Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and The Social Pressures of Adolesc

Although we live in modern times, stigmas regarding gender identity cease to exist. These biases are prevalent within various cultures. Male and female adolescents are stifled from expressing themselves based on how they personally relate to their own femininity or masculinity and sex roles. The cause of this constriction of emotions is due in large part to these young people being coerced into obeying the rules of society. In addition, societal constructions seem to totally disregard the physiological and biological aspects of adolescent puberty. We acquire sexual orientation and gender identity during adolescence due to puberty, culture and our surrounding environment. For instance, puberty takes place over several years in which physical growth and psychological changes occur, concluding in sexual maturity. The average onset of puberty is at age 10 or 11 for girls and age 12 or 13 for boys. Physiological changes in body composition, the individuals’ height and weight are some of the most significant parts involved in pubertal maturation. Boys develop an adams apple, girls begin their menses, and the growth of pubic hair begins to surface. These changes are influenced by hormonal activity. Hormones play an organizational role, preparing the body to behave in a certain way once puberty begins. Puberty begins with hormone production, which in turn causes a number of physical changes. This is triggered by the pituitary gland which secretes hormonal agents into the blood stream, initiating a chain reaction. The male and female gonads are subsequently activated, which puts them into a state of rapid growth and development. The testes primarily release testosterone, and the ovaries predominately rel... ...hy T. F. (2005). The Search for the Gay Gene. Brittish Medical Journal. 330, 7498, 1033-1036. National Mental Health Association, (2005)., What Does Gay Mean. . retrieved April 10, 2012, from http://www.nmha.org/whatdoesgaymean/whatdoesgaymean.pdf Regan, C. & Fogarty, K. (2010). Understanding Sexual Minority Adolescents. University of Florida IFAS Extension, Vol. 1. retrieved April 10, 2012, from http://www.edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy749 Volpicelli, J. & Szalavitz, M. (2000). Recovey Options The Complete Guide, How You and Your Loved Ones Can Understand and Treat Alcohol and Other Drug Problems . US & Canada: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. Ward, E. G. (2005). Homophobia, Hypermasculinity and the US Black Church. Taylor & Francis Group, Vol. 7, No. 5. retrieved April 11, 2012, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/4005477 Watson, J. B. (2008). Behaviorism. Tuscon, AZ: West Press.