HOMOSEXUALITY
IS A DISORDER?

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Anyone can have lengthy discussions about whether homosexuality is a disorder or not. It really all depends on how the word "disorder" is implied. As the author of this editorial, I feel I should let the reader know about my own sexuality situation. I cannot consider myself a "straight" guy, but I still think that both scientifically and logically speaking, homosexuality is definitely a disorder in at least one way. I don't think there's anything 'gay' (merry) about it. I seem to be one of the few non-straight people that aren't up on a soap box calling for gay pride.

Homosexuality is a disorder?

Yes. But it depends. It can be argued that homosexuality is a disorder in at least one way. Many psychological and medical texts have renounced older statements that classify homosexuality as a disorder because the gay community spoke up and demanded they be rewritten. Of course, gays do not want to be thought of as "disordered". It goes against the whole "Gay Pride" initiative. As someone who is not straight, I would propose that the gay community recognize humility for means to bond as a group rather than to boastfully display gay pride. I think humble recognition of the disorder fact needs to be a priority. We can see from examining the following simple argument that homosexuality can be classified as a 'reproductive sexual disorder':

• (Premise 1): [In-order]
  One of the major functions of sexual relations and sexual intercourse is reproduction of the species.
  {Above is True and Valid}

• (Premise 2):
  Homosexuals typically have sex and sexual relations.
  {Above is True and Valid}

• (Premise 3): [Dis-order]
  No homosexual sexual activity can lead to the fulfillment of the sexual function known as 'reproduction'.
  {Above is True and Valid}
  -------------------------------------------------------------------

• (Conclusion): Therefore, Homosexuality is, at least in one way, a reproductive sexual disorder. {Therefore, True and Valid}

EPILOGUE COMMENTARY:
I think homosexuality can accurately be defined as a reproductive sexual disorder. By definition, it sounds like it may fall along the same lines as an infertile woman who can not reproduce. But these the two disorders can not really be compared because homosexuals can reproduce physically. Homosexual activity, on the other hand, can not cause reproduction, which is one of the main biological functions of sexual relations and love. I think this fact is unfortunate.

I received a lot of letters that assume the above argument means to say homosexuals are mentally or physically disordered. I would definitely argue to the contrary regarding these statements. As far as I can see, the fact that homosexuals can not reproduce through homosexual activity is the only way in which homosexuals have a 'disorder' or 'disadvantage'. It seems that homosexuals can carry on normal lives in almost every other way.

On the other side of this argument, I have had many correspondents counter-argue that homosexuality is not a disorder or a malady. Instead, they say: homosexuals can be thought of as a 'minority' -- in the same way as a minority of people have red hair or are left-handed. This can also be true, but homosexuals as a minority would still be at a reproductive disadvantage considering the results of their preferred sexual behaviors.

The author of Editorial #1 provides a series of premises leading to a conclusion. Let's examine them.

Premise 1: "One of the major functions of sexual relations and sexual intercourse is reproduction of the species."
This is a false premise. Sociological evidence indicates that the pleasure of the sex act has the effect of strengthening the bonds between two individuals. This is the primary function of the sex act. The production of children is a distant second effect as is evidenced by the number of sex acts that result in offspring compared to the number of sex acts that are related to relationship building and maintenance. With a false premise, any conclusion is invalidated.

Premise 2: "Homosexuals typically have sex and sexual relations."
From an analytical point of view that seeks to correlate behavior with disorders, one can only speak of the behavior. The use of the word "Homosexuals" does not describe a behavior, per se. A more careful rendering of the above might be "Homosexual behavior involves the sex act." However, this then is a tautology and is not, in fact, a premise from a logicians point of view. Hence, this premise should be discarded.

Premise 3: "No homosexual sexual activity can lead to the fulfillment of the sexual function known as 'reproduction'."
Again, the treatment of homosexual as a class of persons is not apt. Hence, saying "homosexual sexual activity" should more properly be worded as "homosexual activity." In addition, the statement is unclear as to what "can lead to fulfillment" means. As with heterosexual couples that are infertile, there are activities involving same-sex pairings that can lead to offspring including the activities of artificial insemination and others. Hence, this premise is false as well and equally invalidates any conclusion. Given that the premises are either false or tautological, the conclusion does not stand inspection and must be discarded.

For those interested in an academic and scientific analysis of this topic, there are many resources. For example, consider:
Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity, by Bruce Bagemihl -- ISBN 031225377X
This and other scholarly works provide a scientific basis for the evaluation of the behavior known as "homosexuality".

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SEXUALITY: Bisexual
GENDER: Female
TITLE: quityerbitchin

As a bisexual, I'm inclined to believe that most people are also bi to a certain extent. I think girls probably receive less discouragement (little girls are allowed to hold hands, play house, even kiss without most adults throwing a fit...little boys don't have that luxury. I've even seen grown men suffer near convulsions because their 2 month old boy received a lavendar bib, which everyone knows will make him gay!) The bottom line is you're attracted to who you're attracted to. You can fake it and be miserable, or accept it and be happy. There aren't really more homosexuals than there used to be, they just used to live in 'cover' marriages, or call themselves 'confirmed bachelors' or 'spinsters'. Now, thank God (yes, I said God), there is a little more freedom and acceptance, and not everyone feels the need to hide who they really are. And please, please, STOP the Bible thumping. Men wrote the Bible, and men decided which books to put in and which to leave out, and you damn well better believe that they put in the ones that matched their own opinions the best. God did not reach down out of the clouds and hand out nice leather-bound, gold edged editions and say "Here, this is exactly what I said and exactly what I think." That didn't happen. God doesn't hate fags. Paul hated fags. The end.

Editor's Notes: That was a nice rant. But not really on the topic of "disorder" or lack thereof.

