|
|
|
|
|
Myth #1: Homosexual men
molest children.
This has been repeatedly shown not to be true by scientific studies.
The conclusion of experts in the field of sexual abuse, based on a
number of studies, is that molesting of children occurs among
heterosexual and homosexual men to the same degree. The vast majority
of those who molest children are heterosexual. The average offender
is a white heterosexual male whom the child knows.
Myth #2: You can spot a gay or lesbian person by the way they
act and dress.
Some people believe all gay men are effeminate, and all lesbians are
tomboys. While there are some gay and lesbian persons who fit these
stereotypes, they are no more representative of all homosexual people
than are the Marlboro man and Scarlett O'Hara types representative of
all heterosexuals. Homosexual people generally look and act like
everyone else. Most people never suspect the sexual orientation of a
homosexual individual.
Myth #3: I've never met a homosexual person.
Most people know a number of homosexual persons, but are unaware of
it because these persons are "in the closet". Because of
intense prejudice and hatred directed toward lesbian, gay and
bisexual people in our society, many are quite reluctant to reveal
their sexual orientation. As noted above, most homosexual people look
and act just like everyone else. They come from all walks of life,
all races, all economic levels, all political perspectives. So
heterosexual people can assume that they probably have homosexual
neighbors, friends, relatives and fellow worshipers - although those
persons may be afraid to reveal that they are gay or lesbian.
Myth #4: To be bisexual implies that a person has multiple partners.
Bisexual individuals have affection and sexual feelings towards
persons of the other sex, as well as the same sex. This does not
imply involvement with more than one partner any more than a
heterosexual person's ability to be attracted to more than one person
implies multiple partners.
Myth #5: Homosexuality is a mental illness.
While once classified as a mental illness, both the American
Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association
have removed homosexuality from their list of mental disorders.
Numerous studies have shown that homosexuality is not linked with
psychological disturbance and is in no sense a "mental problem."
Myth #6: Christians are united in their opposition to
homosexual people and homosexuality.
There are a wide variety of opinions about homosexual persons among
the various Christian denominations, and among individuals as well.
Some religious groups interpret certain Biblical passages as
injunctions against homosexuality, while others view these passages
in the light of historical context, pointing out other passages
Christians no longer take literally, such as those advocating
slavery, dietary laws and ritual purity laws. In addition many
Christian denominations have issued statements condemning
discrimination and prejudice against homosexual people, as have a
number of Jewish and other religious groups. There are numerous
congregations who welcome and affirm homosexual Christians as fully-
participating members of the body of Christ, with unique gifts to offer.
Myth #7: Homosexual persons have many sexual partners and do
not develop long-term relationships.
Certainly, there are individuals within the gay, lesbian and bisexual
community who have many sexual partners. Studies indicate, however,
that most homosexual persons value and want long-term relationships
and that a large proportion are involved in stable, close
relationships. In studies which involved older lesbian and gay
individuals, it was not unusual to find couples who had been together
for over twenty years. In addition, many gay and lesbian people, like
many heterosexual people, are celibate either for periods of time or
for their entire lives.
Myth #8: Homosexual people want special rights, and that's not fair. Basic human rights are not special rights. The right to get and keep a job based on merit is not a special right. The right to be served food in a restaurant is not a special right. The right to have housing is not a special right. The right to walk down a street and not be attacked because of who you are and whom you love is not a special right. Homosexual and bisexual people want the same rights that are guaranteed to all Americans. In recent years, ballot initiatives have been put forward in a number of states and cities, accompanied by much misinformation about "preventing homosexuals from getting special rights." In effect, what these initiatives do is interfere with legitimate efforts to end discrimination in areas such as jobs, housing and public accommodations.
Myth #9: Homosexual people are bad parents.
Some people believe that children of lesbian or gay parents are more
likely to grow up to be homosexual. Others are concerned that these
children will grow up without appropriate ethical values. With
respect to the first belief, there is no evidence that children of
same-sex couples are more likely to grow up gay. Most homosexual
persons were conceived and raised by heterosexual parents. There is
increasing evidence that sexual orientation is fixed early in life by biology.
Myth #10: Homosexual people want to come into
our schools and recruit our children to their lifestyle. There have been attempts to bring "gay" issues into schools, but certainly not to convert anyone. There is no evidence that people could be "recruited" to a homosexual orientation, even if someone wanted to do this. The intent is to teach adolescents not to mistreat gay and lesbian classmates, who are often subjects of harassment and physical attacks. Talking openly about homosexuality is also crucial to students who are lesbian or gay. Feeling alone, frightened and confused, these young people are much more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. A recent study indicates that 30% of gay and lesbian students attempt suicide around the age of fifteen-a sobering finding.
|
Ten Myths about Homosexuality