Being gay or lesbian is often automatically considered a bad thing. From the thought process that the person is “different” and a minority, to being looked down upon by both society, peers, and family, being gay is not primarily linked to positive traits. However, being same-sex oriented offers these people a unique experience and perspective on life. Being a minority automatically gives them a unique set of cultural characteristics and norms, some of which can be positive. Having increased resilience, healthy body image, creating chosen families, freedom from specific gender roles, exploring sexuality, and enjoying egalitarian relationships are the many examples of some of the overlooked benefits that come from identification as same-sex oriented. It is helpful to explore these psychological and social strengths. Considering the positive aspects that can come from being openly gay or lesbian can help change negative stigmas that some members of society may hold. The journal article Resilience in Older Gay Men and Lesbians by Susan Hrostowski, discusses the idea that older gay men and lesbian women show high resilience even if they find themselves in a position throughout their lives where they tend to to be victimized more often. Being gay or lesbian puts these people at greater risk of depression and suicide. Since all these negative factors are brought into play against these people, it is important to see how they get the positive trait of addiction. Diversity and its correlation to adaptation is how Hrostowski describes addiction and elaborates further by stating that it is a development of certain strengths and abilities that would not have been cultivated if it were not for the op... middle of paper... ....and an often unthought question: what are the positive aspects of being gay or lesbian? References Works Cited Hrostowski, S. (2006). Resilience in older gay men and lesbians. np: ProQuest, UMI Dissertations Publishing.Kurdek, L. (2005). What do we know about gay and lesbian couples?. Current Directions in Psychological Sciences,14(5), 251-254..Lippa, R. (2007). The relationship between sexual desire and sexual attraction for men and women: A cross-national study of heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual men and women. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 36(2), 209-222.Patterson, C. (2000). Family relationships of lesbians and gay men.Journal of Marriage and Family, 62(4), 1052-1069.Peplau, L., Frederick, D., Yee, C., Maisel, N., Lever, J., et al . (2009). Body image satisfaction in heterosexual, gay, and lesbian adults. Sexual Behavior Archives, 38(5), 713-725.