Same-sex attraction is an intense interest in others of the same gender. This interest may
include desires for their attention, friendship, intimacy, and/or a fascination
with their bodies and other gender traits. It may also include erotic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
directed toward the same gender. The psychological community uses the term
homosexuality to refer to the entire complex that includes attractions,
feelings, desires, sexual behavior, identity, and all its associated aspects,
such as problems with masculinity, self-perception, emotional dependencies, and
relationship issues.
A person who experiences same-sex attraction may experience emotional and
sexual feelings or attractions, and may or may not engage in sexual behavior.
Read a more complete description
of what is same-sex attraction, including
a description of attractions, identity, and behavior.
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Many factors contribute to the development of homosexual attractions. They
are the result of a complex interaction of
personality, biological inheritance, and developmental experiences.
- People do not choose to have same-sex feelings.
These attractions
usually develop because of the factors mentioned above rather than any conscious
choice.
- Men do not develop same-sex attraction because they are afraid of women.
Women do not develop same-sex attraction because they are afraid of men. Relationships with the opposite
sex usually have little to do with
same-sex attraction; instead, they have more to do with relationships with the same
gender.
Read a more complete description
of what causes same-sex attraction,
including information about personality, biology, and developmental experiences.
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Determining how to respond to same-sex attractions is a personal choice
that each individual must make according to his or her personal values and
life situation.
Once you learn about
What is Same-sex
Attraction? and
What Causes
Same-sex Attraction?, you are ready to make decisions about what to do about your same-sex attractions.
The section
What Can
You Do About Same-sex Attraction gives
advice on how to define your personal values and consider your
options. Resources are provided to help you understand the
impact of these choices.
If you
decide that you want to
resolve issues surrounding your same-sex attractions,
you can learn about the following:
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