SEXUALITY: Gay
GENDER: Female
TITLE: Homosexuality disorder by karategrl

I am a lesbian (and look I can type that despite the fact that most of you will freak out) and I can tell you PERSONALLY from a gay person's point of view that I did not CHOOSE to be this way. I did not choose to deal with ridicule, teasing, and unacceptance merely to love a person of the same gender. Why would I? It would have been easier to be straight but I wouldn't have been happy. I'm not into all the "gay pride" stuff either and to look at me, you'd have no idea I was gay. However, I am perfectly happy being gay and have long accepted it. I have long hair, and every now and then I will even wear makeup! You can tell me all you want that I chose to be this way, but you can't tell me that you know about what being gay is like more than a gay person! You can tell me all you want that I'm going straight to hell....but you know, I don't agree. However, my sexuality doesn't affect any of you. Stop focusing all your energy on worrying about other people's lives. If you're against homosexuality, here's an idea for ya.....don't go out with someone of the same sex! And leave the judging up to God!

Editor's Notes: I think the world is coming to realize homosexuality is not a choice. AND This page is not really about condemning or promoting homosexuality. It is about how we should acknowledge it and address those who have limitations because of it and why they have limitations because of it -- if they do at all.

SEXUALITY: Heterosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Homosexuality a choice?, by Anonymous

I was just wondering, if homosexuality is a choice or preference, as most religious people claim it to be, then why would anyone "choose" to be homosexual? Are gay people so stupid and ignorant that they're willing to risk being persecuted, alienated, and even disowned by their own parents? No. Gay people are subject to their own biology. They can't help being who they are just as I can't help being attracted to the opposite sex. I think any mature adult has the right to love another. It is a fundamental need to love and be loved. To deny another person from loving another simply based on a religious belief is cruel and in many ways quite arrogant. I think religious people need to open their eyes and see the reality of their actions. To condemn a person from simply being who they are is wrong, just as racism is wrong. We fear what we do not understand and sometimes we blindly act on our ignorance and claim that we are doing GOD's work. Come on, we are better than this. The Bible was written by men, not GOD himself!! GOD gave us a brain, I suggest we use it!!

Editor's Notes: Once again, this is not about Bible, condemnation, or promotion. It's about defining, acknowledging, and realizing.

SEXUALITY: Homosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: damocles

As I have got older, I have met an increasing number of other gay men who have had families, girlfriends etc, etc. Now, in older life, they feel more secure to admit to being gay. I have never had a problem about being gay (only about admitting it to others) but there is a HUGE amount of pressure out there either not to do it, or not to admit it. On a scale of gay/straight I am really at the gay end, but as a horny teenager I could have performed sex with just about anything. I never felt pressured to pretend to be straight by getting a girlfriend, so I never did, but I could have done it. The extraordinary thing about the statistic above, that gay identical twins have a 50% chance of their twin also being gay, is that it is so high given the pressure on people not to be gay. There is an element of choice, but only within the bounds of your nature. I think the interesting question is not whether homosexuality is a genetic condition, but why it persists given that it IS genetic. As a lot of people have said, on the face of it, being gay rather reduces your chances of having children. So there must be genetic advantages to being gay. Has anyone researched what they are? I can think of some possibilities. Gay men are often accused of having a very promiscuous life style. Is this a social result of being gay, or is it innate? If innate, then being naturally promiscuous might very well increase your chances of having children. Especially if the same gene in different combinations caused bisexuality rather than just homosexuality. Or produced especially promiscuous heterosexuals. Then there is the possibility of family help. Gay people may be more interested in helping relative's children rather than the ones they do not have themselves. Genetically speaking, this would give an advantage to people who had a gay uncle, cousin or whatever, which taken overall might be enough to compensate for the genetic disadvatage of being gay. Remeber, in theory your brother or sister could have as much in common with you genetically as your child. So if your help means that your brother has a big family, then your genes get passed on too. Then there is jut the rag bag mix of genes all interacting. Genes do a lot of different things, many of them bad in some respects but good in others. Homosexuality could be a side effect of a gene which has just about any good effect from long life to ability to metabolise certain poisons. Most likely it is a side effect of subtle changes to body chemistry from many interacting genes doing different but desirable things.

Editor's Notes: I doubt those advantages balance out the disadvantges. In addition, stereotypical gay male promiscuity is not generally seen in the lesbian population. I also don't think it is all that genetic. Why aren't 100% of the twins gay? It seems to mean there must be an additional non-genetic factor playing a role.

SEXUALITY: Straight
GENDER: Male
TITLE: All of you, way off! - Moral Majority

All you guys care about is "freedom" and the "right" to do this or that. What you really want is to do whatever you please! From that point of view anything is arguable. You could topple any stablishd rule. Remember when you were in school? You did drugs. There is nothing good about that. It is dead wrong and you know it. You slept around. You had sex this this one and that one and that other one and you did all these things because you live in a free country and you cand do whatever you please, right? WRONG. The world is really becomming a messed up place beacuse of this way of thinking. You can not do whatever you please! You can't, for example have sex with your parents and hey, just because it's a free world, and I have the right, bla, bla, bla, MAKE it right. All this egocentric crap about "it's my body", "I have the right...", etc. is demeaning us more and more. This has nothing to do with religion. It is just plain common sense! Has the moral majority lost the ability to condem what is not right? We are all too scared to be labeled biggots or be seen as discriminating against this or that group. The homosexual act is a filthy thing. Don't have to be a genius to know it is dirty, filthy, stinky. Just analize what is going on, specially men. What comes out your behind? That is not meant for what you do with it. Are you a friggin idiot? Did you all see how the soldiers posed the Iraqui prissoners? Naked, piled on top of one another? Like they were homos? Filthy and disgusting, eh? Yeah, I understand you did not choose to be this way. You were born this way. If you study mental diseases you will learn of chemical imbalances in the brain. How brutal murdering rapists can be put at a more normal level with hormones. How ranting schitzophrenics can become normal again. Perhaps homosexuals could be helped to become straight again with the use of drugs (not coke or marihuana you pot heads!). It is all about chemicals and how they affect our brains. It is not about freedom, it is not about having the "right". It is all about how chemicals in our organism are afecting our brains. Chemically balanced brains have normal thoughts. When you start doing things out of the norm, you aren't balanced. And just as there is a general consensus about simple things as what smells bad, and what is ugly and what is filthy just let common sense tell you that what you sometimes do is not right and that you do NOT have the right to do it just because you are an American!

