Dignity and the right to be lesbian or gay

Author: Cuomo, Chris

Source: Philosophical Studies, Volume 132, Number 1, January 2007 , pp. 75-85(11)

Publisher: Springer

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $47.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Richard Mohr emphasizes the importance of dispelling false beliefs about lesbians and gay men, and establishing legislation that protects the rights of sexual minorities. He argues that homophobic policies originate in the belief that gay men and lesbians are categorically less morally valuable than others, rather than deserving of unequal treatment because of their behaviors or actions. In response, I show that homophobic panic over lesbian or gay sex acts is actually quite influential, and argue that Mohr fails to take account of the political and philosophical significance of sexual freedom, and the inextricability of sexual being and sexual doing.

Keywords: Lesbian and gay rights; Homophobia; Dignity; Equality; Coming out

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11098-006-9052-1

Affiliations: 1: Email: cuomo@uga.edu

Publication date: 2007-01-01