2. DEFINITIONS
• sex refers to a person’s biological status and is typically categorized as male, female, or intersex (i.e., atypical
combinations of features that usually distinguish male from female). There are a number of indicators of
biological sex, including sex chromosomes, gonads, internal reproductive organs, and external genitalia.
• Gender refers to the attitudes, feelings, and behaviors that a given culture associates with a person’s
biological sex. Behavior that is compatible with cultural expectations is referred to as gender-normative;
behaviors that are viewed as incompatible with these expectations constitute gender non-conformity.
• Gender identity refers to “one’s sense of oneself as male, female, or transgender” (American Psychological
Association, 2006). When one’s gender identity and biological sex are not congruent, the individual may
identify as transsexual or as another transgender category (cf. Gainor, 2000).
• Gender expression refers to the “…way in which a person acts to communicate gender within a given culture;
for example, in terms of clothing, communication patterns and interests. A person’s gender expression may or
may not be consistent with socially prescribed gender roles, and may or may not reflect his or her gender
identity” (American Psychological Association, 2008, p. 28).
• Sexual orientation refers to the sex of those to whom one is sexually and romantically attracted. Categories of
sexual orientation typically have included attraction to members of one’s own sex (gay men or lesbians),
attraction to members of the other sex (heterosexuals), and attraction to members of both sexes (bisexuals).
While these categories continue to be widely used, research has suggested that sexual orientation does not
always appear in such definable categories and instead occurs on a continuum (e.g., Kinsey, Pomeroy,
Martin, & Gebhard, 1953; Klein, 1993; Klein, Sepekoff, & Wolff, 1985; Shiveley & DeCecco, 1977) In addition,
some research indicates that sexual orientation is fluid for some people; this may be especially true for women
(e.g., Diamond, 2007; Golden, 1987; Peplau & Garnets, 2000).
• From <https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/guidelines.aspx#>
3. WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN GENDER IDENTITY
AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION?
Gender identity and sexual orientation are not the same.
Sexual orientation refers to an individual’s enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional
attraction to another person, whereas gender identity refers to one’s internal sense of being male,
female, or something else. Transgender people may be straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or asexual,
just as nontransgender people can be.
From <https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/transgender.aspx#>
4. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN SEX AND GENDER?
Sex is assigned at birth, refers to one’s biological status as either male or
female, and is associated primarily with physical attributes such as
chromosomes, hormone prevalence, and external and internal
anatomy.
Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities,
and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for boys and
men or girls and women. These influence the ways that people act,
interact, and feel about themselves. While aspects of biological sex are
similar across different cultures, aspects of gender may differ.
From <https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/transgender.aspx#>
5. Sexual Orientation
Although we can choose whether to act on our feelings,
psychologists do not consider sexual orientation to be a conscious
choice that can be voluntarily changed.
Web Article (July 2011)
From
<https://www.apa.org/search.aspx?query=sexual%20orientation>
6. There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an
individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian orientation.
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 particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and
nurture both play complex roles; most people experience little or no sense of
choice about their sexual orientation.
From <https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/orientation.aspx?item=4>
WHAT CAUSES A PERSON TO HAVE
A CERTAIN SEXUAL ORIENTATION?
7. IS THERE A “CURE” FOR HOMOSEXUALITY?
Psychotherapeutic modalities to convert or “repair” homosexuality are based on developmental theories
whose scientific validity is questionable. Furthermore, anecdotal reports of “cures” are counterbalanced
by anecdotal claims of psychological harm. In the last four decades, “reparative” therapists have not
produced any rigorous scientific research to substantiate their claims of cure. Until there is such research
available, [the American Psychiatric Association] recommends that ethical practitioners refrain from
attempts to change individuals’ sexual orientation, keeping in mind the medical dictum to first, do no
harm.
8. The potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including depression, anxiety and self-destructive
behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-
hatred already experienced by the patient.
Many patients who have undergone reparative therapy relate that they were inaccurately told that
homosexuals are lonely, unhappy individuals who never achieve acceptance or satisfaction. The
possibility that the person might achieve happiness and satisfying interpersonal relationships as a gay
man or lesbian is not presented, nor are alternative approaches to dealing with the effects of societal
stigmatization discussed.
