Variations in Sexual Behavior

Sexual Minorities: Introduction 3 - A Fight for Recognition

The pattern of minority formation and eventual dissolution can also be observed in the area of sexual behavior. Here, too, some form of oppression creates and maintains a group solidarity among certain individuals with untypical sexual interests. Once organized, they demand equal rights. This demand is then vehemently rejected by the majority on the grounds that the new group does not represent a legitimate minority, but merely the unacceptable claims of isolated excentrics, criminals, and psychopaths. It may be wrong to discriminate against recognized ethnic, racial, and religious minorities, but sexual “abnormality” is not entitled to the same status.
In response, the new minority tries to make its particular sexual interest the focus of a formal organization, to demonstrate and educate the general public, to recruit new members, and to impress the majority with its sheer numbers. Eventually, once the group grows to a certain unsuspected size and gains economic and political influence, the majority relents and acknowledges the long-denied minority status. This means an end to at least some discrimination and the granting of at least some sexual rights. In the event that all discrimination ends and complete equal rights are granted, the minority dissolves and joins the majority. With its mission accomplished, its defining issue has become socially and politically unimportant. Like any other group, it may keep a characteristic profile in order to remain in the public eye and to claim its share of political influence, but now it provides only one of the many recognized colors in the large social fabric of modern societies.

Majorities and Minorities in Different Countries

Majority Minority ethnic: Mexicans in Mexico in the USA “racial”: Blacks in South Africa in the USA religious: Shintoists in Japan in the USA

Majorities and Minorities in San Francisco

Majority Minority ethnic: Mexicans in the Mission District in the whole city “racial”: Blacks in Hunters Point in the whole city religious: Shintoists in Japan Town in the whole city sexual: Gays and Lesbians in the Castro District in the whole city