To assume that homosexuality results from trauma (such as rape or abuse) contributes to the notion that homosexuality is a classifiable mental disorder. Such condensation toward homosexual lifestyle places yet another obstacle in their pursuit of societal acceptance. Rather than accepting homosexuality as a viable alternative to heterosexuality, this view emphases the possibility of a “cure” to their handicapped, troubled mental health.
More than emphasizing the need for a cure, this view subjects homosexuals to the limitations that befall other mentally troubled individuals. Someone with post traumatic stress syndrome expressed via homosexuality, cannot, for example, be expected to adequately and/or safely care for an adopted child, lead a boy scout troupe, etc.
The push to classify homosexuality as a mental disorder is ongoing. Since the American Psychiatric Association and other authorities on mental disabilities removed homosexuality from its roster, homophobic institutions have utilized evermore creative schemes to revamp the myth. The attempt to link trauma with homosexuality is a more recent iteration of that effort.
In a more perfect world, one would not perceive relative differences in the normalcy or moral superiority of various sexual orientations. Thus, in a more perfect world, the nature/nurture argument would be irrelevant. Alas, we live far digressed from a perfect world. I have already alluded to this point, but there exists incredible fear in our society that something can “cause” gay.
As President Bush would say (regarding just about anything progressive), “not all the science is in.” Nevertheless, I can not find a single source (other than Christian or “family values” websites) that suggest a correlation between nurture (including trauma and twin studies) and homosexuality. you can undoubtedly fathom the damage that furthering a “such-and-such causes homosexuality” statement does to the civil liberties of homosexuals. When such damaging claims moreover have dubious origin, that is unacceptable.
I am not sure where you heard the myth correlating rape and homosexuality, but I find it sad that you did. I feel this way not just because of the injustices it perpetuates, but because such misinformation spreads so easily, so relentlessly. Regardless of who the messenger was or the information available to them, they have no excuse. As a supposed authority, that person has a moral responsibility to (1) relate information accurately, and (2) understand the societal impact of their message. This duty transcends all titles-- whether they be your peer, teacher, preacher, or parent.
3 comments:
Enlightening. People, especially in India just assume that homosexuality is a response to trauma, without ever bothering to find out from real people. The stereotype is damaging. I've been a victim of it myself and have held the same belief in the past.
What do you know about the twin studies? They're the source that one of my pastors pointed to when this discussion came up this past summer. I feel like his point was that homosexual tendencies could be genetic...does this align with your point of view in this blogpost?
If your pastor concluded that homosexuality is genetic, then yes, our views align. And our views align with the current scientific understanding of homosexuality. This is good. I expect, however, that your pastor moved from that relatively progressive stance to next conclude that while homosexuality may be a natural tendency, homosexual acts can and should be controlled. He probably made an analogy between the urges of homosexuality and the urge to, for example, steal.
I hope to post a new article sometime soon that addresses this very point.
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