Gay Identity

The definition of a family is much broader these days than it used to be. More people have open minds, making this broader definition possible. This has allowed many gay people to “live outside the family” and develop their gay and lesbian identities (D’Emilio 235). D’Emilio states “Every society needs structures for reproduction and childbearing, but the possibilities are not limited to the nuclear family” (233). A family is no longer limited to a traditional mother and father definition with medical advancements such as invitrofertilization. Of course there is still bigotry and prejudice against gay and lesbians but things have much improved over the years.

Part of this improvement can be attributed to changes in our social and economic lives due to technology. Technology is a staple in today's world. Almost everyone has a cell phone, a laptop, a television. Through technological advances the economy and capitalism have advanced. Like D’Emilio says “…capitalism has led to the separation of sexuality from procreation” (D’Emilio 234).These advances have helped change the definition of a family and helped gay and lesbian people create their own support systems outside of traditional families.