Is Being Gay A Choice?

Although many researchers continue to debate the origin of sexual orientation, most psychologists believe that being gay is not a choice—specifically since sexual orientation develops in early adolescence without any previous sexual experience. THe American Psychological Association says, “Although we can choose whether to act on our feelings, psychologists do not consider sexual orientation to be a conscious choice that can be voluntarily changed.”

Can Therapy Change My Sexual Orientation?

No. People don’t choose their sexual orientation, so it’s impossible for therapy to “cure” someone from being gay. Some therapy groups claim to be able to help gay people change their sexuality. In reality, they use techniques to help people suppress their sexual orientation, not cure it. And often their “success” stories are people who are in heterosexual relationships without sex. Many of these individuals are later found to continue to have same gender sex.

What Causes Homosexuality?

What causes homosexuality? There has been much debate about what causes homosexuality. Is there a gay gene? Is homosexuality caused by environmental factors, such as upbringing, child molestation, an absent mother or affectionate father? Or is it something we’re born with, an inherited trait, like skin or hair color?Although there have been few studies on the cause of homosexuality, the debate seems to be divided, with scientists in one corner and religious fundamentalists in another.