Name: Janice Gordon

Candidate’s Number:
Centre Name: Kellits High School
Centre Number:
Teacher’s name: Miss Kellyghan
Grade: 13K
Territory: Jamaica
Year: 2020
 Table of Contents

Acknowledgement 3

Introduction 4-5

Research Questions 6

Literature Review 7 - 10

Data Collection Sources 11

Presentation of data 12 - 15

Analysis of Data 16-17

Discussion of findings 18-20

Conclusion 21

Limitations 22

Recommendations 23

Bibliography 24

Appendices 25-31

2
 Acknowledgement

Gratitude must be extended to every individual who assisted me towards completing this project.

All that you have contributed is highly appreciated. It is because of your willingness to help and

kind heart that every aspect of my Caribbean Studies Internal Assessment has been completed.

Firstly, I would like to say a special thanks to Almighty God for giving me the strength to endure

throughout this process even when I felt like giving up at times. I know my prayers were truly

answered in that I completed my work on time and for that I give him all the thanks there is.

Also, special mention must be made of the Kellits Branch Library for providing internet

connection which I utilized to do further research. I appreciate your contribution. Thank you very

much.

I could not exclude my teacher from this section, therefore I am saying thanks to Miss Kellyghan

for monitoring me throughout this project. She went overtime and used her personal time to

review and make the necessary adjustments to my internal assessment. For her continuous

teaching and explaining information to me, I am truly grateful.

To my mother for providing financial support, if it were not for her I would not have my project

completed. Also, for purchasing a laptop to make work hassle free. She even motivated and

encouraged me in completing this project. Thanks to you all.

Introduction
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Sexual orientation refers to a person’s sexual identity in relation to the gender to which they are

attracted to; the fact of being heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, queer or curious. At Kellits

High School, these particular preferences are becoming the norm for most individuals. It is not

about the accepted sexual orientation-being heterosexual but persons are now exploring other

options. Therefore, this research serves as evidence that there are teens practicing different types

of sexual orientation and it affects them socially, emotionally and psychologically, even more so

it destroys their self image. Studies have shown that the involvement of teenagers in different

types of sexual orientation accounts for the high rate of teenage pregnancy and transmission of

sexually transmitted diseases thus the researcher will examine the following research problem

“An assessment of the views of teens on sexual orientation in the community of Kellits,

Clarendon.

In completing this research, a total of forty (40) questionnaires were issued to forty teens and

collected, analyzed and interpreted for the readers. The teens were mainly from Kellits High

School. Their permission was requested and that aspect of the research was completed in no

time. Also, the researcher used an interview to acquire the views of a parent in the community.

Finally, recommendations were formulated to address the issue of teens and sexual orientation in

the kellits community to somehow bring about a change in the views of the parents and teens.

This research may be useful to the teens and parents of the Kellits High School, as they will be

educated on the different types of sexual orientation that exist and how to be tolerant of them.

Also, teenagers exploring or looking to explore the different types of sexual orientations can

become aware of the negative implications that come along with each and be able to make the

right decisions when it comes on to sex or sexuality. Furthermore, the J-Flag (Jamaica Forum for

Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays) community in Jamaica could use the findings of this research to

assist in providing the suitable environment for these individuals for them to escape the stigma
4
that comes with their particular lifestyle. Also, employees of the clinics in our community could

be able to educate teenagers on the effects of premarital sex.

Definition of key terms

❖ Teenagers: a person aged between 13 and 19 years

❖ Heterosexual: People who are attracted to a different gender (for example woman are

attracted to men and vice versa)

❖ Homosexual: People who are attracted to people of the same gender (gay women call

themselves lesbians)

❖ Bisexual: People who are attracted to both men and women.

❖ Queer: People whose attractions span across many different gender identities (male,

female, transgender, intersex, etc.).

❖ Curious: People who are unsure about their sexual orientation.

Research Questions
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1. What are the main types of sexual orientation?

2. What are the contributing factors to a person’s sexual orientation?

3. To what extent does sexual orientation impact one’s life?

4. What challenges are faced by persons of sexual orientations that are not the norm?

Literature Review

6
In conducting research for this study, information was extracted from numerous books, articles

and internet sources in an effort to select appropriate and coherent data that supports the

researcher’s study. According to the research data, every individual shares a different view on

the topic of sexual orientation as they may have across this phenomena before in their lifetime.

Some people may be willing to change their views on the issue but others are firm in their belief.

Though some forms of sexual orientations will forever be against the norm in some countries, the

practice of them will continue as each person has the right to make their own decisions.

According to the World Book,(2006,pg. 338b)a person’s sexual orientation determines whether

that person is sexually attracted to individuals of the opposite sex, to those of one’s sex, or to

both sexes. Thus, there has been numerous emerging sexualities being present in today’s society

ranging from being primarily heterosexual to being ultimately queer or curious. Scientists

estimated that 1 to 10 percent of American adults are homosexuals, and a smaller percentage

consider themselves bisexual. As time goes by, this number is expected to increase by the day.

There is no reason clear to the reasons for choosing alternate lifestyles.- it is not completely

understood. Every individual develops distinctive sexual values, needs, interests, fantasies and

preferences, of all which define the person’s sexual identity. Therefore one’s sexual identity

determines how he/she express themselves sexually ranging from sexual expressions such as

holding hands, hugging to more intimate sexual contact, such as kissing and sexual intercourse.

American society holds conflicting attitudes about sexuality, like many other societies. On the

one hand, people learn the importance of sexual attractiveness from sources such as the family,

peers, school, and the mass media. In the same likeness, the book states that this is where persons

often develop feelings of anxiety and guilt about expressing their specific sexuality. In addition,

many individuals and religious groups consider certain sexual behaviour, such as homosexuality

7
and sex outside of marriage, to be morally wrong. However, each person must decide how he or

she wants to express sexuality.

Most experts feel that a number of factors can influence the directions of one’s sexual

orientation. Most researchers have suggested that it is a result of biological factors and this view

is held by other members of society. These may include a specific gene inherited from a parent

or the effect of hormones in the mother’s womb on the developing brain of the fetus. Other

research believes it is associated with social and psychological factors. For example, according

to one theory, children can learn through pleasurable sexual experiences to become increasingly

attracted to either of the sexes or to both sexes. The book went on to say that some people are not

entirely homosexual or entirely heterosexual as some persons with homosexual experiences or

tendencies marry individuals of the opposite sex and have children. Similarly, many people who

identify as heterosexual have participated in some kind of homosexual activity at some point in

their lives. However persons who are strongly attracted to members of both sexes are called

bisexuals. In most cases, the younger persons are simply exploring their own sexual

development- some may never fully develop this. Some homosexual behaviours are as a result of

the unavailability of the opposite sex partners. Thus, a person who spends a long time separated

from the opposite sex may turn to members of his or her own sex for sexual partners. This

situation is common in prisons and other same sex institutions. Today, many people of the

Western countries consider homosexuality immoral or unnatural.

Many states of the United States prohibit homosexual acts. Many scientists oppose laws that

prohibit homosexuality and provide punishment for it. These same scientists believe that

homosexuals are treated unfairly for ways of life that do not directly affect others. Many nations,

including Canada, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, have no laws

against homosexual actions between consenting adults. According to a research conducted by

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David S. Reitman (2019) entitled “sexual orientation”, the author states that teenagers of the

LGBTQ group are similar to their non-LGBTQ peers, however they face a lot of stigma and may

face various challenges. He utilize a four step process to show how one becomes aware of their

sexual inclinations and ways in which teenagers are negatively impacted by their choice of

sexual orientation. They include being expelled from their homes, being limited personally and

professionally, attempting suicide, eating obsessions and behaviours. Also it states that they are

at a greater risk of substance abuse, depression, suicide, and sexually transmitted diseases

(STDs) than their peers who are heterosexual. In the 1950s, Kinsey A. Pomeroy conducted the

first modern sexuality studies. He concluded that by the time an individual reaches 20 years old,

nearly 28% of young men and 17% of young women had at least one homosexual experience. He

added that approximately 10% of those tallied considered themselves to be predominantly

homosexual and this is true as someone may partake in homosexual activities but do not consider

themselves to be homosexuals. Similarly in the 1990s, Ramafedi et al conducted the

Demography of Sexual orientation in Adolescents study by using the Minnesota Adolescent

Health Survey where he polled 34,706 middle and high school students from diverse

backgrounds.

