Gender and Same Gender Attraction-Part 2

In my last post we discussed the importance of gender. Now let's shift gears a bit to same-gender attraction. It has been really eyeopening to be able to study this topic in more depth from different angles and I feel like I understand homosexuality in a new light. Perhaps no subject in our society is more controversial than homosexuality. Indeed, it is difficult to talk about homosexuality objectively because it is so personal, involving as it does individuals, relationships, and families and extending to issues of marriage and the adoption of children. "Not only does the issue of homosexuality divide people of science from people of faith, but we are beginning to see strong differences of opinion among scientists themselves, as well as among people of faith. We even see homosexuality divide families: mothers from daughters, fathers from sons." 

Once considered a mental illness, homosexuality is now not only viewed as “healthy” but those who disagree with this notion of healthiness are labeled mentally ill or homophobic (homophobia is a much misused label given to those who do not support gay causes). In fact, more research dollars are spent on the study of homophobia than are spent on the study of homosexuality. In my opinion, bringing to light the negative impacts for men who have sex with other men can actually be a compassionate position based on the desire to help people avoid a lifestyle that is generally fraught with heartache and disease, and in some cases death.
GLMA- Gay and Lesbian Medical Association has provided Ten things gay men should discuss with their healthcare provider:

http://glma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=532

Some of the points they discuss is that men who have sex with other men have 
"increased risk of HIV infection"
"use substances at a higher rate"
"have higher rates of depression and anxiety"

"(STDs) occur at a higher rate"

The recent APA statement (2008) reads: There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons.  .  .  . Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any factor or set of factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles.

There isn't a lot of evidence that supports being gay is biological, but there are several theories as to why men develop same-sex attraction. In "Homosexuality What Science Can and Cannot Say by A. Dean Byrd, PhD, MBA, MPH, he states, 

"Homosexuality likely results from biologically influenced temperamental factors along with environmental factors such as sexual abuse or peer abuse along with strained parental relationships [absent or bad relationship with father] (in this way, homosexuality is no different from other challenges like alcoholism or obesity). And choice—agency, or the active role of the individual in constructing his or her own identity—is an important consideration. This choice may not be a conscious choice in the development of the attractions themselves, but rather is a choice in how the individual responds to the biological and environmental influences. 

And even when the attractions develop, there is choice in how the individual will respond to those attractions: either to accept and act on them or to choose not to act on them and to focus on eliminating or diminishing the attractions. The more important scientific question is this: once established, are homosexual attractions malleable or changeable? The answer is that both historical and current research demonstrates that homosexuality is not invariably fixed in all people. Perhaps the best scientific summary of the research on whether or not individuals can change a homosexual orientation to a heterosexual orientation was offered by Spitzer. He concluded, “Like most psychiatrists, . . . I thought that homosexual behavior could be resisted, but sexual orientation could not be changed. I now believe that’s untrue—some people can and do change.” That some people can and do change should be an impetus for scientists to further investigate the agents and process of change."


I know that same-sex attraction is a real thing. I know there are many members of the church that struggle with this or know someone that is. One thing my religion teacher told us in my Eternal Families class is that as members of the church we need to do a better job at listening to those who struggle with same-sex attraction. Don't ever be the kind of person to make another feel they don't have a place in the kingdom.
We watched this great video about a member named Ty and his journey of struggling with homosexuality. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLhmy3_Dt-M&feature=youtu.be