Homosexuality

While some opponents of homosexuality often claim that it is "unnatural" (a claim which is thoroughly refuted in the essay), for me, my homosexual feelings were very natural indeed.

when one grows up and hears words like "gay" or "homosexual", one thinks of rather

Introduction

Issues surrounding the topic of homosexuality have sparked emotional debate in our Nation's Capitol and in our state legislatures. Homosexuality has become a mainstay for radio and television talk shows and is addressed now more than ever in casual conversation. This web site was designed to address common questions about homosexuality, and to discuss the misconceptions and stereotypes that are all too often portrayed as fact.

When you have finished viewing the information at this web site, please take a moment to complete the survey. Your input will provide me with a better understanding of the types of people visiting this web site, feedback on its design, and will aid in the determination of future content. Links to the survey are provided at the top and bottom of each page.

The Origins of Sexual Orientation

What causes homosexuality? Is it a choice?

Sexual orientation, whether it be heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual does not appear to be something that one chooses. Recent studies suggest that sexual orientation has a genetic or biological component, and is probably determined before or shortly after birth. Like heterosexuals, gays and lesbians discover their sexuality as a process of maturing, they are not recruited, seduced or taught to be homosexual (Bell, Weinberg, M.S., & Hammersmith, 1981), (Troiden, 1989). The only choice most gay or lesbian people have is whether or not to live their lives honestly, or according to societies unrealistic expectations.

Is homosexuality a psychological problem or mental illness?

The American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association do not consider homosexuality to be an emotional or mental disorder. Published research is overwhelming - there is no significant difference between the mental health of heterosexuals and the mental health of homosexuals. However, the social stigma associated with being gay can be emotionally trying.

Is homosexuality brought about by poor parenting, or lack of religious beliefs?

Gay people grow up in all types of homes, with all types of families. They are raised in rural areas, large cities and everywhere in between. Gay men and lesbians represent every socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious background possible.

"There is evidence, that parents have very little influence on the outcome of their children's sexual orientation under normal upbringing conditions." (Reinisch, 1988). However, a parents' attitude can influence the way a child chooses to relate to his or her sexuality, whether it be heterosexual or homosexual.

Is homosexuality caused by abuse, or a bad experience with someone of the opposite sex?

Many people suffer from all types of abuse and neglect as children, yet grow up to be heterosexual. Many people, both heterosexual and homosexual, have had bad experiences with a person of the opposite sex. There is no correlation between any of these occurrences and homosexuality.

Can homosexuality be cured?

Since homosexuality is not a disease or disorder, there is nothing to cure. A few therapists claim that they can rid gay people of their homosexual desires, but their methods remain extremely questionable and rarely, if ever, have resulted in permanently changing anybody's sexual orientation (Haldeman, 1994).

According to the American Psychological Association, no scientific evidence exists to support the effectiveness of any therapies that attempt to convert homosexuals to heterosexuals. The American Psychological Association Executive Director Dr. Raymond Fowler also states that "Groups who try to change the sexual orientation of people through so-called conversion therapy are misguided and run the risk of causing a great deal of psychological harm to those they say they are trying to help."

The American Academy of Pediatrics states: "Therapy directed at specifically changing sexual orientation is contraindicated, since it can provoke guilt and anxiety while having little or no potential for achieving changes in orientation."

The American Medical Association "does not recommend aversion therapy for gay men and lesbians. Through psychotherapy, gay men and lesbians can become comfortable with their sexual orientation and understand the societal response to it."

The American Psychiatric Association states: "There is no published scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of reparative therapy as a treatment to change ones sexual orientation." The American Psychiatric Association also states: "gay men and lesbians who have accepted their sexual orientation positively are better adjusted than those who have not done so."

The Gay Lifestyle

What is the gay lifestyle?

Just as there is no such thing as a single heterosexual lifestyle, there is no such thing as a single gay lifestyle. Anti-gay activists have promoted the idea that the lives of homosexuals revolve around sex and the pursuit of sexual encounters, and that the only identity homosexuals have is with being gay. To anti-gay organizations this is the only gay lifestyle that exists, and they do their best to promote this misconception.

In reality, the lives of gays and lesbians are as varied as the lives of heterosexuals (Garnets & Kimmel, 1993). Some choose to live in long term committed relationships, others choose to remain single. Some couples choose to raise children, others do not. Hobbies, occupations and activities are just as varied as within the heterosexual population.

How many gay people are there?

For decades the incidence of homosexuality in the general population has been estimated to be approximately ten percent. Organizations opposed to gay rights have consistently claimed the number to be much lower. Despite the controversy, ten percent still remains the most widely accepted estimate.

In an attempt to diminish the legitimacy of civil rights protection for gays