9. Therefore, the American Psychiatric Association opposes any psychiatric
treatment, such as reparative or conversion therapy which is based upon the
assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a
priori assumption that the patient should change his/her sexual homosexual
orientation.
From <https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/just-the-facts.aspx?item=3>
The short answer?
NO.
10. Guideline 1. Psychologists strive to understand the effects of stigma (i.e., prejudice, discrimination, and
violence) and its various contextual manifestations in the lives of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people.
Guideline 2. Psychologists understand that lesbian, gay, and
bisexual orientations are not mental illnesses.
Guideline 3. Psychologists understand that same-sex
attractions, feelings, and behavior are normal variants of
human sexuality and that efforts to change sexual orientation
have not been shown to be effective or safe.
Guideline 4. Psychologists are encouraged to recognize how their attitudes and knowledge about lesbian,
gay, and bisexual issues may be relevant to assessment and treatment and seek consultation or make
appropriate referrals when indicated.
Guideline 5. Psychologists strive to recognize the unique experiences of bisexual individuals.
Guideline 6. Psychologists strive to distinguish issues of sexual orientation from those of gender identity when
working with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients.
From <https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/guidelines.aspx>
11. Psychologists are encouraged to avoid attributing a client’s non-heterosexual orientation to arrested
psychosocial development or psychopathology. Practice that is informed by inaccurate, outmoded,
and pathologizing views of homosexuality and bisexuality can subtly manifest as the inappropriate
attribution of a client’s problems to his/her non-heterosexual orientation (Garnets, Hancock, Cochran,
Goodchilds, & Peplau, 1991; Pachankis & Goldfried, 2004).
From <https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/guidelines.aspx#>
Psychologists are encouraged to identify and address bias and internalized prejudice about sexual
orientation that may have a negative influence on the client’s self-perception. In providing the client with
accurate information about the social stressors which may lead to discomfort with sexual orientation,
psychologists may help neutralize the effects of stigma and inoculate the client against further harm.
From <https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/guidelines.aspx#>
12. The psychological assessment and treatment of lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients can be
adversely affected by their therapists' explicit or implicit negative attitudes. For example,
when homosexuality and bisexuality are regarded as evidence of mental illness or
psychopathology, a client's same-sex sexual orientation is apt to be viewed as a major
source of the client's psychological difficulties, even when it has not been presented as a
problem (Garnets et al., 1991; Liddle, 1996; Nystrom, 1997).
… This is the case because when heterosexual norms for identity, behavior, and relationships
are applied to lesbian, gay, or bisexual clients, their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors may
be misinterpreted as abnormal, deviant, and undesirable.
From <https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/guidelines.aspx#>
13. IS HOMOSEXUALITY A
MENTAL DISORDER?
APA is concerned about ongoing efforts to mischaracterize homosexuality and
promote the notion that sexual orientation can be changed and about the
resurgence of sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE)1. SOCE has been controversial
due to tensions between the values held by some faith-based organizations, on the
one hand, and those held by lesbian, gay and bisexual rights organizations and
professional and scientific organizations, on the other (Drescher, 2003; Drescher &
Zucker, 2006). Some individuals and groups have promoted the idea of homosexuality
as symptomatic of developmental defects or spiritual and moral failings and have
argued that SOCE, including psychotherapy and religious efforts, could alter
homosexual feelings and behaviors (Drescher & Zucker, 2006; Morrow & Beckstead,
2004).
From <https://www.apa.org/about/policy/sexual-orientation.aspx>
14. The longstanding consensus of the behavioral and social sciences and the
health and mental health professions is that homosexuality per se is a normal
and positive variation of human sexual orientation (Bell, Weinberg &
Hammersmith, 1981; Bullough, 1976; Ford & Beach 1951 ; Kinsey, Pomeroy, &
Martin, 1948; Kinsey, Pomeroy, Martin, & Gebhard, 1953 ).
