Homosexuality

Homosexuality is when a person feels romantic or emotional attraction, or wants to be close, to someone of the same sex — either male or female. It is also a way that some people see themselves, based on these feelings and the communities they connect with. Along with bisexuality and heterosexuality, it is one of the three main types of romantic or emotional attraction people can have.

Scientists study why people have these different attractions, and many believe it comes from natural biological factors, like how the body develops before a baby is born. They do not find that a person's family or early experiences are the main reason for these attractions. Homosexuality is a normal part of human experiences and does not cause problems for mental health. Many health experts say trying to change someone's attraction is not only unproven but can also be harmful.

Many gay and lesbian people are in loving, committed relationships, just like other couples. Throughout history, these relationships have been viewed differently in various cultures. However, in recent times, many places have worked to make sure gay and lesbian people have the same rights as everyone else, such as the right to marry, adopt children, and be treated fairly at school and work.

Etymology

Main article: Terminology of homosexuality

The word homosexual combines Greek and Latin. It was first used in an 1868 letter by a writer named Karl-Maria Kertbeny. Later, in 1886, a doctor named Richard von Krafft-Ebing used the words homosexual and heterosexual in his book.

Today, many people use the words gay and lesbian instead of homosexual. Gay usually refers to men, while lesbian refers to women. These words come from older histories and meanings, but they are now common ways to talk about love and relationships between people of the same sex.

History

Main article: LGBT history

Further information: Timeline of LGBT history

Same-sex relationships have been part of history in many places and times, though views on them have changed a lot. In some places and times, they were accepted, while in others, they faced strict rules or disapproval. Modern ideas about relationships between people of the same sex, including marriage, are newer and less common historically because marriage has often focused on having children.

Different cultures have had different views. For example, in some parts of the world, same-sex relationships were not seen in the same way as relationships for having children. Some people think that using words like "gay" for historical figures might not be accurate, because the way people thought about these relationships long ago was different. Others see links between past and present.

In places influenced by certain religions, same-sex relationships were often against religious or legal rules. For much of Christian history, many leaders saw these relationships as wrong or sinful. Some famous people from history are sometimes described as having same-sex feelings or relationships, but scholars debate whether using modern words like "gay" for them is correct.

There has been a long debate about whether being attracted to people of the same sex is something you're born with or something learned. Some believe it's natural, while others think it's shaped by culture and society.

Sexuality and identity

Main article: Sexual identity

Main article: Sexual fluidity

Main article: Same-sex relationship

Main article: Coming out

People can feel romantic or emotional attraction toward others of the same gender. This is a normal part of who they are, just like how some people feel attraction toward people of a different gender.

Experts say that attraction is a deep, natural part of a person and helps them form close, loving relationships. Some people might explore their feelings over time and find that their attractions change, especially for some girls and women. Whether someone chooses to share these feelings with others is a personal choice.

Many people with same-gender attraction build strong, happy relationships, just like others do. Sharing these feelings with family or friends can be a big step, and not everyone chooses to do so at the same time or in the same way.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of sexual orientation

People feel romantic or emotional attraction to others of the same gender in most cultures around the world. Studies show that a small group of people are mainly attracted to the same sex, while others may feel attraction to both sexes.

In many countries, about 90% of people say they are only attracted to people of the opposite sex. However, surveys show that between 2% and 11% of people have had romantic or emotional connections with someone of the same sex at some point in their lives. In the United States, around 3.5% of adults identify as part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender community. Younger generations are more likely to share this identity openly.

Psychology

Many experts in mental health and science agree that being attracted to people of the same sex is a normal and healthy part of human life. In the past, some doctors thought these feelings were a problem, but today we know they are just another way people can feel and love. Groups like the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the National Association of Social Workers all say that having these feelings does not mean someone is sick or broken. People with same-sex feelings can live happy, healthy lives just like anyone else.

Main article: Sexual orientation change efforts

Some people have tried to change how they feel about others, but there is no real proof that these efforts work. Experts and many health groups do not support trying to change someone's feelings, because they believe these feelings are a natural part of who a person is. They encourage helping people accept themselves instead.

Causes

Main articles: Biology and sexual orientation and Environment and sexual orientation

Scientists believe that biological factors play a big role in who someone is attracted to. There is strong evidence that things like hormones and genes affect attraction, rather than events during childhood.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Psychological Association, among others, have said there is no proof that family life or events in early childhood change who a person is attracted to. They say attraction is usually set during early childhood.

