Final answer:
Social constructionists argue that sexual identities are shaped by societal constructs, challenging biological determinism. They advocate for equality in legal rights, such as marriage, and question the cultural values in the heteronormative system.
Step-by-step explanation:
From a social constructionist perspective, advocates argue about sexual identities by emphasizing how both gender and sexuality are socially constructed rather than biologically determined. This perspective holds that sexual identities are shaped by society through the cultural norms and expectations around sex-linked behaviors. Advocates of this view argue against biological determinism, which suggests that male and female behaviors are innately different due to biological differences. Instead, they believe that sexuality is more fluid and exists on a continuum, challenging the binary view of simply 'straight' or 'gay.'
Advocates also posit that denying legal rights such as marriage based on sexual orientation is unjust. They highlight the importance of legal entitlements, including Social Security benefits and medical insurance, and draw parallels to historical changes in marriage laws, such as the legalization of interracial marriage. Finally, acknowledging the criticisms of the legal approach, these activists also interrogate the cultural and patriarchal values embedded in the heteronormative system and question whether true freedom and equality might require abandoning rigid gender and sexuality categories.