Homosexuality is romantic attraction sexual attraction or sexual behaviour between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality is “a pattern of emotional, romantic and/or sexual attraction to people of the same sex”. It also refers to “a person’s sense of identity based on belonging to a community of those attractions, associated behaviours, and others who share those attractions.”
Along with bisexuality and heterosexuality, homosexuality is one of the three main sexual orientation classifications on the heterosexual-homosexual spectrum. Although scientists do not know exactly how a person’s sexual orientation is determined, they believe that it is caused by a complex interaction between genetic, hormonal and environmental influences and the person’s mental health
And scientists who do not consider it as selection tend to use biological theories (Genetic factors, pre-embryonic environment) or social factors to explain the causes. Also, there is no significant evidence that parental or early childhood experiences influence the determination of sexual orientation.
Some people believe that homosexuality is unnatural,
but scientific research has shown that homosexuality is a normal and natural variation of human sexuality and does not have negative psychological consequences. There is insufficient evidence to prove that psychological interventions can change sexual orientation.
Common terms for homosexuals are gay and lesbian. Because many homosexuals do not openly identify with their sexual orientation/identity because of the potential for prejudice or discrimination, it is difficult for researchers to reliably estimate the percentage of people who are gay or lesbian, and the percentage of people who are in same-sex relationships or have had same-sex sexual experiences. Openly identifying as homosexual due to prejudice or discrimination.
Etymology
The English word homosexual is a combination of the Greek word ὁμός (same) and the Latin word sexus. This means the sexual relations between the same sexes. This includes relationships between men and men and Relationships between women and women.
Sexuality and identity
Gender identity refers to one’s personal sense of one’s own gender. Gender identity may be related to, or different from, a person’s assigned sex at birth. Gender expression usually reflects a person’s sexual identity, but this is not always the case.
A person may exhibit behaviours, attitudes, and appearances consistent with a particular gender role, but such expressions may not necessarily reflect their gender identity. The term gender identity was first used in 1964 by Robert J. By Stoller.
Every society has a set of sex types that can serve as the basis of a person’s self-identity in relation to other members of society. In many societies, there is a fundamental division between gender characteristics assigned to men and women, the gender binary that most people adhere to and includes expectations about masculinity and gender in all aspects of sexuality and gender: biological sex, gender identity, and gender expression.
Some people do not identify with some or all aspects of the gender assigned to their biological sex. Some societies have third-gender categories.
Psychology
In the early days of psychology, homosexuality was considered an abnormal mental state and a mental illness. However, after 1971, the American Psychiatric Association decided to remove it from the classification of mental illness. It was due to new scientific findings and factors. It is not a mental illness and it was accepted.
Homosexuality has been a practice throughout human civilization. Homosexuality was not considered an unnatural behaviour in the Greek and Roman civilizations. Herodotus, a Greek historian, wrote about Samaritan customs in Greek society. Homosexuality was not prohibited in Native African and North American societies.
Among the Red Indians, Homosexuality was called Two-spirited. Homosexuality was also accepted in Roman society, which was a patriarchal society. The Roman poet Virgil wrote poems about the love between Homosexuality.
Mental Health
The majority of gay, bisexuals and lesbians have to maintain good mental health, even though research has shown that they are at greater risk for mental health problems. Like everyone else, the majority of gay, bisexual and lesbian people are able to cope successfully if connected to the right resources.
However, ongoing homophobia, stigma (negative and usually unfair beliefs), and discrimination (unfairly treating a person or group of people) can have negative effects on your health & mental health. Research also shows that, compared to other men and women, gays, bisexuals and lesbians have higher chances of having,
- Major Depression,
- Bipolar Disorder and
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Gay, bisexuals and lesbians may also face other health threats that usually happen along with mental health problems. These include more use of illegal drugs and a greater risk for suicide. Gay, bisexual and lesbians are more likely than others to have tried to commit suicide as well as to have succeeded at suicide. HIV is another issue that has had a huge impact on the mental health of gay, bisexuals and lesbians. It affects men and women who are living with HIV, those who are at high risk, but HIV-negative, and loved ones of those living with, or who have died from HIV.
Revealing Sexual Orientation
Keeping your sexual orientation hidden from others (being “in the closet”) and fear of having your sexual orientation disclosed (being “outer”) can add to the stress of being gay, bisexual or lesbian.
In general, research has shown that gay, bisexual and lesbian men/women who are open about their sexual orientation with others have better health outcomes than bisexual and lesbian men/women who do not. However, being “out” in some settings and to people who react negatively can add to the stress experienced by gay, bisexual and lesbian people and can lead to poorer mental health and discrimination.
Keys to Maintaining Good Mental Health
Having a supportive group of friends and family members is often a key to successfully dealing with the stress of day-to-day life and maintaining good mental health. If you are unable to get social support from your friends and families, you can try finding support by becoming involved in the community, social, athletic, religious, and other groups.
Mental health counselling and support groups that are sensitive to the needs of gay, bisexual and lesbian people can be especially useful if you are coming to terms with your sexual orientation or are experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems.
While many gay, bisexual and lesbian people who have sex with men/women may not seek care from a mental health provider because of a fear of discrimination or homophobia, it is important to keep this as an option and to find a provider that is trustworthy and compatible.