Homosexuality per se is not a mental disorder (APA, 1975). Since 1974, the
American Psychological Association (APA) has opposed stigma, prejudice,
discrimination, and violence on the basis of sexual orientation and has taken a
leadership role in supporting the equal rights of lesbian, gay, and bisexual
individuals (APA, 2005).
From <https://www.apa.org/about/policy/sexual-orientation.aspx>
15. The longstanding consensus of the behavioral and social sciences and the health and mental health
professions is that homosexuality per se is a normal and positive variation of human sexual orientation (Bell,
Weinberg & Hammersmith, 1981; Bullough, 1976; Ford & Beach 1951 ; Kinsey, Pomeroy, & Martin, 1948;
Kinsey, Pomeroy, Martin, & Gebhard, 1953 ).
Homosexuality per se is not a mental disorder (APA, 1975).
Since 1974, the American Psychological Association (APA) has opposed stigma, prejudice, discrimination,
and violence on the basis of sexual orientation and has taken a leadership role in supporting the equal rights
of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals (APA, 2005).
From <https://www.apa.org/about/policy/sexual-orientation.aspx>
The short answer?
NO.
16. IS BEING TRANSGENDER
A MENTAL DISORDER?
A psychological state is considered a mental disorder only if it causes significant distress or
disability. Many transgender people do not experience their gender as distressing or disabling,
which implies that identifying as transgender does not constitute a mental disorder. For these
individuals, the significant problem is finding affordable resources, such as counseling, hormone
therapy, medical procedures and the social support necessary to freely express their gender
identity and minimize discrimination. Many other obstacles may lead to distress, including a lack of
acceptance within society, direct or indirect experiences with discrimination, or assault. These
experiences may lead many transgender people to suffer with anxiety, depression or related
disorders at higher rates than nontransgender persons.
From <https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/transgender.aspx#>
The short answer?
NO.
17. SHOULD WE TRY TO
CHANGE SOMEONE’S
SEXUAL ORIENTATION?
Despite the general consensus of major medical, health, and mental health professions that both
heterosexuality and homosexuality are normal expressions of human sexuality, efforts to change sexual
orientation through therapy have been adopted by some political and religious organizations and
aggressively promoted to the public.
However, such efforts have serious potential to harm young people because they present the view that the
sexual orientation of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth is a mental illness or disorder, and they often frame the
inability to change one’s sexual orientation as a personal and moral failure.
From <https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/just-the-facts.aspx?item=3>
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Counseling Association, the American Psychiatric
Association, the American Psychological Association, the American School Counselor Association, the
National Association of School Psychologists, and the National Association of Social Workers, together
representing more than 480,000 mental health professionals, have all taken the position that
homosexuality is not a mental disorder and thus is not something that needs to or can be “cured.”
From <https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/just-the-facts.aspx?item=3>
18. Ex-gay ministry and transformational ministry are terms used to describe efforts by some religious
individuals and organizations to change sexual orientation through religious ministries. These individuals
and organizations tend to have negative attitudes toward homosexuality that are based in their
particular religious perspectives. In general, efforts to change sexual orientation through religious
ministries take the approach that sexual orientation can be changed through repentance and faith. In
addition, some individuals and groups who promote efforts to change sexual orientation through therapy
are also associated with religious perspectives that take a negative attitude toward homosexuality.
Because ex-gay and transformational ministries usually characterize homosexuality as sinful or evil,
promotion in schools of such ministries or of therapies associated with such ministries would likely
exacerbate the risk of marginalization, harassment, harm, and fear experienced by lesbian, gay, and
bisexual students.
From <https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/just-the-facts.aspx?item=4>
19. INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE THAT
SEXUAL ORIENTATION CHANGE
EFFORTS WORK, SAYS APA
The American Psychological Association adopted a resolution Wednesday stating that
mental health professionals should avoid telling clients that they can change their sexual
orientation through therapy or other treatments.
The "Resolution on Appropriate Affirmative Responses to Sexual Orientation Distress and
Change Efforts" also advises that parents, guardians, young people and their families
avoid sexual orientation treatments that portray homosexuality as a mental illness or
developmental disorder and instead seek psychotherapy, social support and educational
services "that provide accurate information on sexual orientation and sexuality, increase
family and school support and reduce rejection of sexual minority youth."