The researchers included 5 items sexual fantasies, behaviours, attractions, behavioural intent and

labeling of sexual orientation. The data from the study revealed that the percentage of teenagers

reporting primarily GLB (gay, lesbians and bisexual) attractions increased with age (6.4% when

aged 18years), and uncertainty of sexual orientation decreased with age (8.9% when aged 18

years). Fewer than 33% of respondents with predominantly homosexual fantasies, attractions, or

behaviours actually identified themselves as homosexuals or bisexuals. Being that these studies

were carried out in the United States it cannot be directly used to represent the Caribbean society

or specifically the community of Kellits.

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There are some theorists who spoke about gay, lesbian and bisexual sexuality. The sociologist

Sigmund Freud’s theory attributes homosexual development in males to a family unit in which

the adolescent has a strong relationship with his mother and a conflicted hostile relationship with

the father. This type of situation has proven to be true in many different parts of the world today

even in the community of Kellits. Biological theories regarding GLB sexuality attempt to link

sexual orientation to DNA markers on the X chromosome or to demonstrate that in utero

maternal hormones do have an effect on sexual orientation. Other theories have shown that the

brain of the male who is GLB is different from that of the male who is heterosexual.

Javian Nelson (2019) in a gleaner editor’s forum gave his take on the topic of bullying of

LGBTQ students in school. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) teenagers are being

bullied in schools across Jamaica and administrators are doing nothing about it. These students

go through high school without support or intervention decrying discrimination. It further stated

that young people grow up with all sorts of trauma that they may never get any psychosocial

support for leading them to go through adult life battered and torn because of those experiences.

Nelson laments on the lack of real and sustained thrust to ensure that children are being told to

respect everyone, moreover some of the students being bullied as a result of homophobia or

transphobia are not even gay, lesbian or anything of that sort- they just act differently and are

bullied as such.

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 Data Collection Sources

A questionnaire was used to collect information for this research. The data collection instrument

(the questionnaire) contained two types of questions- the first type comes in the form of open

ended which allows the respondents to detail their own ideas, thoughts and feelings. They are

very useful in getting people to express themselves wholeheartedly but on the other hand they

are very difficult to answer. The other type of questions is close-ended, these are much simpler

and they offer respondents a limited choice of answers. The questionnaire is comprised of fifteen

questions in total.

The researcher see the use of questionnaires as a way to acquire personal views and information

from persons while keeping their identity anonymous. Also, it is very simple to administer and

large amounts of information based on the researcher's topic can be collected from a large

number of people in a short period of time. The results from a questionnaire can be quickly and

easily quantified which makes it an effective tool for any researcher.

A total of forty (40) questionnaires are to be distributed to students in each grade both males and

females. This was done as to have as much varying responses as possible. The type of sampling

that was used is non probability sampling, specifically opportunity mixed with quota sampling as

the researcher knew each age group responses were needed but it was still a means of which who

were available at the time. Additionally, information was requested from the guidance

counselors, parents and a medical doctor on the issue of sexual orientation.

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 Presentation of data

A total of forty (40) questionnaires were distributed to the available teenagers of all grades, all

were completed and returned. Forty five percent (45%) were males and the remaining fifty five

(55%) percent were females.

Diagram 1- This is showing the number of teenagers that are associated with the different types

of sexual orientation.

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Diagram 2- This is showing the percentage of teenagers that chose a grading as to how sexual

orientation can define a person.

Contributing factors on sexual orientation

Contributing factors on sexual orientation Number of teenagers

The environment 20

Peers 7

Social media /Internet 10

Biological factors 3

Table 1- This is showing the number of teenagers that chose a contributing factor in relation to

sexual orientation.

