What are some common questions about homosexuality?
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The origin of sexual orientation is a heavily debated topic in the United States and many other countries around the world. On one side of the issue, people claim that homosexuality is choice, and that homosexuals can change their minds and be straight at any time. Others believe that it is completely genetic – homosexuals are born that way, and it is no more a choice than having black skin or white skin.
Which one is right? Science may be able to shed some light on the topic. A considerable amount of research has been done to try to figure out how sexual orientation is determined. Twin studies are often used for research into topics on nature versus nurture. They have shown that monozygotic (identical) twins are much more likely to have the same sexual orientation as one another than dizyogotic (fraternal) twins are. This is significant because identical twins share the exact same DNA, while fraternal twins don't. It strongly suggests that genetics play a big role in whether or not a person is homosexual.
Another common and false belief about homosexuality is that it is brought on by bad parenting or a lack of religious beliefs. In reality, people with differing sexual orientations come from all different walks of life, family situations, and spiritual backgrounds. There is no environmental factor that they all share. Homosexuality was defined as a mental illness in the DSM-V in the past, but that view was officially overturned in the 1970s. Research and experience have shown experts that it isn't a psychological disorder. The fact that homosexuality has been documented in numerous periods of history and various cultures proves that it isn't a result of living in a particular society.
Beyond the world of academia and scientific research, listening to homosexuals themselves with an open mind can also lead to greater understanding. Most say that they knew something was different about them from a very young age. They didn't become homosexual after a traumatic event, like abuse, or a bad experience with someone of the opposite sex. They were simply born homosexual. Many actively try to have relationships with and be attracted to the opposite sex, knowing that it doesn't seem right, before "coming out" as who they were inside all along.
Another thing to consider is the difficulty that's often inherent in the gay lifestyle, including strained relationships with loved ones, discrimination from strangers, and a lack of legal rights. People who are not heterosexual point out that it simply doesn't make sense to choose all of these very painful things. Beliefs about homosexuality have varied widely between different places and periods of history. Although gay rights and acceptance have come a long way from what they were a few decades ago, homosexuals still face rampant stereotypes in the United States today.
Scientific Research
Sexual Orientation Statistics, Origins, and Biological Correlates
Twin Studies and Homosexuality
Sexual Orientation: Science, Education, and Policy
Facts about Homosexuality and Child Molestation
Sexual Orientation: The History and Significance of an Idea Academic
Homosexuality and Psychology/Mental Health
Facts about Homosexuality and Mental Health A good overview of attitudes throughout history
Homosexuality: Nature or Nurture?
APA's Answers to Questions about Sexual Orientation Help understanding sexual orientation and handling being homosexual
Research Institutes and Articles
Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies
National Sexuality Resource Center
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