From <https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2009/08/therapeutic.aspx>
20. Until there is such research available, [the American Psychiatric Association] recommends
that ethical practitioners refrain from attempts to change individuals’ sexual orientation,
keeping in mind the medical dictum to first, do no harm.
From <https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/just-the-facts.aspx?item=3>
The short answer?
NO.
21. • Therefore be it resolved that the American Psychological Association affirms that same-sex sexual and
romantic attractions, feelings, and behaviors are normal and positive variations of human sexuality
regardless of sexual orientation identity;
• Be it further resolved that the American Psychological Association reaffirms its position that homosexuality
per se is not a mental disorder and opposes portrayals of sexual minority youths and adults as mentally ill
due to their sexual orientation;
• Be it further resolved that the American Psychological Association concludes that there is insufficient
evidence to support the use of psychological interventions to change sexual orientation;
• Be it further resolved that the American Psychological Association encourages mental health
professionals to avoid misrepresenting the efficacy of sexual orientation change efforts by promoting or
promising change in sexual orientation when providing assistance to individuals distressed by their own or
others’ sexual orientation;
• Be it further resolved that the American Psychological Association concludes that the benefits reported
by participants in sexual orientation change efforts can be gained through approaches that do not
attempt to change sexual orientation;
From <https://www.apa.org/about/policy/sexual-orientation.aspx>
22. SELL ASSESSMENT OF
SEXUAL ORIENTATION:
11. I consider myself (choose one answer):
a. Not at all homosexual.
b. Slightly homosexual.
c. Mildly homosexual.
d. Moderately homosexual.
e. Significantly homosexual.
f. Very homosexual.
g. Extremely homosexual.
12. I consider myself (choose one answer):
a. Not at all heterosexual.
b. Slightly heterosexual.
c. Mildly heterosexual.
d. Moderately heterosexual.
e. Significantly heterosexual.
f. Very heterosexual.
g. Extremely heterosexual.”
“III. Sexual Identity- The following two questions are asked to assess your sexual identity:
http://www.lgbtdata.com/sell-assessment-of-sexual-orientation.html
23. WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Because everyone makes choices in different things, but some things aren’t determined by choice, such
as race, sexual orientation, gender, etc.
Bullying someone because of their race is wrong.
Bullying someone because of their gender is wrong.
Bullying someone because of their sexual orientation is wrong.
Bullying is wrong.
And yet, people everywhere are bullied
constantly for these reasons and more.
This leads to negative self image,
depression, other psychological problems,
and in some cases, death.
24.
25. • According to recent gay bullying statistics, gay and lesbian teens are two to three times as more
likely to commit teen suicide than other youths.
• About 30 percent of all completed suicides have been related to sexual identity crisis.
• Students who also fall into the gay, bisexual, lesbian or transgendered identity groups report being
five times as more likely to miss school because they feel unsafe after being bullied due to
their sexual orientation.
• About 28 percent out of those groups feel forced to drop out of school altogether.
• Although more and more schools are working to crack down on problems with bullying, teens are still
continuing to bully each other due to sexual orientation and other factors.
Some statistics:
26. • In a 2005 survey about gay bullying statistics, teens reported that the number two reason they are
bullied is because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender expression. (The
number one reason reported was because of appearance.)
• Teens are at a pivotal point in their young adult lives when they are trying to find out who they are and
who they are about to become as adults. This is why being teased, bullied and harassed is
something that could negatively affect a person's self-esteem and view of themselves for
the rest of their life.
27. • In fact, about 9 out of 10 LGBT teens have reported being bullied at school within the past
year because of their sexual orientation, according to the most recent gay bullying statistics. Out
of those numbers, almost half have reported being physically harassed followed by another quarter who
reported actually being physically assaulted.
• Unfortunately most teens who experience bullying of any kind are reluctant to share their experience or
report the incident to a teacher or trusted adult. Even more unfortunate are the gay statistics that
report a lack of response among those teachers and school administration. According to a recent
statistic, out of the students that did report a harassment or bullying situation because of
their sexuality, about one third of the school staff didn't do anything to resolve the issue.