Editor's Notes:

(1) Scratch [HERE ] to smell vagina. Scratch [HERE] to smell penis. ---- It's all stinky.

(2) I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all. -- (I think we're supposed to take that part about "Liberty" very seriously.)

(3) Like they it says on the New Hampshire license plate -- "Live Free or Die"

(4) I don't understand why it is that people who call themselves the "Moral Majority" are neither moral nor the majority.

(5) One more thing... Homosexuals, marijuana, and soldiers positioning of Iraqi prisoners really have nothing to do with each other at all.

SEXUALITY: Bisexual
GENDER: Female
TITLE: to 'all of you, way off'

I did not do drugs or sleep around while in school...not while out of school. AND...think about what comes out of your penis. Piss! Yuck! Oh my god, I've been letting someone put a pissy penis inside of me! Jesus, guess I'll have to stick with women on a permanent basis. Thank you for helping me see the errors of my ways. Looks like women with women is the only clean sex. Sorry guys, guess you'll have to make do with your own well-scrubbed hands.

Editor's Notes: I was reading a website on sexual synonyms the other day, and some of the top ranked synonyms for vagina were "seething gash", "open wound", "tainted tuna town", and "crab city".   Therefore, I think it is safe to say all sexual organs and what comes out of them are not exactly the most sanitary places on earth -- penis and vagina included.

SEXUALITY: Other
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Fithy too

Gay women are filthy too. But not as bad as men. This is not a gender thing. It is a sense of smell thing. Poopoo always smelt worse than peepee!

Editor's Notes: But only about 60% of gay men prefer anal sex. The other 40% are just as gay, but a lot less into the Poopoo area.

SEXUALITY: Homosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: MY view -- Justin

I am gay, no two ways about it. I never chose this. I never wanted this. If I could change it, I would. But I can't. I've tried many many things to get rid of this. However, nothing works. Therefore, by personal experience, I have deemed that homosexuality it OBVIOUSLY not a choice. End of story.

Editor's Notes: Yes, you are correct sir. However, some people have made the change-over, although not everyone can change and maybe not everyone should want to change.
Nobody chooses to be deaf either. However, many deaf adults say their lives are enriched so much by their experience and their challenges from being deaf and their camaraderie with the deaf community, that they wouldn't have it any other way. But then there are other deaf people who try to correct their deafness or their child's deafness with a new contraption called the cochlear implant. Then, there are still other deaf people who want the implant, but find out that the new contraption will not work for them (for a number of different possible reasons).

SEXUALITY: Virgin
GENDER: Male
TITLE: 14 Male

Although there is nothing wrong with homosexuality I do, in fact, think it is a disorder. The proof for this can be found within the basic princaple: The sexual act of reproduction is for procreation, and in no way can homosexual sex create a baby. Although I personally do not have any problems with gays, it is disorder just as something like ADD or MS would be.

Editor's Notes: Young man, I think you may be the winner! Although, to be on the safe side, I would have to change what you said when you wrote, "the sexual act of reproduction is for procreation" to "one of the major functions of the sexual act is reproduction and procreation"... and it is one major job that a homosexual couple can not get done unless they seek outside resources for help... like a surrogate mother, an adoption agency, or artificial insemination. Let's fact it, if you lock 100 gay men in a room, you can force them to have sex a million times, but nobody is going to walk out of that room pregnant.

SEXUALITY: Other
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Post-gay

I have been extremely disappointed in the responses thus far to this topic, so will offer my own two cents in hopes that some will appreciate a different perspective. (1) I will first say that to all of those (for and against homosexuality) that believe it is a choice: it is most often NOT a choice. There has been limited but valid scientific research on the subject and it shouldn't be hard to find if you are interested. I believe that the reason research is so limited is because the religious right/social majority or norm will not allow it. The fact that homosexuality "could" be a normal reaccuring thing in nature would challange these peoples' ideals/power. (2) I believe that the notion of homosexuality is NOT a disorder, as the editor suggests. To challange his criteria, I only need question premise 1 - "whose" definition is this? It obviously discounts many groups, not just homosexuals - if one aggrees with this premise, they must also agree with the notion that anyone having sexual relations without the possibility of reproduction (i.e. older couples and those with reproductive failure) are also disordered. As a homosexual man, I feel reluctant to classify myself as gay. I do not participate in "pride" events or have more than one gay friend - although I do respect those putting in effort for equal rights. I feel that the "gay community" is particularly flawed, as a direct effect of being marginalized by society. Many homosexuals have certain personality flaws (myself included) from being developed under heterosexist norms and later realizing their true sexual identity. I feel that this most often leads to "disorder" behavior, which rather than being homosexual itself, is demonstrated more by men who won't or are not able to come to terms with their sexuality because of societal pressure, expressing their sexuality in anonymous or dangerous settings.

Editor's Notes: You're right for the most part. Except for two things. (1) I doubt the religious right/social majority has the capacity to not allow studies about whether homosexuality is a choice or not. That type of conspiracy would need to have everyone involved in agreement. Conspiracies that large are very rare because they are difficult. I think the problem is that most people do understand what it would mean if it were officially proven that homosexuality is not a choice. It's not a choice. You can see my commentary below for more on that. (2) Just because something is a disorder, does not mean that it can not also be a natural phenomenon. To be an albino is quite natural in humans and other species, but it's also a disorder. Those with reproductive failure also do have a disorder, the problem is called "infertility", and there are a variety of treatments for it.

SEXUALITY: Heterosexual
GENDER: Female
TITLE: a choice

Are there actual proof that homosexuality is a choice? It can't be proven at least not yet because ONE experiment isn't enough. It's only a theory/hypothesis because each experiment has only been done once! Just because you heard one experiment says homosexuality isn't a choice doesn't mean it's true. I see all these comments about one experiment.

