| More Questions |
| Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality |
| Q: Can therapy change sexual orientation? A: No. Even though homosexual orientation is not a mental illness and there is no scientific reason to attempt conversion of lesbians or gays to heterosexual orientation, some individuals may seek to change their own sexual orientation or that of another individual (for example, parents seeking therapy for their child). Some therapists who undertake this kind of therapy report that they have changed their clients' sexual orientation (from homosexual to heterosexual) in treatment. Close scrutiny of their reports indicates several factors that cast doubt: many of the claims come from organizations with an ideological perspective on sexual orientation, rather than from mental health researchers; the treatments and their outcomes are poorly documented; and the length of time that clients are followed up after the treatment is too short. In 1990 the American Psychological Association stated that scientific evidence does not show that conversion therapy works and that it can do more harm than good. Changing one's sexual orientation is not simply a matter of changing one's sexual behavior. It would require altering one's emotional, romantic and sexual feelings and restructuring one's self-concept and social identity. Although some mental health providers do attempt sexual orientation conversion, others question the ethics of trying to alter through therapy a trait that is not a disorder and that is extremely important to an individual's identity. Not all gays and lesbians who seek therapy want to change their sexual orientation. Gays and lesbians may seek counseling for any of the same reasons as anyone else. In addition, they may seek psychological help to "come out" or to deal with prejudice, discrimination and violence |
| Q: Why is it important for society to be better educated about homosexuality? A: Educating all people about sexual orientation and homosexuality is likely to diminish anti-gay prejudice. Accurate information about homosexuality is especially important to young people struggling with their own sexual identity. Fears that access to such information will affect one's sexual orientation are not valid. |
| Q: Where can I find more information about homosexuality? A: The publications and organizations listed below can all provide you with further information: |
| References: Garnets, L.D., et al, "Issues in Psychotherapy With Lesbians and Gay Men", American Psychologist, Vol 46 #9, pp 964-972. Goodchilds, J.D., Psychological Perspectives on Human Diversity In America , American Psychological Association, Washington DC, 1993. Garnets, L.D., and Kimmel, D.C., Psychological Perspectives on Lesbian & Gay Male Experiences , Columbia University Press, New York, 1993. Gonsiorek, J.C., and Weinrich, J.D., Homosexuality: Research Implications For Public Policy , Sage Publications, California, 1991. Herek, G.M., and Berrill, K.T., Journal of Interpersonal Violence , Vol 5 #3. Organizations: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force 1734 14th Street NW Washington DC 20009 Telephone: 1-202-332-6483 National Institute of Mental Health 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 7C02 Rockville MD 20857 Telephone: 1-301-443-4513 |