Is This Normal? Homosexuality
Yes, homosexuality is normal.
Homosexuality was declassified in 1973 by The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the definitive reference book used by the American Psychological Association. Prior to 1973, mental health professionals were actively working to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. Freud, who had previously attributed homosexuality to castration anxiety, maternal over-attachment, and jealousy of brothers and fathers realized at the end of his career that “homosexuality is assuredly no advantage, but it is nothing to be ashamed of, no vice, no degradation; it cannot be classified as an illness…” in a 1935 letter to a mother who wanted him to treat her homosexual son.
Homosexuality has been a documented part of human sexuality since ancient times. Research has consistently shown that homosexuals are as highly functioning as heterosexuals. There’s no scientific evidence that positively correlates homosexuality with pedophilia or psychopathology, or states that it’s a result of mental illness or a dysfunctional childhood.
Homosexuality isn’t a choice or a lifestyle. Newer research confirms genetic and environmental factors determine both heterosexual and homosexual orientations. Gays and lesbians, like heterosexuals, know their sexual identities from a very young age. But because of the extreme prejudice, some gays and lesbians resist embracing their identities, or some choose not to disclose their sexual identities.
Indeed, the decision to “come out” is daunting and on many levels, dangerous. Gays and lesbians who disclose their sexual identities will likely lose their religions and some family members. They will face workplace discrimination, and if they decide to have children, their children will almost certainly be bullied for having gay parents. It’s an oppressive price to pay for being honest.
In my experience, there’s more in common between homosexual couples and heterosexual couples than most think. There’s a perception that homosexual couples are at home or in nightclubs swinging from chandeliers. This isn’t the case. Sex, in any relationship, is a small but an important part. There’s much more to relationships than sex. Homosexual couples struggle with the same issues that heterosexual couples struggle with – money, children, and keeping their relationships strong. The similarities between heterosexuals and homosexuals far outweigh the differences.
Homosexuality is normal. Coming to terms and embracing your identity whether homosexual or heterosexual is good health.
Please see these sources for additional information on homosexuality:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18561014
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/113259.php
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs/user/scotts/bulgarians/nih-upi.html
Rod Macleod
4:54 pm on Friday, February 3, 2012
This, of course, is a secular view that is held by the liberal leaning segment of society... It ignores family values, and the basis for a stable and productive societal structure that is centered around the traditional family... The accepted Judeo -Christian family structure of one man and one woman has been the foundation of western civilization and morality, and does not view homosexual unions or marriage as "normal" or moral at all... For the liberal side of our society to engage in social engineering, and say otherwise, is an attempt to degrade the very foundation on which western civilization is built - the traditional family...
Bob Wynne
7:11 am on Saturday, February 4, 2012
It is actually a view of all rational-thinking members of society. Perhaps you should think of joining us.
Amanda Kirksey
8:18 am on Saturday, February 4, 2012
"It ignores family values, and the basis for a stable and productive societal structure that is centered around the traditional family"
Last time I checked, there is over a 50% divorce rate among Heterosexual couples, leaving children in divorced homes. Is that a secular traditional family? Is that stable and productive?
Let love live.
Ann O'Neill, LLPC
8:48 am on Sunday, February 5, 2012
Dear Rod,
Thanks for posting. A productive dialogue on homosexuality is definitely needed, and I would like to counter a couple of points in your comments.
I would argue, and maybe we could agree on this, that the hallmarks of highly functioning families are unconditional love, trust, commitment, and stability. These qualities foster sustaining partnerships and happy kids. The gender of family members providing these qualities is irrelevant. Healthy same sex couples and opposite sex couples are fully capable of providing these hallmarks to each other and to their children.
I would also argue that this blog isn't a vehicle for social engineering or a forum to degrade anything or anyone. This blog is based on clinical research and my experiences as a therapist. Clinical findings and psychotherapy aren't necessarily incompatible with Judeo-Christian values or liberal. Rather, they increase understanding of human behavior and enrich the human experience. This blog is an attempt to help readers have better relationships, protect their personal boundaries, and be better people than they already are.
Ann
Terry
6:03 pm on Friday, February 3, 2012
God loves everyone. I, for one, welcome all sorts of families. Whether you think they are traditional or not, they are full of love, and that's what matters.
Ann O'Neill, LLPC
8:48 am on Sunday, February 5, 2012
Thanks for posting, Terry.
