Development of Homosexual People through the change of Western Context History

Abstract

          The research entitled “Development of Homosexuality through the change of Western Context History” aimed at the investigation into how the evolution of “discourse,” social and cultural context, shapes perspectives of the European on homosexuals throughout the history.  The study concluded that the “shape” of homosexual identity in western societies was divided into 4 periods.

During Greco-Roman (to Christianization) period, a homosexual was viewed as stratification connecting to power and social network in which age and hierarchy were involved.  For instance, slaves and the younger were passive while bosses and the older played an active role.  Gender category was not existent at this time.  People were not defined if they were “straight”, “homosexual”, or “bisexual”.  A “pansexual” man was considered a real macho. “Pederasty,” the relationship between an adult male and a teenage lad, was popular in the Greek period. 

                   In the second period after Christianization in Roman Empire, homosexual relationship was viewed as a sin in accordance with the Jewish cultures taken by    Christianity, which was previously respected by the lower classes, whose culture was      against homosexuality.  In the earlier period of Greco-Roman, pederasty culture  prevailed among the elite who for the Christians were extravagant and immersed   themselves in lustful mood.   The Roman government, therefore, systematically regulated          laws against homosexuality, especially after the Reign of Emperor Justinian I of Byzantine           Empire and the Founder of Monastery St. Basil of Nyssa, mentioning that a man found   having sexual intercourse with a boy was not accepted in any holistic Christian ceremonies          even after death. 

                   Homosexuality in the third period was influenced by scientific revolution, especially the medical revolution when homosexuals were perceived as ‘the sick’ who     needed remedy.  However, it was the age when homosexuals started to have their own space called “Molly House,” which was the gay meeting place in London.  Homosexual culture reached its climax in Germany when Magnas Hadfield published “Der Elgine” magazine, which stated that homosexuality was “deep intrinsic instinct.”  After the World        War I, “sexology” institute was first established in 1919.  However, their dreams           collapsed with the rise of Nazi, who had harsh policy against homosexuality.  A lot of     German gays were arrested and put into concentration camp.

                   In the fourth period after the World War II, there were various civil societies on homosexuality such as COC movement in Netherland.  The strongest one was MattacinemovementIn America.  However, what dramatically increased the progression of homosexual movement was “Stonewall Riot,” in which the policemen raided Gay Club in   New York.  This provoked outrage among the gay communityand caused the riot against the police officers.  An important influence of this riot was the occurrence of gay pride          which started in Los Angeles and Chicago and spread to other countries including Canada, Australia and Western Europe.  In the 80 decade, a number of sports, music and films involving homosexuality arose.  This pushed Denmark ahead to successfully impose same-       sex marriage law the first time in the world in 1989.