What is Sexual Orientation?

What is sexual orientation? What "causes" a person to have a particular sexual orientation? Is sexual orientation a choice? Is homosexuality a mental illness or disorder? Why is it important to educate people about homosexuality? Read the Q&A by American Psychological Association (APA) and find out the answers.

University Policy

In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University's educational programs, services and activities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. For a more complete statement of Purdue's policies of equal access and equal opportunity, visit http://www.purdue.edu/Purdue/nondiscrimination/.

Government Laws

There are numerous state and municipal laws that concern gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender rights in the United States. Among them are the various Civil Rights laws, hate crime laws, sodomy statutes, domestic partnership laws and registries, and
anti-same-sex marriage statutes, state, city, and county ordinances against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force published a report in August 1998, with an overview of the legal status of gays, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people nationally and state by state. It also provides details about the obstacles present in the enforcement of the existing laws. You can download the report here (PDF, 243K).

You may visit gaypoliticsandlaw.com, which offers many resources on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender political and legal issues.

Organizations

The Gay Rights movement has a long history. Since Stonewall in 1969, many organizations were formed to address gay and lesbian issues such as discrimination in schools and at work; societal prejudice against homosexuality; homophobia; hate crimes, etc. Follow this link for a list of Purdue University, local and national organizations.

Resources

Want to know more about sexual orientation? The libraries at Purdue University and the Diversity Resource Office have books and journals on this topic. The National Journal of Sexual Orientation Law has online publications for you to further explore issues concerning sexuality.