Editor's Notes: It's not a choice. While growing up, nobody... ABSOLUTELY NOBODY chooses to feel like (or be) the only gay kid in a junior high school classroom, school bus, gym class, or neighborhood. The feeling drives many of them to suicide, drug/alcohol addiction, or mental trauma.
Does the stupidity gene correlate with the heterosexual gene or something? But seriously... Maybe heterosexuals just don't think any of this trough because it was never an important issue that weighed heavy on their minds.

SEXUALITY: Homosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Reaction is not choice. Joe

I speak with the experience of a senior citizen. I think it is logical to judge that homosexual activity involves free choice. However, homosexuality as a disposition is not a matter of choice. I cannot choose not to feel attraced or aroused by a man, but I can choose whether to act upon it. Each activity is a moral choice, though the mere desire itself is not subject to moral judgement. It seems that usually the self-righteous religionists cannot distinguish between a tendency and a practice. They condemn homosexual people who may be celibate. On the other hand, it seems that many "gays" think they are entitled to behave promiscuously just because they have queer feelings; as though their condition makes them special, exempt from requirements of chastity, and given a license to behave without censure. People of this mind do, indeed, have a disorder. A man who is married absolutly has no right to commit a homosexual act just because he fancies himself "gay" and thus excused from decent morality. My personal opinion as a homosexual, is that homosexuality is a result of conditioning and early childhood experience. This is an opinion based on experience over the years. I feel that activity between single males is no more blameworthy than sex between a man and woman who are single. Promiscuity is morally degenerate regardless of the sexual orientation.

Editor's Notes: Are you the only one on this page with an IQ above 100?   The only thing you didn't mention was the possibility of the moral union of marriage between two men or two women.

SEXUALITY: Heterosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Homos

It is a disorder, obviously. Just like paedophilia. Some people are psychologically addicted to children as sexual objects. Some people lean toward other species. Some people lean toward other people of the same sex. It is SELF-EVIDENT that a vagina and penis are in natural harmony with each other. Everything else is a stimulation and nothing more. Masturbation, bestiality, etc...only masturbation is the safest route. Bestiality, necrophilia, homosexuality all seem to be disease-ridden or at least contribute to horrible medical conditions including anal tearing, extreme hemorrhoids, and stds. Heterosexual monogamy may not be the most pleasurable way to live, but it seems to be the safest (if you want to still have sex without relying solely on masturbation). The vagina is lubricated naturally, the penis is a natural "fit". There are plenty of sexual positions to experiment with. Just as there are therapies for kiddie lovers, there should be for queer love as well. And they are not "gay". Gay means happy. They are not Homo...that simply means a "human". They are not fags. Fags are cigarettes or sticks. They are queer. Strange, deviation from the norm. They are QUEER. Let's get it straight! (no pun intended)

Editor's Notes: How exactly did all those kids get born with AIDS? I think that was usually from penis-vagina sex.

In addition, those other things you mentioned like "pedophillia" and "beastiality" happen to have victims while homosexuality in and of itself does not.

And also, I know plenty of penis-vagina couples that are no where near "harmony".

SEXUALITY: Bisexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Lack of bi men.

As the first bi guy to post here. It does not matter if it´s a disorder or not. I have low opinion on monosexuality for excluding bisexuality from practically everything revolving sexuality, latest example from the local gay pride magazine where the writers ignored it 100%. There was only heterosexual, homosexual and transgendered. It may be a disorder I´m not sure but then if it is a disorder than bisexuality might be partially disordered but how can more ability be a disability? As I said I have low opinion on monosexuality and personally I think monosexuality is a disorder :p

Editor's Notes: Don't worry, soon the homosexual pride organizations will figure out they they will have more opportunities for sexual partners if they include bisexuals in their political agenda. Most major cities already have "GLBT" (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) community club houses.

SEXUALITY: Heterosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Male

i believe that there are many gay men and women in the world who are truly gay, but I also believe there are fakers in the crowd as well. ones who do it more for attention. just like the crowd theory that people lose sight of their own morals and beliefs to go with a crowd. not to say that being gay is immoral, more power to ya, but there are definately those who arent truly gay, and more of attention hogs. on the issue of gay marriage, isnt marriage traditionally for raising children? just a thought to add into the mix. gays can adopt but it is not the norm for gay couples to have children and act like a normal(heterosexual) family.(correct me if you find a stat or something, nothing personal like "ive been raising kids with my partner for..." but a stat about it) final thought: could someone tell me when the medical dictionary stopped listing homosexuality as a mental defect, im doing a report on homosexual rights in the 70's and 80's... thanks.

Editor's Notes: I think faking gayness and faking bisexuality is a very recent phenomenon; it's kind of a new way to be rebellious against the "norm".
Oh, and it wasn't the medical dictionary that stopped listing homosexuality. It was the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders --- AND also, that book never listed homosexuality itself as a disorder. It listed people who had problems dealing with their homosexuality as having a mental disorder. In other words, the book used to say that if people were having problems functioning due to homosexuality, they could be helped by a mental health professional. Now that they removed it, most psychiatrists will not help people deal with accepting their homosexuality because it has no diagnostic code and therefore can not be billed as a medical condition. I know because I have been to many doctors, and I have acquired a degree in the wonderfully pathetic field of modern psychology.

SEXUALITY: Straight
GENDER: Male
TITLE: THINK OF IT A DISABILITY

You want people to love you and try to understand your feelings. If you are Gay, you can not have a normal life. You can not reproduce. Sorry. Blame it on someone who did something to you when you were growing up. You were not born thinking about having sex with anyone. Sexual identity is something you learn as you grow up. If you do not have the thoughts, hormones, or body parts you need to be a man or a woman, you are disabled.

