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Just the Facts

Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation
(from the American Psychological Association)

What is sexual orientation?
Sexual orientation is one of the four components of sexuality and is distinguished by an enduring emotional, romantic, sexual or affection attraction to individuals of a particular gender. The three other components of sexuality are biological sex, gender identity (the psychological sense of being male or female) and social sex role (adherence to cultural norms for feminine and masculine behavior).

Three sexual orientations are commonly recognized: homosexual, attraction to individuals of one's own gender; heterosexual, attraction to individuals of the other gender; or bisexual, attractions to members of either gender. Persons with a homosexual orientation are sometimes referred to as gay (both men and women) or as lesbian (women only). Sexual orientation is different from sexual behavior because it refers to feelings and self-concept. Persons may or may not express their sexual orientation in their behaviors.

What causes a person to have a particular sexual orientation?
How a particular sexual orientation develops in any individual is not well understood by scientists. Various theories have proposed differing sources for sexual orientation, including genetic or inborn hormonal factors and life experiences during early childhood. However, many scientists share the view that sexual orientation is shaped for most people at an early age through complex interactions of biological, psychological and social factors.

Is sexual orientation a choice?
No. Sexual orientation emerges for most people in early adolescence without any prior sexual experience. And some people report trying very hard over many years to change their sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual with no success. For these reasons, psychologists do not consider sexual orientation for most people to be a conscious choice that can be voluntarily changed.

Why do some gay men and lesbians tell people about their sexual orientation?
Because sharing that aspect of themselves with others is important to their mental health. In fact, the process of identity development for lesbians and gay men, usually called "coming out," has been found to be strongly related to psychological adjustment -- the more positive the gay male or lesbian identity, the better one's mental health and the higher one's self-esteem.

For further information: American Psychological Association,
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242 Ph. (202) 336-5700

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Basics - Some Basics You Should Know
Gay people are everywhere - They come from families from all corners of the earth, from every culture, religious, ethnic group and in every occupation. It is estimated that about 10% of the population is homosexual; thus, about one in four families includes a gay person. Gay people are healthy - Both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association have recognized that homosexuality is not a mental or emotional disorder.

Gay people share the same about of interest in sexual activity as heterosexual people, neither more nor less. But, as with everyone else, sex is only one aspect of their lives. Gay people cannot be stereotyped any more than non-gay people. Gay people establish stable, loving, long lasting relationships, work for a living, shop, watch TV, vote, and pay taxes. Aside from the prejudice and bigotry they sometimes encounter, most gay people live happy and fulfilling lives.

Gay people are naturally homosexual. Homosexuality is not chosen, like selecting clothes or a line of work. No one knows exactly how sexual orientation is determined. In discussions with thousands of families with gay children, we have found that: The gay child is most often aware of his/her sexual orientation at a very early age. None of the children was influenced or taught to be gay by another person. Being gay is not just a stage youngsters go through. All attempts to change a child's sexual orientation fail.

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More Resources

Parent Booklet
Youth Stats
Youth Study
Human Rights Campaign

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