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Diagram 3-This is showing the percentage of students that have been bullied or stigmatized due

to the sexual orientation they associate with.

14
Diagram 4- This is showing how teenagers view sexual orientation as having impacts on their

lives.

Diagram 5- This is showing the percentage of teenagers that are aware of the negative

implications of any particular type of sexual orientation.

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 Analysis of Data

According to the research, there is a definite indication that teenagers associating with different

types of sexual orientation other than heterosexual is a prevalent issue in my school and

community and these said teenagers have different views pertaining to the topic. This was

evident as forty five percent (45%) of the teenagers believed that sexual orientation merely

defines who you are as they rated it 0-3 on the scale given while the remaining fifty five percent

(55%) indicated that it can be used to define who you are as shown in their 4-10 grade on the

scale. In a society like Jamaica, one would expect that the only present sexual orientation is

heterosexual, however after reviewing the responses on the questionnaires, there is evidence that

different types of sexual orientations are emerging as people are seeing the need to live their life

as they please. The five major types of sexual orientations according to diagram 1 were:

homosexual which had two (2) respondents selecting it, heterosexual which had the majority of

the respondents -thirty (30), bisexual and curious accounting for three (3) person’s sexuality, and

two (2) respondents selected queer.

There are several contributing factors that may influence one’s sexual orientation. It can be done

directly or indirectly. According to table 1, most respondents believe that the environment that

you are affiliated with is the major contributing factor to one’s sexual orientation. This includes

but is not limited to, school and home. Seven (7) respondents had the notion that their peers are a

contributing factor, ten believed that social media posed influences and three selected biological

factors. This explains that one’s sexual orientation decision is not entirely individualistic but

there are various factors that may influence your ultimate decision.

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In addition, diagram 2 shows the extent to which sexual orientation can be used to define

individuals. Most persons (45%) used the grade 0-3 which means that they believe sexual

orientation defines you little or none. In addition, 20% selected the 4-7 option and thirty five

percent (35%) chose 8-10. Majority of the people believed that their sexual orientation does not

define the individual they are- they are not confined to their attractions. Most people look at

themselves as being normal human beings living their lives by the choices they choose to make.

Diagram 3 served to show the percentage of students that have been bullied or stigmatized due to

their choice of sexual orientation. Since all except heterosexual goes against the set norm of

society, persons may be subjected to bullying or stigmatization. A total of 25% said yes and the

remaining 75% respondents said no. However question seven (7) aimed at finding out if persons

openly discussed their sexual orientation with others where 75% said no and the remaining 25%

said yes, this explains the reason behind that 25% being bullied or stigmatized as it is due to their

openness with the topic. This diagram also ties in with diagram 4 which focuses on finding out

if the choice of sexual orientation impacted the lives of the teenagers. The responses were as

follows: sixteen (16) agreed, fourteen (14) strongly agreed, six (6) disagreed and the remaining

four (4) respondents strongly disagreed alluding to the fact that your choice of sexual orientation

will inevitably have some impact on you.

Likewise, when asked if they were aware of the negative implications that may arise as a result

of their particular sexual orientations the results were divided equally as 50% were aware and the

other 50% did not have a clue. However, when the subsequent question about what aspect of

their well being is mostly at risk was posed, every respondent chose one of the four given options

17
indicating that they did not fully understand the former question. This shows that students are not

so knowledgeable about the topic of sexual orientation and certain terminologies that are

associated with it.

Discussion of findings

The researcher can proudly say all her research questions that she has formulated have been

fulfilled. It was discovered that teenagers share varying views on the topic of sexual orientation

according to the information relayed through the questionnaires. It initiated from persons

associating with different types of sexual orientation which came as a surprise to the researcher

as preconceptions were brought forward thinking that only heterosexuality was the only kind

present in the community. Most respondents indicated that heterosexual was still the most

predominant with a massive thirty of the forty teenagers that completed the questionnaire. As

previously stated in the literature review, religious groups view alternate lifestyles as being

morally wrong, however each person must decide how they want to express themselves sexually;

after all it is said that younger persons are simply exploring their sexual development.