Editor's Notes: In reality, blame it on the same-sex peers and classmates from ages 5 to 11 years old. Those are the people who influence us the most just before puberty. They either cause us to feel accepted into the straight world, or else we continually seek that acceptance from them well into puberty causing sexual feelings towards the same sex throughout the adult life. What makes this difficult to prove is the fact that every person requires a different quantity of "feeling accepted" in a sociosexual way. To all outward appearances, future gay kids might look like they fit in and are accepted just fine. In fact, many of them feel perfectly acceptable and accepted by their peers at that age. But that does not necessarily indicate what is going on in the subconscious development of the mind and the physiological development of the body. After all, something causes people to be straight. Something must cause people to be gay also. Then, there is a little bit of both that must cause some people to be somewhere in between 100% straight and 100% gay. My theory is better than most because it can account for both genetic and enviornmental influences.
What if, someday, non-invasive interventions could be conducted with kids this age who had symptoms of possible future homosexuality?

SEXUALITY: Heterosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Open2Reason

Reading these editorials, it is obvious to me that many have no idea about what human sexuality is all about. While it is true that the primary purpose for sexuality is reproduction, this is only one of it's functions. As others have noted it serves to bond individuals. One must differentiate between homosexual behavior and homosexuality. Homosexual behavior serves a number of social functions. It reduces potentially deadly competition among males and it serves to bond both males and females. If one wishes to fully experience the meaning of maleness, one can do no better for oneself than to engage with sexual activity with males. Many of us do this from time-to-time and we are not gay. While we may endulge in same-sex contact, our base preference is for females. It is the female we seek as our primary outlet for sexual expression and with whom we choose to share our lives. Some people choose to call those of us who engage in same-sex behavior "bisexual," but this is an artificial term; one designed to pigeon-hole us into some arbitrary system of behavioral categorization. In reality, we are sexual creatures and we use sexual conact for a number of social, psychological, emotional and spiritual reasons. When I first decided to explore the homosexual urges I had felt off and on my entire life, I was in my late 20s. It precipitated a crisis in my life and left me wondering if I was a gay man so far back in the closet that I couldn't come out even to myself. This crisis destroyed my marriage. As it turns out, it was destroyed for no reason. After talking to many, many gay men and exploring my own capacity for homosexual contact, I had to conclude that while I could derive quite a bit of physical and emotional gratification from homosexual contact, I was not, in fact, homosexual. Given 10 choices for sexual encounters, I would choose a woman eight times. More importantly, I came to understand that I would never develop romanitc feelings for a man. What I felt for men with whom I had sex was more like brotherhood and an intimate sharing of our maleness. Is homosexuality something one is born with and have no choice about? Or is it an abnormality? Based on my experience, the experiences of other men like myself, the scores of gay men have have talked to in depth about their own experiences, and the various scientific researches on the subject, I conclude that homosexual behavior is quite normal. Preferential exclusive homosexuality, however, is not. I cannot see that it serves any biological, emotional, spiritual or social function. I now believe that exclusive homosexuals suffer from a psychosexual maladjustment. Homosexuality is a problem with identity. If one chooses not to idendify as a homosexual, honestly and earnestly seeks the cause of his or her maladjustment and comes to terms with it, and opens him/herself to the possibility that they can experience and dervie gratification from heterosexual contact, one can lead a fulfillng heterosexual life. Likewise, heterosexuals can take a similar approach to learn that their same-sex urges are normal. They also can expand the richness of their life by experiencing their own gender in an intimate way, and, as a byproduct, learn more about themselves.

Editor's Notes:

(1) Homosexuality reduces deadly competition among males? Never thought of that one before. But since 53% of the world is female and there are far more gay men than lesbian women, there are plenty of women to go around. In addition, some males will always end up fighting over the stupid girls that like to see that sort of thing as they refuse to pick a man.

(2) After you wrote your first sentence, did you apply it to yourself?

SEXUALITY:
GENDER:
TITLE: Jag kan alla dagar från 27e och framåt plus juldagen.

TWO OTHER STUPID DEDUCTIONS 1. One of the major functions of sexual relations and sexual intercourse is reproduction of the species. 2. Masturbators typically have sex and sexual relations. 3. No masturbation can lead to the fulfillment of the sexual function known as 'reproduction'. Conclusion: Therefore, masturbators suffer, at least in one way, from a reproductive sexual disorder. 1. One of the major functions of sexual relations and sexual intercourse is reproduction of the species. 2. People who don't want to have children typically have sex and sexual relations. 3. No one who bastains from having children will fulfill of the sexual function known as 'reproduction'. Conclusion: Therefore, people who don't want children suffer, at least in one way, from a reproductive sexual disorder.

Editor's Notes: You could be onto something there in your conclusion. However, the rest of your statements are not calculating.

SEXUALITY: Straight
GENDER:
TITLE: Not important-James

There shouldn't be a big deal with the question Is Homosexuality A Disorder Or By Choice? The real fact is that homosexuality is for the sake of sexual intercourse. Not "really" for true love of somebody or reproduction, but for sex. Men and WOMEN interract for the sake of, of course, having sex, but also for love and children. Homosexuals could be in it for love, but not really. They never have intentions of continuing their family name because its impossible, unless they adopt. It would be quite shocking to see a gay couple get married as virgins. It really would. No one can deny that. But it isn't nearly as uncommon to see a man and woman couple get married as virgins. That is all.

Editor's Notes: You have obviously never taken the time to ask a group of gays and lesbians how many of them would like to have children. Also, are you totally oblivious to the fact that gays and lesbians fight for their right to get married and/or adopt children? AND.... Do you have ANY idea how many ophans would be eternally grateful for the parental love that a homosexual couple could give them if it were legal and acceptable in society?

