Misconceptions about being gay
Myth #1: Homosexuality isn't very prevalent.
The Kinsey studies (1947, 1953) found that 10-12% of men and women identify as gay or lesbian throughout their lives. More recent studies have found that 6-12% of men and women report engaging in same sex behavior during their lives . Same-sex intimate behavior is common, having been found in every known culture and in the animal world as well. LGBT people are found in every social, economic, racial, and religious group. They are our teachers, colleagues, friends, parents, and children. We all know a number of LGBT people, whether we are aware of it or not.
Myth #2: We know what “causes” homosexuality.
The research so far has proven only one thing—we don’t know what causes anybody’s sexual orientation. This myth has an interesting heterosexist slant.
Myth #3: Homosexuality is unnatural.
There are recorded observations of same sex behavior and gender fluidity throughout the animal kingdom (from seagulls and mares to primates) and from every known culture in the world.
Myth #4: Homosexuality is a mental illness.
The American Psychiatric Association voted in 1973 to remove homosexuality from their list of mental disorders because there is no evidence to substantiate this classification.
Myth #5: You can spot a gay man or lesbian women by the way they act and dress.
Gender roles do not determine sexual orientation. Many LGBT people are impossible to distinguish from straight and more gender normative individuals. There are some lesbians who dress in a very masculine way, some gay men who act in traditionally feminine ways, and many LGBT people who feel the freedom to explore a range of gender expression. They are also many gender normative LGBT people who “pass” unnoticed every day.
Myth #6: Gay people are not good parents as they introduce their children to their “lifestyle;” their children will grow up to be gay.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, studies comparing groups of children raised by homosexual and by heterosexual parents find no developmental differences between the two groups of children in four critical areas: their intelligence, psychological adjustment, social adjustment, and popularity with friends. It is also important to realize that a parent's sexual orientation does not dictate his or her children's.
Myth#7: Christians are united in their opposition to homosexual people and homosexuality.
There are a wide variety of opinions about homosexual persons among the various Christian denominations, and among individuals as well. Some religious groups interpret certain Biblical passages as injunctions against homosexuality, while others view these passages in the light of historical context, pointing out other passages Christians no longer take literally, such as those advocating slavery, dietary laws, and ritual purity laws. In addition many Christian denominations have issued statements condemning discrimination and prejudice against homosexual people, as have a number of Jewish and other religious groups. There are numerous congregations who welcome and affirm homosexual Christians as fully participating members of the body of Christ, with unique gifts to offer.
The Kinsey studies (1947, 1953) found that 10-12% of men and women identify as gay or lesbian throughout their lives. More recent studies have found that 6-12% of men and women report engaging in same sex behavior during their lives . Same-sex intimate behavior is common, having been found in every known culture and in the animal world as well. LGBT people are found in every social, economic, racial, and religious group. They are our teachers, colleagues, friends, parents, and children. We all know a number of LGBT people, whether we are aware of it or not.
Myth #2: We know what “causes” homosexuality.
The research so far has proven only one thing—we don’t know what causes anybody’s sexual orientation. This myth has an interesting heterosexist slant.
Myth #3: Homosexuality is unnatural.
There are recorded observations of same sex behavior and gender fluidity throughout the animal kingdom (from seagulls and mares to primates) and from every known culture in the world.
Myth #4: Homosexuality is a mental illness.
The American Psychiatric Association voted in 1973 to remove homosexuality from their list of mental disorders because there is no evidence to substantiate this classification.
Myth #5: You can spot a gay man or lesbian women by the way they act and dress.
Gender roles do not determine sexual orientation. Many LGBT people are impossible to distinguish from straight and more gender normative individuals. There are some lesbians who dress in a very masculine way, some gay men who act in traditionally feminine ways, and many LGBT people who feel the freedom to explore a range of gender expression. They are also many gender normative LGBT people who “pass” unnoticed every day.
Myth #6: Gay people are not good parents as they introduce their children to their “lifestyle;” their children will grow up to be gay.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, studies comparing groups of children raised by homosexual and by heterosexual parents find no developmental differences between the two groups of children in four critical areas: their intelligence, psychological adjustment, social adjustment, and popularity with friends. It is also important to realize that a parent's sexual orientation does not dictate his or her children's.
Myth#7: Christians are united in their opposition to homosexual people and homosexuality.
There are a wide variety of opinions about homosexual persons among the various Christian denominations, and among individuals as well. Some religious groups interpret certain Biblical passages as injunctions against homosexuality, while others view these passages in the light of historical context, pointing out other passages Christians no longer take literally, such as those advocating slavery, dietary laws, and ritual purity laws. In addition many Christian denominations have issued statements condemning discrimination and prejudice against homosexual people, as have a number of Jewish and other religious groups. There are numerous congregations who welcome and affirm homosexual Christians as fully participating members of the body of Christ, with unique gifts to offer.