Sexual
orientation is one of the four components of sexuality and is distinguished by
an enduring emotional, romantic, sexual or affectional 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 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.
Sidebar:
Homosexual orientation is not limited to a particular type of person. Gay men
and lesbians are of all ages, cultural backgrounds, races, religions and
nationalities. They work in all occupations and live in all parts of the
country.
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
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 or 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. When researchers
examined data about gay people who were not 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 lists 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
the 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 and by heterosexual
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.
Sidebar:
The APA encourages all mental health professionals to work to help persons of
all sexual orientations to accept and integrate their inner feelings and to
overcome their prejudices and false beliefs about one another.
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,
coworkers 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 and 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(s) 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 US 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
or 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 clients' 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
does not show that conversion therapy works and that it can do more harm than
good. Changing one's sexual orientation is not simply a matter of changing
one'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 seek 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:
References:
Garnets,
L.D., et al, "Issues in Psychotherapy With Lesbians and Gay Men", American
Psychologist, Vol 46 #9, pp 964-972.
Goodchilds,
J.D., Psychological Perspectives on Human Diversity In America, American
Psychological Association, Washington DC, 1993.
Garnets,
L.D., and Kimmel, D.C., Psychological Perspectives on Lesbian & Gay Male
Experiences, Columbia University Press, New York, 1993.
Gonsiorek,
J.C., and Weinrich, J.D., Homosexuality: Research Implications For Public
Policy, Sage Publications, California, 1991.
Herek,
G.M., and Berrill, K.T., Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol 5 #3.
Organizations:
National
Gay and Lesbian Task Force
1734 14th Street NW
Washington DC 20009
Telephone: 1-202-332-6483
National
Institute of Mental Health
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 7C02
Rockville MD 20857
Telephone: 1-301-443-4513
Parents
and Friends of Lesbian and Gays
1012 14th Street NW Suite 700
Washington DC 20005
Telephone: 1-202-638-4200
Sex
Information and Education Council of the United States
130 West 42nd Street, Suite 2500
New York NY 10036
Telephone: 1-212-819-9770
Special
thanks to the following APA members and staff whose assistance made this
brochure possible:
Gregory
M. Herek, Ph.D., University of California at Davis.
Oliva
M. Espin, Ph.D., San Diego State University, president of APA division 44.
APA
Committee on Lesbian and Gay Concerns.
Clinton
W. Anderson, M.A., APA Office on Lesbian and Gay Concerns.
"Psychology and You: Answers to Your Questions About Sexual
Orientation and Homosexuality", The American Psychological Association.
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