SEXUALITY: Homosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Sex only for Reproduction? Ronn

Homosexuality is genetic. You have more chance of changing the color of your eyes than changing your sexual preference. It is just another variant of human sexuallity. If sex was only for reproduction, we humans would follow the same patern as animals who have sex only for reproduction. Women would go into heat once a year, and we males would all get horny, have sex and thereafter not be interested in sex for the rest of the year. The fact is that humans want and can have sex all year round. Trying to put sexual preference into gay straight boxes is redundant. Human sexuallity is much more complicated. Humans need touch and intimacy and have a deep need of physical and sexual contact with someone else.We are now finding that animals also display gay behaviour. Yet their fellow species do not attack them or eject them from the pride, herd or flock. If a man masturbates, he is handling a penis and obviously with much pleasure. So are masturbaters gay? When it comes to sexuallity, religion and biophysics are at odds. Why do males have nipples that are obvious erogenous, When we men don't breast feed our children. Why is the anus surrounded by hundreds of pleasure nerves? Why does having your prostate massaged by another mans penis feel so good? Why do straight men love performing oral sex on women? Why do straight men love having oral sex performed on them? No one will get pregnant that way for sure. So is that then a deviant sexual act? We as a nation are so brain-washed about sex. Yet after hunger, it is the strongest natural urge we experience. Yet sex is wrapped up in shame and guilt and a lot of anger too. Each persons needs are different from the other. Why should anyone want to regulate the sexual behaviour of others to conform to their own. That is not what the human race is about.

Editor's Notes: An hard-core alcoholic has a greater chance of getting a PhD than they have at getting sober. Interestingly enough, many drunks manage to do it anyway (i.e., get sober). Of course, only a few desire a PhD after they get sober, but some of them get that too!

SEXUALITY: In-Between
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Some Food for Thought

There appears to be a growing belief that homosexuality is specifically about sex. If this were even remotely true (which is most assuredly is not), then the same could be said of heterosexuality. After all, they both end in "sexuality", do they not? The fact of the matter is that heterosexuality is far more commonplace than homosexuality. This hardly classifies homosexuality as being "unnatural", "abnormal", or a "disorder". Red hair occurs less frequently then does blonde or brunette. Is red hair abnormal? Those who adhere to the more heavily evangelical sects of the Middle Eastern religious philosophies (Judeo-Christianity and Islam) tend to focus solely upon written accord and the interpretation of the same by clergy, completely ignoring other philosophies around the world where the acceptance of homosexual relations are more commonplace. Perhaps in the desert regions of Israel and Judaea, such relations were scorned as they needed to ensure the continuation of their respective peoples, and homosexual relations does not allow for reproduction. Perhaps the clergy merely hated homosexuals and wrote that they were abominable to God. Perhaps James VI of Scotland, later to be crowned King James I of England, had it written into the Bible that these things were sinful because he, himself, was a closeted homosexual who was ashamed of his own feelings. We may never know why one region of the world took such offense at homosexuality as to decree loudly and publicly that God hated it, but it is well known that the rest of the entire planet didn't have these feelings. They may not have fully agreed with the practice, but it was understood that these feelings against were on a personal level, not on a Divine level. Many heterosexuals will state that homosexuality isn't about emotional love in any way. It was even mentioned on this forum. My question? How would they know when they're not homosexual? I have numerous friends who are homosexual who have unequivocally stated otherwise. Homosexuality exists. Labeling it something won't make it go away. It's not a psychological disorder and the DSM-V even states such. It is not a "lifestyle choice" as who in their right mind would choose to be immediately ostracized by a bigoted society, scorned, ridiculed, and have their basic human rights stripped away from them by the president? It just...is. You can either accept it or not, but DON'T try to make everyone else accept your views on the matter just because you, yourself, are appalled by it. I am appalled by rap. Should I ensure that others feel it's a disorder and something to be removed? Should two people who like rap be allowed to marry? Should rap be allowed in our schools? Should someone who listens to rap be allowed to adopt? Food for thought.

Editor's Notes: Knowing and having studied as many gay men as I have, I think it is safe to say that a Homosexual life is more about sex than a Heterosexual life both in the mind and the practice. Would a 100% straight guy even think about starting a web page like this? I doubt it.

SEXUALITY: In-Between
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Correction to the above

The statement, "You can either accept it or not, but DON'T try to make everyone else accept it just because you, yourself, are appalled by it" should have been "You can either accept it or not, but DON'T try to make everyone else accept your views on the matter just because you, yourself, are appalled by it." My bad. Typing ahead of my thoughts.

Editor's Notes: Don't worry. I just fixed that right up for you!

SEXUALITY: Homosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Shame.

Let's simply be frank, I see most of this crap comes from us "Americans" -- Get over yourself, and pull your religion out of your ass you bible-thumpers. It is -not- a disorder, however, it is not societally normal. I want you to notice "societally" and realize, there is no 'normal.' There's society's version. Depending on where you are, and who you are with declares normallity. Since the beggining of man there were gay people, however, constraints of moral correctness forced them to be who they are not. I am gay, and let me tell you what, I've been with women. Don't think I haven't. I know what it's like on both sides of the fence, what people need to stop and realize is it's not your life, and it's definately none of your business. Though, I presume since we're "Americans" we have all the right in the world to break out the divine intervention and "fix" everybody else. Sex, is nasty. Not gay sex, not anal sex, not sex while you're wearing plastic HAZMAT suits. There is no one sex that is clean. Heterosexual sex consists of pleasure between two or more people, solely, or reproductivly. You choose what you want. I date and have sex with men because I love them. I love the way they think, act, walk, and talk. I don't love men because of their penises or sexual positions. Realize, a relationship is defined as a romantic involvement. I didn't read "vaginal sex and a quick call to the stork." So, in conclusion to my ramblings, homosexually is a selective societally diagnosed disorder, but not a human nor natural disorder. OH! And, uh, don't forget to say please and thanks or I'll have to declare you have a disorder, in accordance to society. THANKS, Terry.

Editor's Notes: Can you explain why I can look at 10 facial photographs of men and pick out which ones, if any, claim to be gay and also claim to be "proud" of it? Why would the physical facial features of many gay men have certain things in common? Also, what about common voices? Common gaits? Sure there are exceptions to what I have just said, but there are also MANY non-exceptions.

SEXUALITY: Heterosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Who is correct? You need only read the articles to answer THAT one!

