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Old Apr 13, 2006, 01:37 am   #56 (permalink) (top)
underbear1
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Sexual orientation isn't chosen, and isn't recruited. Being homosexual is as natural and normal as being heterosexual.
http://www.casmt.on.ca/Publications/...WT_undhusx.htm

Sexual orientation is thought to be established early in life (Herdt and Boxer, 1993; Bell, Weinberg and Hammersmith, 1981); awareness of sexual orientation usually emerges in adolescence, although many lesbian, gay and bisexual adults remember “feeling different” in their pre-teen years (Savin-Williams, 1994; Remafedi, 1987). Like all young people, lesbian, gay and bisexual youth must integrate their sexual orientation into their developing sense of self.

Unfortunately, as struggles to combat racial discrimination have illustrated, prejudice of all kinds is frequently rooted in fear of difference and a desire to protect the dominant group from the perceived dangers of that difference. Many of the myths and misconceptions about the “causes” of same sex orientation give rise to public attitudes and policies intended to protect young people, but which instead create significant barriers to the provision of appropriate care and support.

For example, the belief that same sex orientation can be learned or imposed on youth through exposure to lesbian, gay or bisexual adults has led to widespread concern about the sexual orientation of social workers, child and youth workers, teachers, foster parents, adoptive parents and other adults who work with young people (Martin, 1982).

In practice, this deprives all young people of positive lesbian and gay role models, and conveys the message to lesbian, gay and bisexual youth that their sexual orientation is wrong. It also excludes the contributions lesbian, gay and bisexual people can make towards the care, nurturing and education of children and youth.

However, neither homosexuality nor heterosexuality is contagious. Studies have shown that the children of lesbian and gay parents do not differ significantly from children raised in heterosexual households in the development of gender identity or sexual orientation (Golumbock, Spencer and Rutler, 1983; and Falk, 1989).

In addition, the vast majority of lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals grow up in heterosexual families, where even overt attempts to influence their sexual orientation does not succeed in “converting” them to heterosexuality.

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