Everyone has a sexual orientation and identity. When someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity does not conform to the majority, they are often seen as a legitimate target for discrimination or abuse.
All people should be able to enjoy all the human rights described in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet millions of people across the globe face execution, imprisonment, torture, violence and discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
WHAT IS SEXUAL ORIENTATION? (Sexual orientation, homosexuality and bisexuality)
Sexual orientation refers to an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic and sexual attractions to men, women or both sexes. Sexual orientation also refers to a person’s sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviours and membership in a community of others who share those attractions.
There are several types of sexual orientation that are commonly described:
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Heterosexual. People who are heterosexual are romantically and physically attracted to partners of the opposite sex. Heterosexuals are sometimes called “straight”.
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Homosexual. People who are homosexual are romantically and physically attracted to people of the same sex: females are attracted to other females; males are attracted to other males. Homosexuals (whether male or female) are often called “gay”. Gay females are also called lesbians.
- Bisexual. People who are bisexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of both sexes.
DO WE CHOOSE OUR ORIENTATION?
Being straight, gay, or bisexual is not something that a person can choose or choose to change. In fact, people don’t choose their sexual orientation any more than they choose their height or eye colour. It is estimated that about 10% of people are gay. Gay people are represented in all walks of life, across all nationalities, ethnic backgrounds, and in all social and economic groups.
No one fully understands exactly what determines a person’s sexual orientation, but it is likely explained by a variety of biological and genetic factors. Medical experts view sexual orientation as part of someone’s nature. Being gay is also not considered a mental disorder or abnormality.
Despite myths and misconceptions, there is no evidence that being gay is caused by early childhood experiences, parenting styles, or the way someone is raised.
Efforts to change gay people to straight (sometimes called “conversion therapy’) have been proven to be ineffective and can be harmful. Health and mental health professionals caution against any efforts to change a person’s sexual orientation.
The role that prejudice and discrimination play in the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people:
Prejudice against bisexual individuals appears to exist at comparable levels. In fact, bisexual individuals may face discrimination from some lesbian and gay people as well as from heterosexual people.
Sexual orientation discrimination takes many forms. Severe antigay prejudice is reflected in the high rate of harassment and violence directed towards lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Also, discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual people in employment and housing appears to remain widespread. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is another area in which prejudice and discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual people have had negative effects. Early in the pandemic, the assumption that HIV/AIDS was a “gay disease” contributed to the delay in addressing the massive social upheaval that HIV/AIDS would generate. The association of HIV/AIDS with gay and bisexual men and the inaccurate belief that some people held that all gay and bisexual men are infected served to further stigmatize lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
The psychological impact of prejudice and discrimination on lesbian, gay and bisexual people:
Prejudice and discrimination have both social and personal impact. On the social level, prejudice and discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual people are reflected in the everyday stereotypes of members of these groups. These stereotypes persist even though they are not supported by evidence, and they are often used to excuse unequal treatment of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. For example, limitations in job opportunities; parenting and relationship recognition are often justified by stereotypical assumptions about lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
On an individual level, such prejudice and discrimination may also have negative consequences, especially if lesbian, gay and bisexual people attempt to conceal or deny their sexual orientation. Although many lesbian and gay individuals learn to cope with the social stigma against homosexuality, this pattern of prejudice can have serious negative effects on health and well-being. Individuals and groups may have the impact of stigma reduced or worsened by other characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, religion or disability. Some lesbian, gay and bisexual people may face less of a stigma. For others, race, sex, religion, disability or other characteristics may exacerbate the negative impact of prejudice and discrimination.
The widespread prejudice, discrimination and violence to which lesbian and gay men are often subjected are significant mental health concerns. Sexual prejudice, sexual orientation discrimination, and antigay violence are major sources of stress for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
What is “coming out” and why is it important:
The phrase “coming out” is used to refer to several aspects of a lesbian, gay and bisexual person’s experiences: self-awareness of same-sex attractions; the telling of one or a few people about these attractions; widespread disclosure of same sex attractions; and identification with the lesbian, gay and bisexual community. Many people hesitate to “come out” because of the risk of meeting prejudice and discrimination. Some choose to keep their identity a secret; some choose to “come out” in limited circumstances; some decide to “come out” in very public ways.
“Coming out” is often an important psychological step for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Research has shown that feeling positively about one’s sexual orientation and integrating it into one’s life fosters greater well-being and mental health. This integration often involves disclosing one’s identity to others; it may also entail participating in the gay community. Being able to discuss one’s sexual orientation with others also increases the availability of social support, which is crucial to mental health and psychological well-being. Like heterosexuals, gay individuals and bisexual people benefit from being able to share their lives with and receive support from family, friends and acquaintances. Thus, it is not surprising that lesbians and gay individuals who feel they must conceal their sexual orientation report more frequent mental health concerns than do lesbians and gay individuals who are more open; they may even have more physical health problems.
At what age should lesbian, gay and bisexual youths “come out”?
There is no simple or absolute answer to this question. The risks and benefits of “coming out “are different for youths in different circumstances. Some young people live in families where support for their sexual orientation is clear and stable; these youths may encounter less risk in coming out, even at a young age. Young people who live in less supportive families may face more risk in coming out. All young people who come out may experience bias, discrimination or even violence in their schools, social groups, work places and faith communities. Supportive families, friends and schools are important buffers against the negative impacts of these experiences.
What about therapy intended to change sexual orientation from gay to straight:
To date, there has been no scientifically adequate research to show that therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation is safe or effective. Furthermore, it seems likely that the promotion of change therapies reinforces stereotypes and contributes to a negative climate for lesbian, gay and bisexual persons.
Helpful responses of a therapist treating an individual who is troubled about her or his same-sex attractions include helping that person actively cope with social prejudices against homosexuality, successfully resolve issues associated with and resulting from internal conflicts, and actively lead a happy and satisfying life.
NB: For any support in terms of accepting your sexual orientation, coping with prejudice and discrimination as well as living a happy and satisfying live, contact or visit the social worker at the Health and Wellness Centre:
Mrs Elizabeth Msadu
Further reading: