Salvaging+the+Sanctity+of+Human+Rights

= = **Student**: Grace Younie **Student** **Number**: n8589828 **Tutor**: Jey Rodgers **Topic**: Social Identities, Physiologies and Human Health: How do gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and geography affect morbidity and mortality?

“We'll be remembered more for what we destroy than what we create.” -Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters



**The Artefact and Public Health Issue ** The central topic for this wiki is Sexuality and the victimization, discrimination, prejudice and health issues associated with contemporary societies out-dated ideologies. Sexuality is defined by American Heritage (2000) as a set of social ideologies, which serve to organise the structure and expression of desire, physical, romantic, emotional and/or spiritual attraction to others. As you can see above the cultural artefact that will drive the following discussions and act as the basis of this wiki is a montage of three images. To the left is the quote “Marriage is a Human Right, not a Heterosexual Privilege,” a powerful yet simple quote highlighting the inequalities in contemporary society and this all to familiar scene of discrimination. The second image is a comic strip highlighting the idiocy of the human race in which we are destined to continue to repeat history as long as we fail to acknowledge the past. Finally the last image on the right serves to emphasise the beauty of equality; a world where everyone has the right to be with the person they love without prejudice and discrimination.

** Literature Review ** It had become increasingly concerning that the health determinants risk and status of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual subgroups of the population aren’t defined or have much research analysing health statuses. Throughout history health studies have been conducted around men’s health then projected to apparently mimic the same results for women’s health. The increase in women’s health studies in the last 20years has provided brilliant inside into the increased health of women vs men. However there haven’t been huge studies comparing the health status of heterosexual vs. homosexual women/men.

Mental illness and high-risk behaviours amongst the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual communities are a much higher health issue then the minute, but still concerning STD/STI concerns that originally swept the nation when homosexuality became a norm of society. Homosexual men still present with five times more cases of STI’s such a Syphilis, then the heterosexual population ( Aihw.gov.au, 2013). This is a result of the ideology of ‘safe sex’ precautions, such as the use of condoms are less of priority as there isn’t the emanate concern of falling pregnant. However this idea supplies the perfect environment for the spread and increase incidence of STI/STD transmission.

A brilliant analysis into the health trends of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual population was the USA, Massachusetts and Vermont study (2002), which analyzed the ‘Effects of At-School Victimization and Sexual Orientation on Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual Youths’ Health Risk Behavior.’ This study, which mimics similar studies conducted within Australia, explains the health risks, trends and outcomes for adolescences exploring their sexuality and identifying as Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual. Researchers in the studying interviewed high school students in America exploring the difference between female and male victimization, bullying, isolation etc. The results of the study proved that males obviously engage in health risk behaviours such as smoking, substance abuse and sexual risks at a higher rate then females as well as proving the increase incidences of victimisation and pressures to conform to male norms. Lesbians were two times more likely to experience discrimination and bullying then their female heterosexual counterparts whereas Gays were five times more likely to endure bullying then their male heterosexual peers (Bontempo,D. 2002).

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013); Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender health and wellbeing articlehighlighted that the victimization appearing in the above study was not isolated to high school. With the bullying and discrimination leaking into contemporary society, it was found that it then lead to the increased abuse of alcohol (25% more then their heterosexual peers), Tobacco smoking (33% more then their heterosexual peers) illicit drugs use (33% more then their heterosexual peers, specifically seven times more for lesbians and eight times more for gays) [Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2013). This substance abuse can then eventuate and increase the incidences of mental illnesses such as depression, drug-induced psychosis caused mainly by synthetic drugs, schizophrenia triggered by a personal predisposition to psychotic illnesses.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">51% of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual community have experienced chronic illnesses or are at risk of developing the physical long term and short-term illnesses; cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, cardiovascular disease, gout, high blood pressure and pancreatitis. Sexual risk behaviors were identified, as not being tied to homosexuality however is more of a gender/sex difference. In Australia 35% of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual persons have had suicidal thoughts with 13% of those having attempted suicide (Webmd.com, 2013).

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The past 10years have proved a huge step in regaining the human rights for the nation in particular for the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual populations. Specifically in Australia where the 1990’s saw the legalisation of sexual activity between same sex couples with the introduction of `Human Rights (Sexual Conduct) Act being passed in 1994. In 1997 stood as the year where all states and territories had acknowledged this act. Clearly Australia is behind the rest of the developed countries with human rights and legislation (The Hidden History of Homosexual Australia, 2005). With Australian legalisation of same-sex activity beginning 30years after the British lead in 1967. However these past 10 to 20 years have been extremely successful in Australian history, we have gained a higher understanding of human rights and anti-discriminatory actions. However we are once again lacking in the legalisation of anti-discriminatory legislation. The next step in Australia’s anti-discrimination legislation and human rights is the legalisation of marriage equality following the other 18 countries that have nationwide and/or partial jurisdiction for marriage equality (Research Centre's Religion and Public Life, 2013). The labour Rudd government had promised to make a move towards marriage equality within 100 day of re-election while the liberal government had yet to mention the issue and ignored this current and pressuring discriminative issue. With the liberal government being elected the next step in nationwide equality is in serious questions (Australian Marriage Equality, 2013). The social media campaigns, Facebook/twitter followings and Australian Marriage Equality online petitions have exposed this issue to the government, have a continually growing fandom which hopefully proves the beginning of Australia’s marriage equality status and the complete status of proving basic human rights to its population.

**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Cultural and Social Analysis ** <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">With the specific topic of Sexuality the minority social groups of the Lesbian Gay and Bisexual population are the social/cultural groups affected by the current discrimination issues. Western society highlights the importance of identifying as a particular sexuality through idolising the significance of individuals conforming to a label. From gender and sexuality down to the small things of social/economic class and high school ideologies of social groups i.e. nerds, Goths and jocks etc. Labelling has become a significant issue in contemporary society, in particular adding to the pressure of differing sexualities and individuals exploring their identity (Australian Marriage Equality, 2013). This juvenile conformity to labels highlights the outdated and distressing need for conformity within contemporary society for individuals to fit into the wider population, they must first identify as belonging to a label. Where sexuality is concerned it isn’t binary or black and white there is large areas of grey. In saying this however there is also an importance for individuals whom identify as a sexuality that differs from the heteronormativity to understand, explore and recognize their individual sexuality. With heteronormativity people have to explain their differences, choices and sexual identities while breaking away from the “norms” of society. This an extremely daunting journey and this identification of sexuality leads to a sense of belonging for individuals that most likely feel isolated, victimized and alone in their search for themselves <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;">(Australian Marriage Equality, 2013).

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The main issue within contemporary society is the continuing discrimination of minority groups. This scrutiny and discrimination can, and does lead to excessive substance abuse both illegal and legal drugs, alcohol and tobacco use. Substance abuse and addiction results in isolation and eventually mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia, while also eventuating to physical chronic illness including cirrhosis of the liver (Webmd.com, 2013). These health implications and issues can be drastically reduced through diminishing and/or reducing discrimination. Discrimination is the poison of contemporary society. It serves to isolate minority groups depending on factors of a person’s personality and identity in which they can’t change and shouldn’t have to change. The slightest bit of human decency is all that is called for, a simple concept, which has caused so much struggle and turmoil throughout history and continues to baffle the world. Public health professionals need to work along side governments to implement further antidiscrimination laws specifically passing the equal marriage rights bill allowing anyone the right to marry whomever they want <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;">(Australian Marriage Equality, 2013). <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">“A certificate on paper isn’t going to change it all but it’s a damn good place to start, <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">No law is going to change us, we have to change us..” - Macklemore 2012 <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">This song demonstrates that yes the passing of the marriage equality law isn’t the ultimate answer to all the discrimination that the lesbian, gay and bisexual community endues however it’s a huge step in seeking equality within our community and changing the hearts of the closed minded individuals.

**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Analysis of Artefact and Own Learning Reflections ** <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The central ideology for this wiki was sexuality focusing on the victimization, discrimination, and prejudice and health issues associated with contemporary societies out-dated preconceptions. The first image is the quote “Marriage is a Human Right, not a Heterosexual Privilege,” a powerful yet simple quote highlighting the inequalities in contemporary society and this all to familiar scene of discrimination. Again the words of Macklemore eco through this image, marriage equality laws won’t solve all the issues surrounding the gap in human rights. However it serves as a reminded to the minor idiocy population within the community that marriage was never a heterosexual privilege rather the basis of human rights, an act that see no discrimination rather a image of happiness.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The second image is a comic strip highlighting the absurdity of the human race in which we are destined to continue to repeat history as long as we fail to acknowledge the past. The fact that the same people that preaches against marriage equality and equal rights for the lesbian gay and homosexual community are horrified that there was interracial discrimination. The common argument we are all the same regardless of race, gender and SEXUALITY seems to be baffling some people to the point where they continuously contradict themselves. Finally the last image on the right serves to emphasise the beauty of equality; a world where everyone has the right to be with the person they love without prejudice, victimization and discrimination. Again all that is required is for everyone to exercise the slightest bit of human decency is all that is called for and although we have struggled with this concept hopefully it won’t continue to hinder the future of the human rights movement.

**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16px;">Reviews ****<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">: ** 1. A Few Reasons Why, [] 2. Say Not to Drugs, Say Yes to Life, []

**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Reference List **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Aihw.gov.au. 2013. Untitled. [online] Available at: [] [Accessed: 3 Nov 2013].
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2013. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Health & Wellbeing. [online] Available at: [|http://www.qahc.org.au/files/shared/docs/][|LGBT_Health_Fact_File]
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Australian Marriage Equality. 2013. Politicians | Australian Marriage Equality. [online] Available at: [|http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/wp/category/who-supports-equality/politicians][|/]
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Bontempo, D. and D’Augelli, A. 2002. Effects of at-school victimization and sexual orientation on lesbian, gay, or bisexual youths’ health risk behavior. Journal of Adolescent Health, 30 (5), pp. 364--374.
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The Hidden History of Homosexual Australia. 2005. [TV programme] SBS International, SBS, 27th February 2005.
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Morris, W. 2000. The American Heritage dictionary. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project. 2013. Gay Marriage Around the World. [online] Available at: [|http://www.pewforum.org/2013/07/16/gay-marriage-around-the-world-2013][|/]
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Webmd.com. 2013. Health Risks of Alcohol: 12 Health Problems Associated with Chronic Heavy Drinking. [online] Available at: [|http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/alcohol-abuse/features/12-health-risks-of-chronic-heavy-drinking]