Homosexuality - Politics, Rights, and Laws

Homosexuality has existed for many centuries and has been known to exist in many ancient civilizations. It has been proven that homosexuality existed in Greek and Roman society as well as other cultures throughout history. Even though the term homosexuality has not been in existence for very long the practice of it has been. So if homosexuality has long been a tradition in our cultural world history why is it so controversial? Why are homosexuals an oppressed group? Homosexuality is nothing more than a different type of sexuality for a different group of people. It is no more right or wrong than heterosexuality. Homosexuals deserve the same rights and privileges that heterosexuals are currently receiving. I will discuss the history, movement, and advancement of the gay rights issues throughout history and in today's adverse society.

As I have previously stated, homosexuality has not always been a practice seen as morally and socially unacceptable. Homosexuality was a common practice in many ancient societies, especially in Greek society. It was considered a normal and healthy practice for grown men to have a wife as well as a male lover on the side. Many famous

Greek philosophers were known to have homosexual relations with other men. Among these were Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato. Even though these individuals were very powerful they were unable to pass along the idea that homosexuality is normal and should not be stigmatized. With the evolvement of time, came a world that was afraid of and ashamed of homosexuality. It became stigmatized and homosexuals became an oppressed group that was afraid to speak out about their sexuality. It wasn't until the first gay rights organization was created in Germany that gays and lesbians began to fight for their rights and speak out against oppression and discrimination. This movement spread to the United States as well as other countries. The Society for Human Rights was the first gay rights organization that was established in the United States. Even though it lasted only nine months it was an important step in the road to gay equality.