I've heard of a man in a woman's body or woman in a man's, in those cases sometimes surgery is considered to put that individual in the gender they feel is correct. The concept of a straight man in a gay man's body (or woman) had never occurred to me until I ran across this article. From the article: "But now a startling new study by a psychiatrist who was instrumental in removing homosexuality from the psychiatric profession's list of disorders in 1973, suggests that some people who are highly motivated may be able to change their sexual orientation." EDIT: I should add that this, from what I can tell, is equally applicable if a straight person felt they should be gay and were motivated to change their orientation. I've heard about jesus freaks locking people in hotel rooms until they "changed their ways" but this article gave it a bit of a slant and since there are many gay and lesbian members here I was curious if you guys had any thoughts. I'd appreciate it if you actually read the article first before you start the tirade tho.
I haven't read the article yet (though I have seen similar statements), but I am not about to start on a tirade, so I guess it is OK if I post a question to you personally... Why would someone want to? What's wrong with being who you are? Simply bending to social pressures? If I saw that as a valid reason to change who I am sexually, then I would have to change a HELL of a lot more about me. I prefer to simply be who I am than change who I am so more people will accept me for being more like them. I also think that not enough people think that way. Homosexuality is not the problem any more than being Black, Jewish, Bald, Overweight, Old or Ugly is not the problem. People's inability to accept others for who they are and people's inability to stand up and say, "This is who I am whether you like it or not." is where the problem lies. That wasn't a tirade, was it? Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
There are entirely too many psychological problems surrounding homosexuality(on gay and straight end) for it to be properly discussed anywhere except between intelligent and open scientists. Edit: this definitely rules out any kind of forum. Personally, I think most of the results in that study were from people who weren't gay by personal choice so much as either lashing out against someone who has hurt them or desperately wanting attention.
*sigh* I knew I shouldn't have bothered. I SWEAR to you I could care less about a person's sexual orientation (unless I'm dating them and they don't let me know). I truly believe that everyone is just trying to find a mate, be it same sex or otherwise (from what I've seen we all face the same difficulties and benefits). This article was a slightly different view on it so i posted it, thats all. PLEASE read the frigg'n article first!
I'm sorry. I guess that did come off as a tirade. I assure you I am not being defensive or taking it personally. I am not even homosexual. I think this issue goes beyond homosexuality, though (obviously). I wasn't accusing you of anything, I swear. I was asking, what I thought was, a valid question. I haven't read the article yet, but that is just because I am a little too busy now. I will. But I would like to know your opinion on my last post in the meantime. By the way, I am not Black, Jewish, Bald, Overweight or Old either. I AM pretty Ugly, but I am OK with that. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
ok, heres my answer after reading the article it occured to me that there might be gay people who seriously feel they should be straight, (like straight men that are in the closet). For some reason that idea had never crossed my mind before. So, in anwer to all three questions ... you missed my point.
I read the article. And I don't think I missed your point. There was really nothing in that article that I haven't read or heard before. I still stand by what I said. What motivation would there be to change your sexual orientation other than environmental/societal pressure? Regardless of who issues what caution, that is exactly what will happen. I somewhat agree, but the statement is pointedly vague. The therapist's job in that situation is to help the person understand and accept who they are and how to love and respect themselves for who they are so they can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Sexual orientation realignment is not how to do that. I fully admit that I believe that some homosexuals (male and female) are a result of their surroundings (for example, a female that was abused and no longer trusts or feels safe with men). What the therapist needs to do in that situation is not focus on her sexual orientation at all. The therapist needs to focus on the damage incurred from the abuse, and then focus on working towards allowing her to trust men again. IF her sexual preference was a result of the abuse either she will see that and "go straight" again, or she will see that, and realize it doesn't matter what opened her eyes to her sexual orientation, because she is happier with open eyes now. If someone is stressed or worried about their sexuality, their sexuality is NOT the cause. The difficulty they are having with their sexuality is a result of something else (trauma, societal pressure, low self-esteem, what-have-you). The competent therapist's job is to find out what the CAUSES are and address them, not the symptoms. Just because it is possible to change someone's sexual orientation (if it really is), it doesn't mean that it should be done. So, after I read the article, I am allowed to ask... Why should it be done? Because they are not happy with who they are? I think that is crap. The real question is: WHY are they not happy with who they are?
With the choices you've eliminated I'd say biology is left as an additional "motivation" but I'm not a scientist, im sure there are other influences to each sexuality that we've missed. I just suddenly wondered, why does anyone feel a certain orientation? I've always known about straight people that are gay at heart if not in action but I'd never thought of gay people who feel they're straight. That was the whole concept and question behind my post.
I suppose homosexuality, if it is a choice, should not be encouraged. I am not a homophobic, but it is not quite an unethical practice, among many other sexual practices like beastality and water sports(urine) Yes, many do put forward the argument of "free will" and "free choice" but in all honesty, free will is quite a frail concept, as no one has "free will" peoples lives are governed by external forces and influences from the onset, and this moulds their being. So it is redundant campaigning for it now. However we need ethical and moral structure or socieity would fall into anarchy. So some practices should not be allowed. This is just my honest opinion, I have no intents to offend anyone.
