Homosexuality

The etiology of sexual orientation can be viewed from a scientific, ethical, or socio-politico-religious perspective. The latter view makes the question of etiology more consequential because of the prejudice and hostility against homosexuals in our society. Societal homophobia rests on four basic assumptions: (1) it is sinful/immoral, (2) it is “unnatural,” (3) it is a chosen form of behavior that can therefore be unchosen, and (4) it is potentially contagious. The first assumption is a religious view for which dissemination of current research findings can help to undermine the irrationality of religiously based homophobia. The second assumption that homosexuality is contrary to the biological norm is not based on contemporary zoological research. The third and fourth assumptions that homosexuality is chosen and can be spread to others similarly lacks a scientific basis. If therapists believe homosexuality is an acquired behavior pattern (even if they consider themselves to be neutral with regard to homosexuality), their conscious or unconscious bias in favor of a heterosexual way of life may lead them to exert subtle but significant pressure on the patient towards a heterosexuality which does not come naturally. Such pressures can amplify self-rejection and inferiority. For that reason, the new views on the etiology of homosexuality are indeed important.