How Societal Institutions, Media, And Education Influence Tolerance Towards Queer Individuals
Sexual identity is deeply personal and intimate. It refers to a person's emotional, romantic, physical, and spiritual attraction towards another individual based on their gender identity and expression. It may be heterosexual (attracted to people of opposite gender), homosexual (attracted to people of same gender), bisexual (attracted to both genders), pansexual (attracted to all gender identities) or asexual (not attracted to any gender).
Society is responsible for defining what constitutes normal and abnormal behavior, and norms shape how individuals perceive themselves and others. Consequently, societal institutions have influenced perceptions of queerness since ancient times. The Bible, Koran, Torah, Vedas, and other religious scriptures forbade same-sex relations as sinful, immoral, and unnatural. Early philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle considered it a "contrary to nature". The modern era witnessed increasing acceptance in some countries but fierce opposition from conservative groups.
Modern media has played a crucial role in shaping public opinion regarding queer identities. Films, television shows, books, magazines, newspapers, and social media platforms portray queer characters and relationships positively or negatively. Some projects present them as promiscuous, dangerous, and diseased while others highlight their love stories, tragedies, and triumphs. Media also influences fashion trends, music, art, language, and lifestyles that reflect queer culture. Advertising industries exploit LGBTQ+ audiences' buying power by targeting them with relevant products.
Education shapes attitudes towards sexuality from childhood through university years. School curricula may include subjects like sex education, history, literature, psychology, and sociology that discuss queer issues. Teachers introduce children to diverse sexual expressions and encourage respect, inclusion, and tolerance towards everyone, regardless of gender identity. Universities offer courses on queer theory that examine oppression, discrimination, and liberation movements. Education makes people more receptive to queer identities and reduces prejudices.
Society has historically viewed queerness as deviant behavior despite growing recognition for its naturalness. Media reinforces stereotypes that perpetuate homophobia.
Educational institutions have become key drivers of change by normalizing the idea of non-binary genders and fostering greater tolerance.
How do societal institutions, media, and education collectively influence levels of tolerance toward queer individuals?
The attitudes towards queer people vary from one society to another and are influenced by various factors such as cultural norms, religious beliefs, social status, media portrayals, and educational messages. Societal institutions have played an integral role in shaping these perceptions over time. The institutionalization of heteronormativity has led to the marginalization of non-heterosexual identities, resulting in discrimination, exclusion, and violence against them.