Programme 1: School's Out

Background Information

What causes people to be homosexual?
Many theories have been put forward but no one has proved conclusively what causes it. It seems likely that an exceedingly complex set of chemical, biological, genetic, hormonal, environmental and developmental factors, totally outside the control of any individual, is involved. Within the complexity of these theories it’s important not to lose sight of the human needs of the individual.

What exactly is homosexuality?
A useful way of trying to understand homosexuality is to see it as a whole emotional pattern that develops as the child grows. It is usually at the early stage of sexual awareness that the homosexual child first feels attracted emotionally and sexually to the same sex.

Can it be cured?
Homosexuality is not an illness although it was once conceptualised in this way. Homosexual people are not sick; they are who they are.

What will be the impact of research in behavioural genetics?
The link between genes and behaviour is a complex and controversial one and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics has launched a consultation exercise into how the public view this. Concerns have been expressed that this kind of research could lead to discrimination and stigma. There are also issues to do with research protocols, interpretation and manipulation of results. Is it not the case that people choose to be homosexual?
A homosexual person does not choose to be homosexual. As with all children, sexual awareness comes as the body develops. It is important to be aware of the difference between a homosexual experience, which many children and young people have, and being homosexual. The former is generally a purely physical experiment without emotional involvement whereas the latter is a complete way of relating, involving deep emotional experiences.

How does growing sexual awareness affect someone who is homosexual?
Given the general lack of education about homosexuality and the present climate of hostility and prejudice, it is not surprising that they may suffer from fear and confusion and consequently may deny their homosexuality even to themselves. They may have been aware of these feelings from age of 11 or 12 or even earlier. Gay teenagers often recall this period in terms of growing unease and feeling apart from other children in a way they can’t quite understand. As their sexual development speeds up it becomes clear that this difference is a sexual one leading to increasing feelings of fear and loneliness. Even although the images of gay people they see on television have improved in recent years, young people do not appear to identify with these.

What sort of fears might young gay people have?
They might fear rejection by a parent, carer, or adult they are close to. It is not uncommon for a young person to take years to summon up courage to talk to a parent or carer. There is also fear of the reaction of friends, and being at the receiving end of ‘queer’ jokes and playground abuse. This can lead to anxiety about giving yourself away with a look, glance or untimely remark. They might also worry about never meeting anyone else who is gay and think they are the only person in the world who is like this.

Will he or she change as they grow older?
This is a question parents and others often ask and may reflect concern about giving the wrong kind of support in the first instance, fearing emotional damage later if the sexual orientation should change. This is an issue that requires careful reflection because of the complexity of feelings and emotions during adolescence. There is always the possibility someone may be bisexual but the number of practising bisexuals is very small. There are some heterosexual people whose sexual orientation changes as they get older but this represents a very small number. Given the pressures on a young gay person it is unlikely that someone who is not of this orientation would for long believe they were. What is important is that they should not be pressurised but should have the support, love and understanding of their family.

What about HIV and AIDS?
The risk of exposure to HIV is related to a person’s sexual behaviour. People who have unprotected sex without taking precautions to protect themselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases put themselves, and any future partners, at risk. The more partners they have without taking precautions, the greater the risk. Given that viruses and bacteria are part of the human condition, education about sexual health is essential for people of all sexual orientations as is the practice of safer sex.

Is it not the case many homosexuals are paedophiles?
A misconception that some parents have is that homosexuals will want to have sexual relationships with very young children when in fact well-adjusted homosexuals have no more interest in this than well-adjusted heterosexuals.