Have you noticed that EVERY SINGLE ONE of the articles that present homosexuality as anything OTHER than a "disorder" are well-thought, well-written pieces with few containing any form of vulgarity or insulting wording? Now, have you noticed that EVERY SINGLE ONE of the articles that CONDEMN homosexuality are biggoted, hate-filled diatribes that all scream that it is a "sin" against God and that it's disgusting? I think that this should indicate just WHO is correct, and who is talking out of a different orafice.

Editor's Notes: If you read the first article on the page it says homosexuality is a disorder, but it does not condemn it. That's because it is realistic. The basis for the theory comes from not only personal experience but also an in-depth sociological longitudinal study of 107 homosexual males and 39 lesbians from a gay community center in a major North American city. Number of people (n) = 107 + 39 = (146) as of July 14, 2005 and continuing to gather more participants.

SEXUALITY:
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Interesting Side Note

I think it's worth mentioning that those who seem to think Homosexuality is disordered, deviant practice on balance seem to consider themselves Heterosexual and those that, on balance, seem to think there is a natural component or at least have fewer problems with Homosexuality consider themselves to be Bisexual or Homosexual. More than anything, I think everyone's personal view on the subject is shaped by their history and their own sexual orientation. It's hard to understand or identify with something you're not or will never have to face. Period. Homosexuality is no more a disorder than left-handedness or red hair. Both of which are in the vast minority. All the screams one way or another are nothing more than emotional gobbledygook coming from the same personality types that at one point in history professed the world to be flat, Africans were less than human and women shouldn't have the right to vote.

Editor's Notes: Well, I think it is a disorder, not necessarily deviant, and I am not straight. I'm just what you might call "honest". In addition, I use the words as a disorder--disability--disadvantage synonym chain. So, that might not be what the word "disorder" conjures up in many people's minds. To all the homosexuals filled with pride and self-centeredness, that might mean there could be a "cure" someday -- UtOh!

SEXUALITY: Homosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: ZOMG! The genes!

Genetically, 2 nieces or nephews is roughly equal to one son or daughter. Much as menopause allows for the care of, and help for survival of ones genes, a gay individual can help to raise their sibling's children, and pass on their genes.

Editor's Notes: They can also artificially inseminate or become surrogates/sperm-donors, kind of like people often do that have the disorder known as "infertility".

SEXUALITY: Gay
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Choice vs. Freedom

Someone earlier started to say something that I thought was right on the mark, and then he began to veer off target. Our society would be a lot better off if we came to two realizations. First, a person may be more or less predisposed to be straight or gay, but clearly there is plenty of choice in how someone acts. A straight guy might jerk off with a high school buddy. That doesn't make him gay, but it is a matter of choice. Similarly, a 24 year old gay man might go out on a date with a female coworker and they might even have sex, but that doesn't make him straight. So that's point one. Secondly, in both cases above there is an excercise of free choice. I believe both cases to be within the bounds of standard social behavior. (We're not talking about choosing to kill the neighbor's cat or to sock our boss in the face.) As a society we need to respect each other's choices, that is, as long as these choices are responsible. Sex improves the quality of life. Only an extreme prude would want to forbit it. For one man to love another and for the two of them to find consensual pleasure in each other's body is a choice that is afforded us by our constitution. It is a responsible pursuit of happiness. For me, I leave the genetics aspect to the scientists and say that I know for sure there is some predisposition involved. I just wish as a society, America would get over it's problem with two people of the same sex who express their love THE SAME WAY people of the opposite sex do.

Editor's Notes: Freedom? Are you a Libertarian? Find out in about two minutes by taking the quiz at http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html

SEXUALITY: Homosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: homosexual

homosexuality is not a disorder it is a kind of love and a relationship of the two bodies with the smeel of love and romance

Editor's Notes: That is right, but the little swimmy things in the semen called "sperm" actually do have a functional biological purpose.

SEXUALITY: Homosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: It's Not A Choice, By Mike

It took me a long time to come to terms with being homosexual. I had always been taught it was wrong and against nature. Being homosexual wasn't a choice that I made, it is something that I am. If I could make the choice, I would choose to be heterosexual because it is easier. You don't get bullied being 'straight'. Before I came to terms with being homosexual I tried all sorts to convince I wasn't, God I even tried suicide. Now I have accepted what I am. It wasn't a choice I made, the choice was made for me before I was even born. Why is it then that these heterosexuals say we are diseased and wrong? Do they think we would go through this anguish and self-hatred if we could make the choice. My partner is going the same thing at the moment, he has admitted he is homosexual and that he is in love with me...but he is having difficulty accepting it. Why does society have to put people through this? I want to help him but I don't know how. I can only be there for him. I blame all those bigotted heterosexuals who are so scared of something that they dont understant, they label it as being wrong. Well your way of thinking is wrong. hy are you concerned what other people are doing? Just mind your own business. Let us live our lives the way we were born to live them and stop persecuting us.

Editor's Notes: Neigher Disease nor Disorder are equal to Wrong.

In your partner's case (and many others), I think it is clear across the board that it has never been easy to be in the minority of anything -- whether it be politics, sexuality, or ethnicity.

SEXUALITY: Homosexual
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Some interesting Thoughts

The most interesting question in any debate is always the same, does the answer matter. in this case probably not, but since it's started I might as well add my thoughts. (1)Weather sexual orientation is based on nature or nurture is barely relevent, psycology and genetics are complex systems, and are subject to chaos theory. we can not control the characteristics of either. (2)Morality is a purly subjective concept, and has no place in deciding what is or is not a mental disorder. (3)The person who said 'They are not Homo...that simply means a "human".' is an idiot, it means same, identical or similar. (4)Homosexual activites have been documented in over 400 speices, including primates, dogs, swans, lions and pidgeons. So the "it's unnatural" aguement is worthless. (5)In modern times marriage is about more than religion and raising a familly, it affects the legal and financial status of those it joins, such as with tax and inheritance. (6)There is no evidence to support the idea that homophobia is the natual state of human biology. If fact th evidence suggests it to be based on social pressures, and could be classified as a disorder in its own right. (7)Dyslexia is a disorder, but I have never heard such venom directed at me for that, this seems to be a double standerd. (8)Recently a christien told me that I am evil and condeming myself to hell. first of all I'm an atheist, so do not belive in hell. Secondly I would like to point out that the bible says "judge not lest ye be judged", so if hell exists I'll see him there. Thirdly being called evil by a follower of a religion thats killed more people then cholera seems like a bad joke. Finaly I do not feel shame or pride in my sexuality, I would not choose to be gay, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it. So why does everyone else?