Some ideas about why people are attracted to the same sex include how hormones work before birth, genes, and how the body’s natural defenses might act during pregnancy. These ideas try to explain how people can be attracted to others of the same sex even though it might seem unusual from an evolutionary view.

Parenting

Main article: Same-sex parenting

Research shows that parents who are lesbian or gay are just as good as parents who are heterosexual. Their children are also just as healthy and well-adjusted. Studies have looked at whether children raised by same-sex couples might be more likely to have feelings or attractions toward people of the same sex. These studies have not found higher rates among these children compared to others. Most children raised by same-sex couples in the United States are their own biological children. Accepting environments can help people feel comfortable sharing their true feelings.

Health

Further information: Lesbian § Health

The terms "men who have relationships with men" and "women who have relationships with women" describe people who are in relationships with others of the same sex, no matter how they describe themselves. These terms are often used in health studies and research.

Historically, some medical views tried to explain certain behaviors as problems. Today, we understand that challenges many people face come from unfair treatment, legal issues, and a lack of support. This can affect mental health. When society becomes more accepting, these risks lessen for younger people.

For young people who have feelings for others of the same sex, there can be extra challenges. They might face unkind words or actions from others, feel left out, or even be mistreated by family or caregivers. Some try to cope in ways that aren’t healthy, like using harmful substances or running away from home. Support groups and hotlines, like The Trevor Project, have been created to help these young people stay safe and find support.

Law and politics

Main article: LGBT rights by country or territory

Most places do not make it illegal for adults who are not related and have agreed to it to be together in private. Some places treat families with two parents of the same sex the same as families with a mother and father, letting them get married and have the same rights. However, some areas still have rules against this kind of relationship, and in a few places, leaders say it is very wrong and can lead to serious punishments.

Starting in the 1970s, many countries began to change their ideas about these relationships. Some places now protect people so they cannot be treated unfairly because of who they love. Even so, many countries still have rules against it, especially in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Military service

Main article: Sexual orientation and military service

Different countries have different rules about whether people who love someone of the same sex can join the military. Some countries allow it completely, while others do not. Most Western countries, including many in NATO, allow it. For example, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States allow it. However, China and Russia do not. Israel is one of the few countries in the Middle East that allows it. Experts say that whether someone loves a person of the same sex does not affect how well a military group works together or how strong it is.

Society and sociology

Further information: Societal attitudes toward homosexuality

People's views on relationships between those of the same gender change a lot depending on where you live. Places in Western Europe, Australia, and the Americas tend to be more accepting, while some areas in Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe are less accepting. Over time, many Western societies have become more welcoming toward these relationships.

Many groups, such as the American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association and National Association of Social Workers, have said that relationships between people of the same gender can be just as healthy and stable as relationships between people of different genders. They believe everyone should have the same rights and support, no matter who they love.

The way different religions think about relationships between people of the same gender can vary a lot. Some religions teach that these relationships are not acceptable, while others are more open and even support them. Some religious groups bless marriages between people of the same gender, seeing their love as something special and important.

Discrimination

Gay bullying

Main article: Gay bullying

Sometimes, people who are thought to have feelings for others of the same sex may face hurtful words or actions. This can happen to anyone, even those who do not have those feelings. Studies show that young people in school often hear unkind words about this topic.

Heterosexism and homophobia

Further information: Heterosexism and Homophobia

In many places, people with same-sex feelings face unfair treatment and unfair ideas about them. Some believe that only opposite-sex relationships are normal or better. Others may feel fear or dislike toward those with same-sex feelings. These ideas can lead to hurtful behaviors.

Unfortunately, some people believe untrue things, like that these relationships are less stable or more likely to involve harming children. But this is not true. Relationships between people with same-sex feelings can be just as loving and stable as any other relationships. There is no connection between having these feelings and wanting to harm children.

Homosexual behavior in other animals

Main article: Homosexual behavior in animals

Many animals show behaviors similar to romantic or caring actions between members of the same sex. These behaviors can include showing affection, forming close bonds, and other actions that are not about having babies. Scientists have seen this in about 500 different species, from monkeys to tiny creatures in the gut.

Some scientists think these behaviors may help groups live together more peacefully by reducing arguments. One study found that such behaviors in over 1,500 species may help groups stay calm and work better together.