Homosexuality

What is Homosexuality?

Homosexuality means having sexual, romantic and emotional attraction towards a person of the same sex. Nearly 2 to 11% of the population reported that they have been attracted to their same gender. Today the same gender preference is called being part of an LGB (lesbian, gay, bisexual) community. Society is struggling to welcome and positively perceive homosexuality. Public policies towards same sex relationships have positively changed in many countries. Yet, hostility and discrimination against this community continues to enhance the stress they endure.

Homosexuality is a normal variant of sexuality, but is still not being considered completely normal. It may be seen as a deviation in psychosexual development, caused by genetic and psychosocial factors out of the person’s control. Research has confirmed that there are structural differences in the brains of people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual. And neurotransmitter alterations too. But if people with cancer or diabetes or hypertension can be treated equal, why not homosexuals?

Is Homosexuality Abnormal?

No, it’s not. Normalcy has two definitions. One being a statistical component in the curve of normal distribution, and the other, an acceptable pattern in society. There have been mixed opinions, sentiments and verdicts about homosexuality. Statistically, it is considered abnormal since it forms a minority in the normal distribution. But being an outlier cannot pronounce homosexuality to be a sin or crime or disorder. Geniuses with an IQ of 165 are outliers too. But they are not denounced from society.

Now, as a biological function, sexual activity has two goals. First being procreation to safeguard the continuation of the species. The second being the experience of pleasure, strengthening the bond between the couple. Homosexuality refutes one of the goals of sexual procreation. But then, there are many heterosexual couples who choose not to have children too. And several homosexual couples have adopted children (a very noble act). Homosexuality is hence neither a sin nor a crime, and the freedom of those with a homosexual orientation to live a happy life, is their personal choice. At least, it should be.

homosexuality is normal not homophobia

Is Homosexuality a Social Problem?

Homosexuality is a stable trait that has been acknowledged in human societies over several millennia. It has been confirmed through archaeological evidence that both female and male homosexuality occurred prehistorically and isn’t a product of modern times. So, we should not regard it as a new-world problem.

Homosexuality has probably been the subject of some of the most controversial discussions in the world – in the field of medicine, society, politics and the law. Up until 1973, it was categorized as a psychiatric disease in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) continued to pathologize it until 1991. But stigma persists. Stigmatization today ranges from subtle homophobia to public rejection, verbal and physical violence, criminal sanctions and even the death penalty. There is still some ongoing criminalization and banishment of sexual and gender minorities.

Why do LGBs Face Minority Stress?

A stressor is “any situation, object or person that has the potential to arouse adaptive machinery in an individual”. Stressors push a person to change in order to adapt to the new life situation or circumstance and this can be transformative and positive. Most stressors influence an individual on a personal level. But social stressors are conditions in the social environment which in the case of a homosexual, lead to alienation from social structures, norms, and institutions. Stress experienced in response to these is a dysfunctional physical, mental, or emotional pressure. A sense of harmony with the environment contributes to healthy living; deprivation of such harmony hence leads to immense minority stress. Here is how.

Stressor: Discrimination

Homosexuals face discrimination in society. They have restrictions and limitations on their rights. They are not as welcome in most public places and spaces in comparison to heterosexuals or straight people. This is a persistent, and ongoing source of strain.

Stressor: Hypervigilance

Because they are aware, and afraid of rejection, homosexuals are always hypervigilant in their interpersonal interactions. This puts them in persistent fight, fright or flight mode with continual cortisol release. So, they suffer longstanding stress effects on the body and mind.

Stressor: Stigmatization

LGBs might internalize the societal stigma. They believe that no matter whatever others profess, they do not, and will never really accept a homosexual and are not ready to make contact with him or her on equal grounds. This rejection leads to inner immense dejection.

Stressor: Homophobia

When the fear of rejection and ostracization is internalized, LGB individuals might perceive themselves exactly the way society does. They believe that exposing their secret will be embarrassing and hence are vigilant about concealing their orientation (homophobia).

Do LGB individuals have more psychological problems?

The basic concern is not that an LGB individual is innately neurotically disturbed. In isolation, homosexuals do not have higher statistically significant psychopathology. But in a society that consistently disparages them with a contemptuous attitude, not to mention the occasional outright hostility, it isn’t surprising that they suffer a distorted self-image, and depression in response to the stigma and discrimination they endure. This predisposes them to more emotional problems.

Research shows that LGBs suffer higher depression, anxiety, social anxiety, substance use, anger, frustration, and suicide too in comparison to the general population. Minority stress is the biggest contributor. They might endure childhood maltreatment because of nonconformity, low family support, chronic feelings of hopelessness, perceived sense of being a burden or not belonging, and victimization in school, college and workplaces.

Any neurotic trait LGBs possess, is likely independent of the homosexuality itself. Just like any heterosexual or asexual person, they learn to get comfortable with their choices. It’s the world around them that has a problem with them, not they themselves.

How does MindFrames approach Homosexuality?

At MindFrames we are here to help inculcate self-compassion and self-reliance to facilitate the process of coming out and preventing homophobia. This will help building resilience to stand for your rights. It is important to seek comfort in your decision, be assertive while speaking to parents, caregivers and friends; and feel in control of your choices and your life, every step of the way. Cognitive techniques like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and Humanistic techniques like EFT (Emotion focused Therapy) can enhance this process of self-acceptance and empowerment. Mindfulness training builds psychological flexibility and enhances resilience to stand for your own choice and live a fuller and happier life.

References

  • Verghese, A., (2014). A fresh look at homosexuality. Indian journal of psychiatry, 56(2), 209–210.
  • Mendelson, G., (2003). Homosexuality and Psychiatric Nosology. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry;37(6):678-683.
  • Meyer, I. H., (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: conceptual issues and resea.

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