1. Running head: SEXUAL 1
M6A2: Sexual Orientation
Christopher Ruper
Argosy University

2. SEXUAL 2
Abstract
I interviewed my friend Casey who has a different sexual orientation from me. She claims is a
lesbian most of the time but she would be considered bisexual by society.

3. SEXUAL 3
Sexual orientation
I presented Casey with the following questions:
What is your sexual orientation and how comfortable are you about admitting this openly
to others?
Casey says she is a lesbian most of the time but she also partakes in bisexual activities as
well. She said she is very comfortable talking about her orientation to others. Most people, such
as her friends, are very understanding of her orientation. She thinks what she does with her body
or life is her own business. She says she typically does not care what other people think.
What, if any, discrimination do you experience because of your sexual orientation?
Casey says she does not encounter the same level of discrimination that some of her
lesbian and gay friends encounter. They are often harassed and made fun of constantly. Casey
admits that she receives most of her negative comments from other women. She says some
women are disproving of her orientation and are not afraid to let Casey know. They often say
things like “That is gross”, “I do not get why you do it”, “I think it is just a phase”, or “You will
get over it. When men make fun of Casey she says it is because they are jealous and want to be
with Casey but they know they cannot because of her orientation. Most of the time she says it is
playful teasing and not as big of a deal as the comments from other women.
What do you think needs to change at the cultural level to reduce discrimination against gay,
lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered individuals?

4. SEXUAL 4
Casey said that people should be more sensitive to each other and not get involved in
other people’s business. She also thinks that more people should take the time to get to know one
another and be more understanding.
Casey and I have been friends for a long time. I did not know she was a lesbian or
bisexual until she told me about a week after I met her. Part of being someone’s friend is getting
to know them. She did not show any signs of being uncomfortable with discussing her sexual
orientation. We have had many conversations together about her. She and I have also had many
discussions about gays and lesbians.
Casey is a very nice women and she is very honest and comfortable with herself. I have
never been around her when she experienced discrimination. I would say that her level of
discrimination is pretty minimal from what she has told me. We have both heard of other people
that have faced a lot of discrimination for their sexual orientation. These people can have a
negative impact on them from discrimination. “Because gay men and lesbians are stereotyped,
uninformed, or fed inaccurate, distorted information about homosexuality, the messages are
internalized and result in low self-esteem,” (Robinson, 2009). They can also feel left out by
society, “grieving the loss of membership in the dominant culture and entry into a permanently
stigmatized group,” (Argosy University, 2011). She and I both agree that people should be more
tolerant and understanding of each other. This would greatly reduce discrimination in our
society. This experience has been a good experience for me. It gave me a chance to see the
decimation side of sexual orientation. I did not have any negative thoughts about people of a
different sexual orientation from my own but I can see how people can benefit through

5. SEXUAL 5
communication with other people. “Exposure to people perceived to be threatening, such as
lesbians and gays, can in turn reduce antigay attitudes,” (Robinson, 2009).

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References
Argosy University (2011). Diversity.
Retrieved on April 10, 2011 from http://www.myeclassonline.com.
Robinson, T (2009). The convergence of race, ethnicity, and gender. (3rd Ed.). Retrieved on
April 10, 2011 from http://www.argosy.edu.

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