Homosexuality defined

Homosexuality
In simple terms, homosexuality refers to the predominant and persistent sexual attraction to people of one’s own gender. Although defining homosexuality focuses mainly on the sexual attractions and acts involving individuals of the same biological sex, the term can also be described as the patterns of same sex emotional and romantic bonding, identities, and communities founded on same-sex relationships and desires. In most cases, homosexuality is associated and contrasted with bisexuality, asexuality, and heterosexuality. In today’s world, some scientists argue that homosexuality is due to the interaction of cognitive, environmental, and biological factors. From an evolutionary perspective, homosexuality is not adaptive in the sense that sex between persons of the same gender cannot produce a child. However, there is evidence that homosexuality exists in human history. Despite the fact that scientists have identified many factors, such as chromosomes, prenatal hormones, brain structure, and polygenetic effects, and linked them with homosexuality, still there is no scientific consensus showing their influence on sexual orientation. Considering the fact that sexual acts involving persons of the same biological sex are common in human societies, it is important to examine the influence of sexual acts, for instance homosexuality, on a person’s behavior (Hooghe & Meeusen, 2013). The subsequent sections provide a comprehensive discussion on the issue of homosexuality. Specifically, the analysis describes the population impacted by homosexuality and the underlying effects. The analysis includes information on the history of homosexuality including how it has been handled in the past.
Identifying the different facets of homosexuality is the first step in understanding the population impacted and the effects. According to Herek (2000), the aspects of homosexuality include feelings, identities, sexual behavior, communities, relationships and families. Feelings describe the sexual attraction and desire. At a given stage in a person’s life, one is likely to develop feelings of sexual attraction towards another person of the same gender. Based on the findings of a survey conducted in the U.S. in 1992, it was established that approximately 8% of adults experienced such attraction. However, due to the stigma associated with acts of homosexuality, some respondents who experienced the attraction were reluctant to report. This is an indication that the number of homosexuals is slightly higher than what was reported. Further, the survey found out that many individuals with heterosexual preferences might participate in homosexual activity in a given stage in their lives.
According to Herek (2000), same-sex attractions among young people have distinct statistics compared with attractions between opposite sex. While some describe their attraction as being persistent, others have strong attractions, and others weak attractions. Same-sex attractions among some young people are as a result of a specific experience or event. Some people assert that they know why and when they developed same-sexual attractions. For some people, feelings of homosexuality have been part of their lives for a considerable period. Concerning the aspect of identity, Hooghe & Meeusen (2013) assert that individuals attain the homosexual identity through different developmental routes. Some start understanding their homosexual attractions during adolescence and go further to engage in sexual acts with another person of the same gender. The behavior progresses until they form a romantic relationship and eventually develop a gay/homosexual identity.
In regard to sexual behavior, Morrison & Morrison (2003) assert that homosexual behavior is accepted and expected in different life stages and under given circumstances. Although adults engage in heterosexual behavior in countries such as the U.S. and some of the industrialized western societies, acts of homosexuality also occur infrequently. For example, in a large-scale survey carried out in Europe and North America during the 1990s, approximately 10% and 6% of men and women reported having experienced same-sex attractions respectively. The behaviors were common among adolescents and young adults. It is important to mention that acts of homosexuality also take other forms and complexities. For example, young people might consider trying gay sex during their early years, but stop engaging in such acts later in life and instead proceed to develop heterosexuality. The actions by some people who develop same-sex attractions do not depend on their fantasies or feelings. Others engage in same-sex behaviors without necessarily having same-sex attractions. It should be understood that feelings of homosexual do not automatically lead to homosexual involvement in the future. In fact, a substantial number of people never act on same-sex attractions. However, increased involvement in fantasy, masturbation, and pornographic materials increases the urge to become homosexual.
Concerning the issue of relationships and families, Herek (2000) argues that although homosexual relationships may not be legally recognized in some countries, an increasing number of organizations, local governments, and employers extend benefits to same-sex partners, just as it is the case with heterosexual married couples. Regardless of the fact that stigma limits the number of people in forming long-term relationships; many homosexuals are still in such relationships. Although no data is available to prove the existence of these relationships, studies researchers report that close to 60% of homosexuals are actually in a relationship. According to Morrison & Morrison (2003), the psychological dynamics of homosexual and heterosexual relationships are almost similar. Even with these similarities, there are some observable differences between these relationships. In fact, those involved in same-sex relationships are less likely to participate in gender-typed roles. Another difference is that homosexuals are unlikely to negotiate or discuss sexual monogamy issues. A substantial number of homosexuals make a decision to become parents in the context of same-sex relationship. In relation to the effects of homosexuals, there have been no empirical studies to prove that homosexual relationships are deleterious to children. An increasing number of law institutions continue to term sexual orientation as irrelevant in relation to the ability of the parent to up bring children and provide good housing.
Throughout the U.S. and other countries, both the medium and large companies have a considerable population of gay communities. Members of the gay community have an experience of being part of a minority group. Within these communities, homosexuals share common myths, rituals, symbols, and tend to be influenced by the entire community. In addition, they have an emotional connection founded on the assumption that they have a sense of the community’s spiritual bonds, humor, and history. It is worth to note that being involved in community activities serves as a critical source of social assistance. In some cases, it can contribute to the psychological well-being of homosexuals. An increasing number of homosexuals prefer hanging out with gay colleagues, are willing to work at establishments belonging to homosexuals, and frequent gays nightclubs and bars. This is done as part of the effort to feel a sense of togetherness (Herek, 2000).
In conclusion, it is evident that homosexuality is an issue of major concern. Societies/countries have different ways of responding to homosexuality. While the behavior is considered a taboo in some regions, attitudes towards homosexuality in western countries is more liberal. Even with the differing views, understanding the specific population impacted and the underlying effects is one way to comprehend the future of homosexuality. From the discussion, it was established that homosexuality is common among both the young people and adults. Based on a survey conducted in Latin America, approximately 10% of men reported having experienced same-sex attractions. The behavior was also very common among adolescents and young adults. Although same-sex attractions are common in these areas, it does not always imply that the people involved automatically become homosexuals. For example, some young people might consider trying gay sex during their early years, but stop engaging in such acts later in life and instead proceed to develop heterosexuality. In my view, it is not easy to establish the full impact of homosexuality because there have been no empirical studies to prove that homosexual relationships are deleterious to a certain groups of people, say children. Largely, this is the reason why it is challenging to understand the future of homosexuality. Considering the varied views regarding the issue, I feel it is important to conduct further research to understand homosexuality. It is important to focus further research around the different aspects of homosexuality. These include identity, feelings, sexual behavior, communities, relationships and families. Knowing the effects is the first step in reaching at conclusions on whether homosexuality should be allowed or whether strict measures should be put in place to prevent or minimize acts of homosexuality.