The first question sought to find out the sexual orientation that teenagers are associated with.

Majority chose heterosexual as was expected (30 persons) and the remaining ten were dispersed

among homosexual, bisexual, queer and curious. According the world book (2006,pg 338b) there

is no reason clear to the reasons for choosing alternate lifestyles.- it is simply not completely

understood. It also stated that the American society holds conflicting attitudes about sexuality

like many other societies. Due to this persons may develop feelings of anxiety and guilt about

expressing their specific sexuality as shown in the 75% of respondents not openly sharing their

alternate sexuality and the 25% admitted to doing so. Biological theories believe that persons

18
who associate with alternate lifestyles were born that way as it can be seen in the brain who is a

homosexual different from a heterosexual. Sigmund Freud’s theory have also attempted to

explain the variety of sexual orientations that are present in society.

Contrary to the biological theories, it is believed that the importance of sexual attractiveness is

learnt from sources such as the family, peers, school, and the mass media. These also serve as

contributing factors as they can be placed into groups such as: social, psychological and

biological. Most respondents believed that the environment you were socialized had the most

influence and merely three chose biological factors probably due to their lack of knowledge on

that area of the topic. Nonetheless all believed there was a direct or indirect contributing factor

which helps them to develop distinctive sexual values, needs, interests, fantasies and preferences.

Despite choosing a lifestyle befitting you, there are certain impacts that comes with it- it may be

positive or negative. Most teenagers that partaken in the questionnaire proved this statement to

be true by choosing agree and strongly agree. The follow question indicated that this impact may

be a social, physical, psychological or emotional impact. David S. Reitman (2019) states that

teenagers of the LGBTQ group are similar to their non-LGBTQ peers, however they face a lot

of stigma and may face various challenges. This study was backed by the fact that some

respondents indicated that they are actually being bullied or stigmatized for their particular

sexual orientation. Cases of bullying normally leads to suicide or the hurting of one’s self.

19
The open ended questions provided a medium for the respondents to express themselves in its

entirety and they did so boldly. As previously stated, most persons identified their major

challenge as being bullied or stigmatized, also others have shared that they are tired of

pretending to be someone they are not just to prove to society. It was shared that these incidents

of bullying were not shared with guidance counsellors as they feared the outcome. As was

expected, persons want to collectively change society’s views on the different types of sexual

orientation there are and learn to tolerate them as they just want to live like any other human

being. It was revealed to the researcher that most persons are associated with heterosexuality

because it is the norm.

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 Conclusion

The sexual orientation that persons choose will always be a topic with many different views and

studies as it is not yet completely understood. People will continue to choose the sexual

orientation with which they would like to be associated with. Scientists predict that this number

will increase by the day. Some people feel that conforming to the norm is the way to go but

others have went against them to forge a path for themselves being who they really are while

some are still unsure of their sexual attractiveness(curious). Overall all the aims were achieved

and gave the researcher a greater insight into the topic of research. Also, all that was mentioned

in the introduction was carried out to yield the results desired. It is impossible to have a society

with persons conforming to the same sexual orientation thus the different preferences. The

researcher was unaware that there was an emergence of teenagers that associate with the other

types of sexual orientation. It was quite interesting to complete this study.

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 Limitations

The researcher encountered few minor challenges. Some of these challenges include:

1. The questionnaires were not completed and returned on time. Respondents were expected

to complete it over a three day period however some took four to five days to return

them.

2. Respondents who were heterosexuals admitted to just selecting some answers for most

questions as it seems to have focused on the alternate lifestyles more.

22
 Recommendation

A few recommendations were made which will likely help teenagers to be more aware of the

implications that comes with sexual lifestyles, how to cope with bullying and how to be

themselves in essence. These include but are not limited to:

❖ Hosting sex education forums that will cover the topic of sexual orientation to make it be

known that there are different kinds, but overall to discuss the implications of them all so

teenagers can become more aware and make the right choices.

