The philosophical concept of 'ontology' refers to the study of existence or being. It asks what things exist and why they exist. Ontology also considers the nature of reality, including its composition, structure, properties, and fundamental principles. In this context, we can examine the impact of social invisibility on the ontological status of same-sex love, which may affect its moral standing as well.
Social invisibility occurs when members of a group are ignored or excluded from society due to their personal characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, class, disability, age, or religion. When same-sex couples are invisible in public life, it may lead to doubts about the legitimacy of their relationships, making them seem less real than heterosexual ones. This can cause social harm, including stigmatization, prejudice, discrimination, and violence.
Some philosophers argue that ontology is determined by language and culture. They suggest that what exists depends on how people perceive reality through language and experience. If same-sex love is not widely acknowledged or represented in media and literature, it may be difficult for individuals to recognize and understand, potentially limiting its ontological reality.
Others disagree, arguing that there is a fixed reality beyond human perceptions and beliefs.
The moral status of an act or relationship refers to its rightness or wrongness according to societal standards. Social invisibility can undermine the moral standing of same-sex love, implying that it lacks authenticity or legitimacy.
Some religious groups believe that homosexual behavior is immoral, while others see it as natural and acceptable. When same-sex couples are denied legal recognition or access to resources and services, they may feel marginalized and oppressed.
Some scholars argue that the impact of social invisibility on same-sex love's ontological and moral status is minimal because it is still possible to acknowledge and affirm these relationships even if society does not always approve. They emphasize that relationships exist regardless of cultural norms and biases, with love being an inherent part of human nature.
What is the impact of social invisibility on the ontological and moral status of same-sex love?
The lack of social visibility for same-sex couples has led to their inability to engage with society and participate fully in public life. This has further led to issues such as lack of access to healthcare facilities, employment discrimination, housing discrimination, and more (Sullivan et al. , 2018).