Deviance Amplification, LGBTQ Style

It seems that you guys enjoy it when I apply sociological concepts to the queer community! Whether this is gender normative roles, internalised sexism or labelling theory. When we hear labels we tend to think in terms of bisexual, lesbian, gay and trans* as well as considering those more "radical, free" spirits who dare to label themselves as label free. In sociology we're more likely to look at the labels other people place upon you and look at how these are internalised. Labelling is simply the process of placing a meaning on a group of people or a person to describe their actions. Currently we're discussing crime and deviance in class so it's specific to deviant labels. However, we label all sorts of people- teenagers are typically seen to be more rowdy, old age pensioners can do no wrong and those with mental illnesses belong in the loony bill. Really, labelling theory is a fancy way of saying stereotyping! 

Labels tend to affect people when they react to being treated according to that label and internalise it. This becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. One of the best examples of this can be seen in education (Look up a study called Pygmalion in the Classroom if you're interested). It's widely known that girls are more likely to succeed in education, one of the reasons for this may be that they're treated like they're "going to be better/more suited for it." Thus success may be completely socially constructed! Madness! 

One of the effects of labelling in crime and deviance is called Deviance Amplification, the process in which labelling makes crime and deviance more likely to occur. It's a little vicious cycle that goes like this: deviance occurs - deviance is reported - the media reports on it, usually exaggerates - panic sets in - more policing - thus more people are caught - media reports on crime going up - more deviance occurs, rinse and repeat!  But how does this tie into the LGBTQ community?

Source

Well, my mum always comments on how there are more gay people now than there were in the past. I disagree and believe that we're simply more open and out now. Being gay used to be seen as (sexually) deviant behaviour. At some point people began reporting that teenagers are especially prone to deviance, juvenile delinquency. Well, along with smashing windows and burning houses down, teenagers are also engaging in gay sex (shock, gasp). All homosexual shenanigan are reported on by the media, thrown out of proportion, people begin to worry about little Jimmy and Sandy, schools begin "policing it" and catch wind of more and more gay teens. The media reports on there being more gay teens now! Now, closeted, questioning teens witness this and think, subconsciously, "This stage of experimenting is a part of growing up, I can get on that!" And taadaa, more homosexuality aka deviance amplification! (By the way, this can also be applied to other teenage deviant behaviour such as pregnancy, drinking and smoking weed.)

Do I think gay sex is sexually deviant? Obviously not, but many people do, hence why this is an interesting thought experiment. Do you think I'm grasping at straws? Does gender and sex really affect everything? Are we affected by everything? Do you agree? Disagree? Why and why not?

Toodles,

Nina