❖ Linking with the J-Flag community to speak to students who conform to alternate

lifestyle to give them a sense of support, guidance and belonging.

❖ Making the guidance department more versatile as to dealing with these issues as it is a

growing phenomenon. This can done be making pamphlets, brochures and other

information sources available for reading at the offices.

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 Bibliography

1. (2006) World Book p.338b. Chicago, Illinois: World Book, Inc.

2. Bailey, J. et al. (April 25, 2016) Sexual Orientation, Controversy, and Science. Retrieved

from:https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1529100616637616

3. Barnaby, J. (January 11, 2016) Jamaica Gleaner. Retrieved from: http://jamaica-

gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/201601111/guidance-counsellors-shun-gay-lesbian-

students

4. Davis, C. (May 6, 2019) Editors’ Forum| J-FLAG: Schools not taking bullying of LGBT

students seriously. Jamaica Gleaner. Retrieved from:

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20190506/editors-forum-j-flag-schools-

not-taking-bullying-lgbt-students

5. Reitman, D. (March 19, 2019) Sexual Orientation. Retrieved

from :https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/-overview

6. Sexual Orientation. Retrieved from the Planned Parenthood of America, Inc.

website:https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation-gender/sexual-

orientation

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 Appendices

Cover Letter

Tate District,

Kellits P.O.,

Clarendon.

November 20, 2019

Dear respondent,

To whom it may concern:

My name is Janice Gordon and I am a lower sixth form student of Kellits High School. In partial

fulfillment of my Caribbean Studies external examination, I am required to complete and submit

an Internal Assessment. I am therefore soliciting your participation in this process with regards

to a questionnaire. Complete anonymity is guaranteed and all information given will be kept in

25
the strictest confidence, and used for the explicit purpose of the study only. I look forward to

your participation. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Janice Gordon

Questionnaire

Instructions: Do not sign your name. Please read the items carefully then indicate your response

by placing a tick in the appropriate box and or write where necessary on the lines provided.

1. Gender

Female ⃞

Male ⃞

2. To which of the following age groups do you belong?

Under 13 years ⃞

13-15 years ⃞

16-18 years ⃞

Over 18 years ⃞

3. To what type of sexual orientation do you associate with?

Homosexual (attracted to the same sex) ⃞

Heterosexual (attracted to the opposite sex) ⃞

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 Bisexual (attracted to both sexes) ⃞

Curious (unsure about your sexual orientation ⃞

Queer (sexual attraction spans) ⃞

4. On a scale of 1-10, how much would you say sexual orientation defines you as a person?

0-3 ⃞

4-7 ⃞

8-10 ⃞

5. What would you say is a contributing factor on your sexual orientation?

The environment (e.g. home) ⃞

Peers ⃞

Social media/Internet ⃞

Biological factors ⃞

6. Have you ever been stigmatized or bullied for your sexual choices?

Yes ⃞

No ⃞

If yes, in what way?

27
7. Do you openly discuss your sexual orientation/do others know?

Yes ⃞

No ⃞

Sometimes ⃞

8. Are there programs in your school that addresses this issue?

Yes ⃞

No ⃞

Not sure ⃞

9. How do you view the counseling programs at your school?

Excellent ⃞

Satisfactory ⃞

Average ⃞

Poor ⃞

10. Sexual orientation has impacts on one’s life.

Agree ⃞

Strongly disagree ⃞

Disagree ⃞

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Strongly disagree ⃞

11. I am aware of the negative implications that may arise depending on my particular sexual

orientation.

Yes ⃞

No ⃞

12. What aspect of your wellbeing is mostly at risk?

Social ⃞

Physical ⃞

Emotional ⃞

Psychological ⃞

13. Describe one of the major challenges you face within the school community as it relates

to this issue?

14. What do you think can be done to alleviate this challenge you are facing expressing your

sexuality?

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15. What are your future goals and plans in bringing light to the different sexualities that are

present in today’s society?

30