From http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/gay-bullying-statistics.html
28. • When it comes to verbal bullying, this type of bullying is the most common type with about 77
percent of all students being bullied verbally in some way or another including
mental bullying or even verbal abuse.
• These types of bullying can also include spreading rumors, yelling obscenities or other
derogatory terms based on an individual's race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc.
• Out of the 77 percent of those bullied, 14 percent have a severe or bad reaction to the
abuse, according to recent school bullying statistics. These numbers make up the students that
experience poor self-esteem, depression, anxiety about going to school and even
suicidal thoughts (bullycide) as a result of being bullied by their peers.
29. • Also as part of this study, about one in five students admitted they are responsible for bullying
their peers.
• Almost half of all students fear harassment or bullying in the bathroom at school, according
to these school bullying statistics.
• As a result of this fear and anxiety of being bullied, many students will make excuses or find
ways around going to school.
• School bullying statistics also reveal that teens ages 12-17 believe they have seen violence
increase at their schools. In fact, these numbers also show that most violent altercations between
students are more likely to occur on school grounds than on the way to school for many
teens.
30. • One of the most unfortunate parts of these school bullying statistics is that in about 85 percent of
bullying cases, no intervention or effort is made by a teacher or administration member of
the school to stop the bullying from taking place.
• However, now that more and more schools are taking an active approach to cut down on the number of
students that live in fear of being bullied, the numbers will go down.
From http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/school-bullying-statistics.html
31. WHY DO PEOPLE BULLY?
• Cultural Causes of Bullying In a culture that is fascinated with winning, power, and violence, some experts
suggest that it is unrealistic to expect that people will not be influenced to seek power through violence in their
own lives.
• Institutional Causes If the institution at which the bullying takes place - whether the home, the school, or
the workplace - does not have high standards for the way people treat each other, then bullying may be more likely
and/or prevalent and have an influence on why people bully.
• Social Issues The fact that one gets more social recognition for negative behaviors than for positive ones can also
contribute to reasons why people bully.
• Family Issues Families that are not warm and loving and in which feelings are not shared are more likely to have
children who bully, either within the family home or in other locations in which the children meet others.
32. • Bully's Personal History Children who experience social rejection themselves are more likely to "pass it on" to
others. Children who experience academic failure are also more likely to bully others.
• Having Power Some research indicates that the very fact of having power may make some people wish to wield it
in a noticeable way, but it is also true that people may be given power without being trained in the leadership skills
that will help them wield it wisely.
• Provocative Victims People who are annoying and condescending to others and/or aggressive verbally, or in
other ways that are not picked up by those in authority, may contribute to the dynamic that can be characterized as
bullying by one individual but actually grows out of provocation by another individual.
From http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/why-do-people-bully.html
33. THE SHORT ANSWER?
The most common reason for bullying is simply being different.
The human race does not like what it doesn’t understand or what it doesn’t expect.
When confronted with something “out of the ordinary” or something they do not understand,
sometimes their first instinct is to attack, either verbally or physically.
34. Homosexuality isn’t anything new.
It has been around as long as there have been people and even animals of the same sex.
But it is different because most married couples are not of the same sex.
37. Just because they aren’t in the
majority, does that mean it is wrong?
38. “IT’S NOT NATURAL!”
• Actually, it is. Lots of animal species exhibit homosexual behaviors. It’s nothing new.
• “Therefore be it resolved that the American Psychological Association affirms that
same-sex sexual and romantic attractions, feelings, and behaviors are normal and
positive variations of human sexuality regardless of sexual orientation identity;”
From <https://www.apa.org/about/policy/sexual-orientation.aspx>
• Same-sex marriage isn’t unnatural. Marriage itself isn’t of the natural world, it’s
something manmade. Marriage isn’t natural, no matter if it’s between a man and a
woman or two men or two women. Same-sex marriage isn’t widely accepted,
therefore it is deemed “unnatural”.
39. “MARRIAGE IS ABOUT PROCREATION!”
• True, two males or two females cannot reproduce. But what about couples
who can’t have children, or don’t want to have children? Is their marriage
wrong? Is their marriage unlawful because they can’t or won’t have
children?
