LGBT topics

Why are some people gay?

As humans, we are all sexual beings. By extension, each of us has a sexual orientation: an enduring attraction—be it sexual, romantic, emotional or affectional—to another person. Sexual orientation, however, varies from one individual to the next and exists on a continuum that ranges from exclusive homosexuality to exclusive heterosexuality. Between these two poles, there exist various forms of bisexuality.

A woman who is attracted only to other women is called a lesbian. Women who are attracted to men are called heterosexual. And women who are attracted to both men and women are called bisexual. (See What does the term LGBT mean? for more information.)

It’s unclear why some people are attracted to people of the same sex—also referred to as having "same-sex feelings" or a "same-sex orientation". It's thought sexual orientation is likely the result of complex interactions of a number of factors—cognitive, environmental, and biological.

By why not behavioral?

Interesting question. Sexual orientation is different from sexual behavior: sexual orientation refers to feelings and to self-concept. People may or may not express their sexual orientation in their behaviors.

So, these interactions of cognitive, environmental, and biological factors mean that sexual orientation is shaped at an early age?

In most people, yes, and their sexual orientation emerges in early adolescence. What's more, there's also considerable evidence to suggest that genetic and hormonal factors play a key role in shaping a person's sexuality.

And this means that sexual orientation isn't "chosen"?

Right. People do not choose to be either gay or straight. And, as mentioned already, although we can choose to act out our feelings, sexual behavior is not the same as sexual orientation. Sexual behavior can be changed. Sexual orientation, on the other hand, is not a conscious choice one can voluntarily change.

The bottom line

The origins of sexual orientation are very complex. There are likely many reasons for a person's sexual orientation. These reasons may be different for different people. Some people who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual say they have always felt attracted to members of the same sex while others claim they became aware of these feelings during adolescence or early adulthood.

Isn't it true that labels may not accurately identify a person's preference?

Yes. While some women may identify as lesbian or bisexual, other women with a same-sex orientation dislike the labels "lesbian" and bisexual". Still others feel these terms don’t accurately describe their sexual experiences. For instance, a woman may live many years as a lesbian and may then become involved with a man. Similarly, a heterosexual woman may discover she has lesbian desires.

Why do some people try to "justify" or "explain" a person's sexual orientation? Is this a result of homophobia?

As a woman, you may be attracted to men, women, or both. None of these attractions is wrong, although many of us have been taught at least one or two negative things about same-sex orientation.

It's important to understand that people are not attracted to members of the same sex because:

• Their parents or guardians raised them a certain way.
• They had sexual experiences—abusive, incestuous, or consensual is immaterial—with members of the same sex when they were young.

• They suffer from a mental illness.

  It is because past studies of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people involved only those in therapy (thereby biasing study results) that homosexuality was thought to be a mental illness. When researchers examined data of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals not in thereapy, the idea of homosexuality as a mental illness was soon proven untrue.

  In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) which lists mental and emotional disorders. Today, mental health professionals agree that homosexuality is not an illness, mental disorder, or emotional problem. Psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals continue to work to dispel the stigma of mental illness still associated with same-sex orientation.

• They are abnormal or deficient in some way.

Each of the above statements is based on misconception and negative stereotypes: in short, they derive from homophobia. Many people, including people with a same-sex orientation, harbor homophobic attitudes. As a result, gays, lesbians, and bisexuals need not only to deal with their own feelings of confusion; they are also often the victims of discrimination, abuse, hatred, and violence. This victimization can lead to marginalization and to feelings of fear. Many fear family, friends, and colleagues will pass judgment, reject them, or keep them at a distance.

Homophobia impacts on the physical and emotional health of lesbian and bisexual women in a number of ways, including but not limited to:

• increased levels of stress and depression
• increased risk for alcoholism and/or substance abuse
• fewer regular gynecological and medical visits because of fear of homophobic responses from healthcare providers
• increased incidence of abuse from domestic partners and an unwillingness to seek help because of fear of homophobic responses from authorities, emergency personnel, and the legal community

Yet many people with a same-sex orientation can—and do—lead healthy lives. By meeting others with a same-sex orientation, whether through gay or lesbian clubs or organizations or through social service agencies, many gays, lesbians, and bisexuals find support and find they feel less alone. Many such community organizations offer services that are gay-, lesbian- and bisexual-friendly. These organizations can provide advocacy services, health information and support with the often difficult process of "coming out".

What is identity development or "coming out"?

Strongly linked to psychological development, the process of identity development—sometimes called "coming out"—is important in developing and maintaining emotional health. Sharing their sexual orientation with others helps gay, lesbian, and bisexual people improve their mental health and self-esteem.

For some people with a same-sex orientation, "coming out" is difficult. For others, it isn't.

For gays, lesbians, and bisexuals who discover their sexual orientation as children or adolescents, the realization their same-sex orientation is different from the norm often leaves them feeling afraid and alone.

Depending on the beliefs of family members and friends, they may also have to struggle against homophobia and misinformation. They may fear the rejection of friends, family, and religious organizations. They may also fear job loss or harassment. Sadly, people with a same sex orientation are at higher risk than heterosexuals for physical assault and violence.

What can I do about homophobia?

Protection of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals from violence and discrimination is as important as it is for all other minority groups.

Research shows that those who have the most positive attitudes toward gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals are those who know one or more gay, lesbian, or bisexual person well. As a result, homophobic attitudes are the result of beliefs not grounded in actual experiences. Rather, they're based on stereotypes and prejudices.

Therefore, a key to overcoming homophobia and dispelling myths and misconceptions is educating people—all people—about sexual orientation and homosexuality. Access to this type of information will not affect a person's orientation: it will not "make" a person gay or straight. It will, however, help mitigate homophobia and anti-gay prejudices and at the same time, it will help young people first discovering and seeking to understand their sexuality.

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