What comes to your mind when they say "homosexual" or "homosexuality"? If you are heterosexual, then I suppose you will immediately begin to vehemently exclaim: "I am not like that!" Do not worry. I am not trying to judge you. As part of the majority, we sometimes make the mistake of rejecting or labeling minorities as abnormal, strange, unnatural, outlandish, and so on. Choose for yourself. But have you never been even a little curious to know about it? Didn't you want to know what is included in the term "homosexuality" and who are all these people who fall under this definition? If not, then perhaps this article will help you to know and understand a little more about it.
Let's start from the very beginning. Before we get into specifics about how homosexuality was misunderstood and condemned, I would like to give the exact concept of the term to those who were not already familiar with this topic. In simple terms, homosexuality is just a sexual and romantic relationship or attraction between people of the same sex (See? No nuclear physics!) Such people identify themselves based on attraction or sexual orientation.
The term was coined in the 19th century by the German psychologist Karl Maria Benkert. In addition to homosexuality, there is bisexuality and heterosexuality (two other forms of sexual orientation). It's no secret that heterosexuality is the most acceptable form of sexual orientation in our society.
As you probably know, there are many theories about homosexuality and homosexuals. These theories have created many problems, as most of them contribute to the dissemination of incorrect information. Some of them may be true, but most are still not. A lot of speculation surrounds homosexuality and in this article I will try to dispel these speculations.
10. Gays are not born
Many people, especially anti-LGBT activists, believe that sexual orientation is only a form of behavior and that it can be changed. There have been many studies in this area that have explained that many biological and environmental factors can influence sexual orientation, but "a person's own choice" is definitely not one of them.
Even biological and environmental factors are random and multiple. We cannot point to a specific gene or environmental factor that influences sexual orientation. This is always a complex influence. Heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality are not chosen by a person. They are born that way, just like heterosexuals. And the point.
9. Homosexuality = mental illness
It is a common belief among anti-LGBT activists that homosexuality is both a physical and mental illness. In 1973, the APA (American Psychological Association) determined that homosexuality is not a mental illness. And she even excluded him from the list of all mental illnesses and psychological disorders. The APA also clarified that homosexuals are as healthy as heterosexuals. Homosexuality does not impair a person's judgment, stability, reliability, social and professional ability.
It is true, though, that because of the shame that has long accompanied homosexuality, it is more common among homosexuals to develop anxiety, depression, and other depression-related disorders like alcohol or drug addiction. But you need to understand that this has more to do with violence and shame, which was directed at the LGBT community (a minority, in general), and not with homosexuality itself.
8. In all gay relationships, there is a clear division of the role of "male" and "female" roles
Film and television shows gay and lesbian couples with traditional male and female roles. For example, a typical lesbian couple includes one rude-looking (sometimes tattooed) woman in a loose T-shirt or top and a frail, embarrassed girl dressed in lace. One represents masculinity, the other femininity. This assumption is usually linked to the idea that homosexuals are simply embarrassed about their sexual orientation and are in fact attracted to the opposite sex.
In fact, it has long been proven that rare couples of homosexuals are divided in their relationships into traditionally "male" and "female" roles. Homosexuals, on the other hand, try to do housework equally, and not divide it by gender. It creates calmness and contentment in the couple.
7. There are more pedophiles among homosexuals than among heterosexuals
And this is already cruel. People believe that homosexuals are not only more prone to pedophilia, but they also argue that same-sex parents molest their children. Many opponents of homosexuals use this belief to attract more followers and spread their opinion. Numerous studies have been carried out and they clear homosexuals of such accusations.
There is no evidence that LGBT parents or their LGBT friends are more likely to molest children compared to heterosexuals. It is also not true that all people who sexually abuse a child are gay. In truth, according to research conducted by Boston human rights lawyers, most pedophiles are heterosexual, not homosexual.
6. Gay is attracted to all members of the same gender
Even you understand that this is unreasonable. Simple logic shows that no heterosexual is attracted to all members of the opposite sex. Likewise, homosexuals are not attracted to all members of their kind. Just like heterosexuals, they are only attracted to a person of their own type.
5. Homosexual parents harm their children
Many religious organizations and anti-LGBT activists use this argument to instill a sense of inappropriateness about homosexuality. They firmly believe that a traditional family is the only sure way to raise a healthy child. Unlike a family with parents of different sexes, parents of the same sex are perceived as something unhealthy and harmful.
Studies have shown that children with parents of the same sex do not differ in psychological development from their peers raised by heterosexual parents. They are unlikely to develop psychological or behavioral problems. Homosexual parents are similar to heterosexual parents, and the sexual orientation of the parents is not related to the child's upbringing.
4. People become homosexual due to childhood sexual abuse
Another popular misconception about homosexuality is that homosexuality is a mental disorder that began with psychological trauma during childhood. Obviously, this is being used as a counterweight to the idea that no one chooses to be gay or straight. It is said that if a child is abused in a certain manner, it contributes to the development of homosexuality.
No serious research has been conducted on the connection between child abuse and homosexuality. It can only be seen that adult homosexuals were not sexually abused in childhood any more than adult heterosexuals. It has been scientifically proven that sexual violence does not lead to a change in sexual orientation from heterosexual to homosexual.
3. Gays have a certain lifestyle.
There is no “gay lifestyle”. As well as among heterosexuals, the lifestyle of homosexuals varies according to race, nationality, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, age, values, and so on.
Every person, regardless of her / his sexual orientation, forms their own lifestyle. Sexual orientation is only a part of the personality, and it is not a fundamental feature of the personality as a whole. There is no standard lifestyle for homosexuals, just as there is no standard lifestyle for a heterosexual.
2. Women become lesbians only after breaking up a bad relationship with a man
There are many men and women who have been happily in relationships with members of the opposite sex. But they also admitted that they found their sexual orientation after having entered into a relationship with a member of the same gender, which they found more satisfying. This relationship truly expresses their sexuality.
1. Any experience with a person of the same sex is likely to identify sexual orientation as gay, lesbian, or straight.
Take it for granted. People are experimenting. Many lesbians and gays have had sex with heterosexuals. This did not change their sexual orientation. Likewise, if a heterosexual experiments himself in a relationship with a member of the same sex, he does not become homosexual. Sexual orientation isn't just about sex. There is much more to it. It is a sense of belonging to a particular community and culture. It is part of a person's personality. It is not established on the basis of sexual relations alone.
Disputes about homosexuality affect not only religious and moral aspects, but also public policy and legal aspects. These disputes are characterized by a clear division of the participants. As a result, it is necessary to overcome many stereotypes, inventions, lies, misunderstandings in order to reach the hearts of people with such an orientation.
Each person has their own fundamental rights. And he should not be denied these rights because of his / her sexual orientation. Unfortunately, most homosexuals have been fighting for their basic rights for a long time.
We recommend watching:
Sometimes the facts we believe so strongly are just our prejudices. So let's debunk the famous myths about homosexuals.
