widely-publicized serial murder cases of the past fifty years or so have involved gay or lesbian serial killers: Jeffrey Dahmer remains a household name even in 2014,
The control of persons perceived as dangerous is accomplished partly through public psychosocial discourse on AIDS. The reactions evoked by AIDS are determined not only by its biological nature as a disease but also by historically produced meanings attached to sex, health, and disease (Kaplan, 1990, pp. 337-351). Purpose of the Study The assumption is that the position of gays in American society has changed over the last three decades or
Changing Attitudes Regarding Same-Sex Marriages Even in today's modern, permissive society, many people are still jolted by the idea of same-sex marriage. However, throughout history, regardless of whether or not society encouraged it, gay and lesbian couples have been living with one another for centuries. The only difference today is that gays and lesbians are now demanding the same rights as heterosexuals, including the government's recognition of their relationships. With official recognition,
Social Context of HIV and AIDS in Africa The government of Africa has been moving toward criminalization of HIV transmission in its attempts to respond to the rising numbers of HIV infections however, those who advocate for human rights are concerned that these laws result in a violation of the rights of individuals living with HIV and ultimately resulting in the marginalization of these individuals. As well, it has been argued
People in America seem to be on some kind of moral crusade when it comes to making sure that prostitution is not legalized, yet we will sit by while football coaches molest and rape young boys. Bringing the topic back to ideology is important when considering this. When did it become okay for clergy and societal leaders to molest people and not okay for people two people to consent
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now