Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality
Dr.Joe's Data Base
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is sexual orientation?
Sexual orientation is one of the four components of sexuality and is
distinguished by an enduring emotional, romantic, sexual of affectionate
attraction to individuals of a particular gender. The three other
components of sexuality are biological sex, gender identity (the
psychological sense of being male or female) and social sex role (adherence
to cultural norms for feminine and masculine behavior). Three sexual
orientations are commonly recognized: homosexual, attraction to individuals
of one's own gender; heterosexual, attraction to individuals of the other
gender; or bisexual, attractions to members of either gender. Persons with
a homosexual orientation are sometimes referred to as gay (both men and
women) or as lesbian (women only).
Sexual orientation is different from sexual behavior because it refers to
feelings and self-concept. Persons may or may not express their sexual
orientation in their behaviors.
What causes a person to have a particular sexual orientation?
How a particular sexual orientation develops in any individual is not well
understood by scientists. Various theories have proposed differing sources
for sexual orientation, including genetic or inborn hormonal factors and
life experiences during early childhood. However, many scientists share the
view that sexual orientation is shaped for most people at an early age
through complex interactions of biological, psychological and social
factors.
Is sexual orientation a choice?
No. Sexual orientation emerges for most people in early adolescence without
any prior sexual experience. And some people report trying very hard over
many years to change their sexual orientation from homosexual to
heterosexual with no success. For these reasons, psychologists do not
consider sexual orientation for most people to be a conscious choice that
can be voluntarily changed.
Is homosexuality a mental illness or emotional problem?
No. Psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals
agree that homosexuality is not an illness, mental disorder or emotional
problem. Much objective scientific research over the past 35 years shows us
that homosexual orientation, in and of itself, is not associated with
emotional of social problems.
Homosexuality was thought to be a mental illness in the past because mental
health professionals and society had biased information about homosexuality
since most studies only involved lesbians and gay men in therapy, the idea
that homosexuality was a mental illness was found to be untrue.
In 1973 the American Psychiatric Association confirmed the importance of
the new research by removing the term "homosexuality" from the official
manual that list all mental and emotional disorders. In 1975 the American
Psychological Association passed a resolution supporting this action. Both
associations urge all mental health professionals to help dispel the stigma
of mental illness that some people still associate with homosexual
orientation. Since original declassification of homosexuality as a mental
disorder, this decision has subsequently been reaffirmed by additional
research findings and both associations.
Can lesbians and gay men be good parents?
Yes. Studies comparing groups of children raised by homosexual parents find
no developmental differences between the two groups of children in their
intelligence, psychological adjustment, social adjustment, popularity with
friends, development of social sex role identity or development of sexual
orientation.
Another stereotype about homosexuality is the mistaken belief that gay men
have more of a tendency than heterosexual men to sexually molest children.
There is no evidence indicating that homosexuals are more likely than
heterosexuals to molest children.
Why do some gay men and lesbians tell people about their sexual
orientation?
Because sharing that aspect of themselves with others is important to their
mental health. In fact, the process of identity development for lesbians
and gay men, usually called "coming out", has been found to be strongly
related to psychological adjustment - the more positive the gay male or
lesbian identity, the better one's mental health and the higher one's
self-esteem.
Why is the "coming out" process difficult for some gays and lesbians?
Because of false stereotypes and unwarranted prejudice towards them, the
process of "coming out" for lesbians and gay men can be a very challenging
process which may cause emotional pain. Lesbian and gay people often feel
"different" and alone when they first become aware of same-sex attractions.
They may also fear being rejected by family, friends, co-workers and
religious institutions if they do "come out".
In addition, homosexuals are frequently the targets of discrimination and
violence. This threat of violence and discrimination is an obstacle to
lesbian and gay people's development. In a 1989 national survey, 5% of the
gay men and 10% of the lesbians reported physical abuse or assault related
to being lesbian or gay in the last year; 47% reported some form of
discrimination over their lifetime. Other research has shown similarly high
rates of discrimination or violence.
What can be done to help lesbians and gay men overcome prejudice and
discrimination against them?
The people who have the most positive attitudes toward gay men and lesbians
are those who say they know one or more gay person well. For this reason,
psychologists believe negative attitudes toward gays as a group are
prejudices that are not grounded in actual experience with lesbians or gay
men but on stereotypes and prejudice.
Furthermore, protection against violence and discrimination are very
important, just as they are for other minority groups. Some states include
violence against an individual on the basis of her or his sexual
orientation as a "hate crime" and eight U.S. states have laws against
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Can therapy change sexual orientation?
No. Even though homosexual orientation is not a mental illness and there is
no scientific reason to attempt conversion of lesbians or gays to
heterosexual orientation, some individuals may seek to change their own
sexual orientation of that of another individual (for example, parents
seeking therapy for their child). Some therapists who undertake this kind
of therapy report that they have changed their client's sexual orientation
(from homosexual to heterosexual) in treatment. Close scrutiny of their
reports indicates several factors that cast doubt: many of the claims come
from organizations with an ideological perspective on sexual orientation,
rather than from mental health researchers; the treatments and their
outcomes are poorly documented; and the length of time that clients are
followed up after the treatment is too short.
In 1990, the American Psychological Association stated that scientific
evidence dose not show that conversion therapy works and that it can do
more harm that good. Changing one's sexual orientation is not simply a
matter of changing on's sexual behavior. It would require altering one's
emotional, romantic and sexual feelings and restructuring one's
self-concept and social identity. Although some mental health providers do
attempt sexual orientation conversion, others question the ethics of trying
to alter through therapy a trait that is not a disorder and that is
extremely important to an individual's identity.
Not all gays and lesbians who seek therapy want to change their sexual
orientation. Gays and lesbians may seek counseling for any of the same
reasons as anyone else. In addition, they may seed psychological help to
"come out" or to deal with prejudice, discrimination and violence.
Why is it important for society to be better educated about homosexuality?
Educating all people about sexual orientation and homosexuality is likely
to diminish anti-gay prejudice. Accurate information about homosexuality is
especially important to young people struggling with their own sexual
identity. Fears that access to such information will affect one's sexual
orientation are not valid.
Where can I find more information about homosexuality?
The publications and organizations listed below can all provide you with
further information.
Garnets, L.D., et. al, "Issues in Psychotherapy With Lesbians and Gay Men,"
American Psychologist, Vol. 46, No.9, pp 964-972.
Goodchilds, J.D., Psychological Perspectives on Human Diversity in America,
American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C., 1993
Garnets, L.D. and Kimmel, D.C., Psychological Perspectives on Lesbians &
Gay Male Experiences, Columbia University Press, NY, 1993.
Gonsiorek, J.C., and Weinrich, J.D., Homosexuality: Research Implications
For Public Policy, Sage Publications, CA, 1991.
Herek, G.M., and Berrill, K.T., Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol. 5,
No.3.
Organizations:
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force 1734 14th Street, NW Washington, D.C.
20009 (202) 332-6483
National Institute of Mental Health 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 7C02 Rockville,
MD 20857 (301) 443-4513
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays 1012 14th Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 638-4200
Sex Information and Education Counsel of the United States 130 W. 42nd
Street, Suite 2500 New York, NY 10036
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The American Psychological Association (APA) located in Washington, D.C.,
is the largest scientific and professional organization representing
psychology in the United States and is the world's largest association of
psychologists. APA's membership includes more than 132,000 practitioners,
researchers, educators, consultants and students. Through its divisions in
49 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 58 state and territorial
and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a
science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Psychological Association
Office of Public Affairs
750 First St., N.E.
Washington, DC 20002-4242
(202) 336-5700