Editor's Notes: Sigmund Freud is not famous because he had all the right answers. He is famous because he was the first one to ask the questions (or at least the first to gain world-wide notoriety for asking them).

SEXUALITY: Gay
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Purpose of sex? by John

In this day and age of overpopulation and the escalating damage it is causing our planet, safe gay sex should be encouraged, not condemned. The true disorder is encouraging, promoting and subsidizing overbreeding, which can be defined as producing more than one or two children. The constant forcing of heterosexism down everyones' throats, including but not limited to depictions of soft-core bedroom scenes and portrayals of families with more than one or two children on billboards, prime time TV, radio, in movies, books, magazines, advertizing and other media is a truly dispicable disorder.

Editor's Notes: I can see the headline now... "Gay Sex Prevents Global Warming through Population Controls - But Lesbian Cloning Counteracts Effects"

SEXUALITY: Straight
GENDER: Male
TITLE: HOMOSEXUALITY and Life extinction

While I support the gays' right and acknowledge that they are a minority that must not be discriminated against. I wonder what happens if everyone becomes gay or homosexual. The consequence - the human life on earth will be extinct within the next 150 years - extinction will be the consequence. PLEASE everybody think about this with open mind and reply to this message.

Editor's Notes: Don't worry... Too many straight guys out there like to get all up inside a woman because it feels good. In addition, many gay men make families with lesbian women as "family contracts". This happens more often than any statistic or survey can count because they appear to be normal families to someone looking at the "outsides" and "products" (children) of their lives.

SEXUALITY: Straight
GENDER: Male
TITLE: Homo Editorial By-LILJ

NO, I DONT think homosexuality is a disorder....Y?, because YOU choose to like smae sex, there comes a point where enterin puberty you'll discover that you hav feelings fro both MEN and WOMEN, and if u fall weak to the feeling toward same sex, and continue to like them and just ignore the feelings toward the opposite sex that's because U chose to do so. You could have easily liked both men and women, and then when the feelings go, then you would go back to opposite sex, . So if you are homo its because you chose to fall to the feelings for the same sex, WHEN you had feelings for BOTH during puberty. Most ppl who go throught puberty have BOTH, but the men (for the men), or the women (for the women)think they are attracted to the same sex when in reality they are attracted to BOTH, but don't realize it because feelings for same sex is just stronger (but its just a phase DONT fall for it it will go away, and you will be attracted to opposiste sex again), and just fall weak to the SAME sex

Editor's Notes: I don't know about all that stuff you said. But there does come a point in your life when you can choose to learn how to write a proper paragraph (or at least try). One of the nasty widespread stereotypes of blatant heterosexuals is "stupidity". Maybe you and the others can put your heads together to try to reduce that stereotype in the future.

Just a quick word to voice an opinion. Whether homosexuality is a disorder or not should not really be under scrutiny anymore. Gays have always existed and always will exist, amongst humans and also in the animal kingdom. Anyone closed minded and primitive enough to still believe it deserves condemnation deserves to be condemned, this is the 21st century and i believe that acceptance for all is the way forward. I know a lot of straight people who go out to my local gay scene simply because they find it more appealing and safer than the typically straight bars and nightclubs, the atmosphere is more relaxed and people have a good time without the drunken violence so prevalent in this country (uk) after nights of binge drinking. They know that if a gay man comes on to them, all they have to do is let their sexuality be known and all will be well. I am personally glad to be 'disordered' if that is the label we are now going to use. Accepting the fact that i am a gay man has brought me happiness and more good times than i thought were possible in my life. I only hope that one day i can style myself the way i choose and get no abuse from people who all look like sports wear clones!! Think i've gone on with myself a bit there but it's a sensitive issue for anybody. To conclude, I don't really care what homosexuality is classed as....... It's here to stay for the now so people need to get used to it and live and let live! xx

Some are still attempting to define homosexuality as a disease. Let them move forward. Once passed in any region -- local, state or federal -- take full advantage of employment protection legislation and related compliance including Medicaid and workers compensation. They can call us names but it's going to cost them. Big.

I agree that homosexuality may be a disorder, however the bible does say that A sick man who prays to god will be healed, so the disorder can be overcome with god's help.

1) Homo means MAN if you use the latin or SAME if you use the greek. When talking about sex we use the greek and when defining the human species we use the latin. Don't get them confused please.
You are correct in number (1) as clearly stated at the following: http://www.yourdictionary.com/library/homo.html

2) Those who pronounce upon things they have never experienced cannot have any kind of realistic insight. No matter how well they are researched, nothing equates to experience.
I don't know who you are referring to in number (2), but I know it isn't the author of first editorial on the page (me). This page was not initially created on the basis of research. It was created on the basis of personal experience.

3) If we consider the main or only purpose of sex to be reproduction then NO masturbation, NO oral sex, NO wanking by your female partner etc.
There is no larger purpose for those activities other than recreational feel-goodism for the individual. I'm not saying those things are morally or ethically wrong. It's just not necessary to do any of those things in order to carry out the true biological function of sex.

4) Little has been said here about the positive advantages of having homosexuality (or any other kind of sexuality barring heterosexuality) in society.
The advantages to the individual are not being mentioned here because it is not the topic of the page in any way.

Additional Editor's Notes: I don't think any of these points are in line with the original argument presented on this page. These are just diluted criticism from my responses to other people who have made statements that are also not in line with the original arugment presented on this page.