40. “BUT YOU CAN’T RAISE A CHILD
WITH TWO SAME SEX PARENTS!”
• “The vast majority of scientific studies that have directly compared lesbian and gay
parents with heterosexual parents have consistently shown that the same-sex couples
are as fit and capable parents as heterosexual couples, and that their children are just
as psychologically healthy and well adjusted. For instance, one recent study (PDF,
169KB) found that children of same-sex couples do just as well in school as children of
heterosexual couples, and these children are equally popular among their peers.”
From https://www.apa.org/topics/divorce/same-sex-marriage.aspx
• There are also plenty of children raised by only one parent.
41. “BUT THEN IT COULD OPEN DOORS TO MARRIAGES
INVOLVING MULTIPLE PEOPLE, SIBLINGS, CHILDREN, OR
ANIMALS!”
• “The legal union of a couple as spouses. The basic elements
of a marriage are: (1) the parties' legal ability to marry each
other, (2) mutual consent of the parties, and (3) a marriage
contract as required by law.
• The majority of states limit people to one living husband or
wife at a time and will not issue marriage licenses to anyone
with a living spouse.”
From http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/marriage
• The world isn’t going to fall to anarchy if we allow same-sex
marriage. Marriage is most probably going to remain
between two individuals.
• Also, an animal is not able to consent to marriage, nor is it
legal to marry one in the first place.
42. “IT’S AGAINST MY RELIGION!”
• (a) Then why does it bother you? It’s not about you, it’s about someone else. They
don’t care if it’s against your religion. In some religions, you’re not allowed to eat meat,
but no one is pushing for that to be illegal.
• (b) “Marriage is a religious institution!” – No, it’s not. It’s possible to get married without
any kind of religious ceremony. It’s a legal institution first and foremost, with some
religious beliefs attached.
43. “LEVITICUS 20:13! If a man lies with a male as with a
woman, they have committed an abomination; the
two of them shall be put to death; their bloodguilt is
upon them.”
• As American citizens, we have certain rights and freedoms. One of
those freedoms is the freedom to practice whatever religion you
want-or to not practice one at all. Telling someone they can’t marry
because of your religion is forcing them to practice the same beliefs
as you do, which is not freedom at all.
44. “BUT THE TEN COMMANDMENTS!
THEY’RE PART OF OUR LAW, AND
THEY’RE IN THE BIBLE!”
• The Bible makes some very valid points in some cases, such as the Ten
Commandments and the golden rule. It also has multiple verses about how slavery is
totally okay. You really can’t take everything in the Bible literally.
(a) “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as
you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure
with which you measure will be measured out to
you.” Matthew 7:1
(b) “Do to others whatever you would have them do
to you. This is the law and the prophets.” Matthew
7:12
}Words to live by.
45. “BUT THEY’LL GO TO HELL!”
• Again, it’s not against their religion. It’s against yours, right? So why would it matter to
them? Why does it matter to you?
• If God will judge us all and decide whether we go to heaven or hell, why would he
send someone to hell because of something they didn’t choose? It’s the equivalent of
saying you’ll go to hell because you’re a certain race or gender.
• You can be Christian and be homosexual or bisexual. How, you ask? Because God
won’t judge you for something you didn’t decide. He’ll judge you based on how you
lived your life.
46. “BUT BEING GAY IS A CHOICE!”
• No, it’s not.
• “Although we can choose whether to act on our feelings,
psychologists do not consider sexual orientation to be a conscious
choice that can be voluntarily changed.” Web Article (July 2011)
From <https://www.apa.org/search.aspx?query=sexual%20orientation>
47. • If being gay was a choice, who would choose it?
• “In fact, about 9 out of 10 LGBT teens have reported being bullied at school
within the past year because of their sexual orientation, according to the
most recent gay bullying statistics.”
From http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/gay-bullying-statistics.html
• Those in the LGBT community aren’t in the majority. They are harassed,
bullied, murdered, humiliated, beaten, and driven to suicide daily.
• If being gay is a choice, why would they choose such a hard life?
48. If it makes the person happy, and
they aren’t hurting anyone, why
does it matter to you?