Anthropologists report that lesbians and gay men have been part of every culture. Lesbians and gay men are represented in every socioeconomic class, educational level, and race. Homosexual behavior is often criticized because it doesn't result in procreation. In fact, most sexual encounters don't result in births, and relationships of all sexual orientations may have children. A homosexual identity involves both an emotional commitment to people of the same gender and membership in a community.
Longstanding relationships are common.
However, because of the social stigma expressed against lesbians and gay men, these partnerships are nearly always invisible. Same sex marriages are currently not recognized and many benefits for legal spouses are denied to domestic partners. Sexual orientation does not affect one's job qualifications or performance. Unfortunately, some people believe that gay men and lesbians should not be allowed to hold certain positions such as teacher, supervisor or health provider. They feel that gay men and lesbians are sexually irresponsible and less trustworthy than heterosexuals, particularly with children.