Ann
Bob Cornwall
6:58 pm on Friday, February 3, 2012
Ann,
Thank you for sharing this information. It is helpful to be educated about the psycho-social dimensions of homosexuality. It is not a secular thing or a liberal thing, it is the product of study of human genetics and behavior. Although not everyone in the Christian community affirms this evidence, there is a growing number, myself included, that have recognized this to be true. This has been traumatic for many in the religious community, but we cannot shut our eyes to this evidence. It was once believed that epilepsy was an expression of demon-possession. We no longer believe this to be true. We once believed that the earth was the center of the universe, we no longer believe this. The same is becoming true of homosexuality. And just to point out to "family values" folks -- understandings of marriage have evolved as well. David and Solomon, for instance, had many wives. And so our understandings will continue to evolve.
Ann O'Neill, LLPC
9:05 am on Sunday, February 5, 2012
Bob,
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, and I think you've captured a number of important points. I think you're correct - our understanding of what is true can change. This process is uncomfortable and yes, traumatic for anyone.
Ann
Pippalotta
2:22 pm on Monday, February 6, 2012
Well said, Bob. Ann, thanks for writing this thoughtful piece. It's good to step back and look at what the research says. I also wanted to add that there seems to be a perception in some corners that acceptance of homosexuality is the same thing as encouraging our kids to go out and have gay sex. It's good to talk about sex in terms of a relationship, not just the act.
Janice Rex-Weaver
7:30 pm on Friday, February 3, 2012
great piece, thanks for writing it.
Ann O'Neill, LLPC
9:06 am on Sunday, February 5, 2012
You're welcome, Janice.
Ann
danny
7:50 pm on Friday, February 3, 2012
Thank you for contributing this here.
Ann O'Neill, LLPC
9:06 am on Sunday, February 5, 2012
You're welcome, Danny. Thank you for posting.
Ann
Kristen
12:10 pm on Saturday, February 4, 2012
My brother and his partner got married in California a couple years ago. They have adopted two boys who were 'in the system' . They have put all their love and resources into these 2 boys that the heterosexual (and married) couples didn't want or couldn't take care of. Now these two boys are thriving. Previously undiagnosed issues that couldn't get the time and attention they needed are now being dealt with. If that isn't 'Family Values' then I don't now what else is. Thank you to all those loving same-sex couples who take care of our little ones in the system that need that love and attention.
Ann O'Neill, LLPC
9:09 am on Sunday, February 5, 2012
Kristen,
Thanks for posting. This is a great story, and I'm so glad you shared it.
Ann
Scot Beaton
4:12 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Ann O'Neill,
Thanks for your thoughtful post. I was raised a Christian and taught "thou shall not judge" But I'm saddened by those who choose to rewrite the teachings of God/Jesus Christ or the good intentions of our Founding Fathers.
Also thanks to my upbringing I was also taught "debate" is good too. My opinion : God/Jesus Christ and Homosexuality. Old Testament: Genesis the story of "Lot's House" has been misinterpreted into teachings that God denounces homosexual behavior. Not true the story refers to homosexual rape. It clearly doesn't have the remotest connection to same-gender love or relationships. Or Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13 "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. If man lies with a male as with woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall be put to death." Again this is not God's denouncing homosexual behavior...but related to the worship of Ishtar the pagan goddess of love and fertility. It was a condemnation of such practices...pagan rituals such as mandated sex between males or temple prostitution...that this Levitical law was written. It certinaly does not make any reference to same-gender sex within the context of a committed and loving relationship. New Testament: Jesus Christ did not denounce or promote homosexual behavior. The only place Jesus really addressed or even hinted at sexuality is found in Mathew chapter 19:11-12 Jesus replied...to be continued out of characters.
Scot Beaton
4:55 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Ann O'Neill,
"Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it." A eunuch is a man who has no desire or ability to have sexual relations with a woman. Jesus addressed three types of eunuchs.1) Those born that way. (That's people who are born homosexual.) 2) Those made that way by men. (Those castrated or those sexually abused people who choose to be homosexual as a result of this abuse rather than because it is their natural sexual affinity.) 3) Those who elect not to have a sexual relationship for the sake of the kingdom. ( For example a priest or nun. This group makes the decision on their own.) So here, Jesus states that not everyone will marry according to the custom as male and female. He also said that not everyone can accept this. He says that those that can accept it should accept it. Can we accept what Jesus said? I can.
Ann O'Neill, thanks again for your uplifting post in the Rochester Patch so many of us sincerely feel the way you do and let us be the ones who continually forgive prejudice in our great country.
Note: God and Govrment next...
Scot Beaton
4:58 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Note: God and Government next... I hate my typos sorry
Ann O'Neill, LLPC
9:59 am on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Impressive, Scot! Thank you for your comments!
Ann