Is homosexuality a disease?

Question

Alright, I don't want answers that go "OMGMG WTF U R HOMOPHOBIC DIE U SCUM" or "OMG GO RESEARCH DUMB@SS!!11!"

I'm not being homophobic, fuktard. I'm asking.

I like answers that come with proof. So throw in proof with your answers.

But then, I think 60 Minutes said that the cause is still unknown.

But for now, while there's no answers, think it's a disorder. It strays from the norm. We're supposed to reproduce. But I have nothing against homosexuals.

Oh, answering "Is being straight a disease too" just plain stupid.

Answer 1

No. Under the DSM III it was considered a disease because it met the conditions for abnormality, however it now doesn't.

Why is this?

Well, the DSM IV (That is 'Diagnostics and Statistics Manual Four) lists the following criteria for abnormality (as in disease in the terms you were talking about):

1) Distance from social norms (however this alone is not enough - flying a kite is not the norm anymore but it is hardly a disease)

2) Danger to self or others. (However, we all are dangerous to some degree, so this also alone is not enough)

3) Dsyfunction (Interferes with normal living - however again this is not enough on its own.)

4) Distress to the person (again, alone is not enough)

What happened under the DSM III was that it was considered distressful to the person. This is no longer the case, and it is shown not to be a cause of distress (in most cases - however you will find outliers, of course) and as such was not included in the DSM IV.

That it is not in the DSM IV (which is comprehensive in terms of psychology) means that it is not a disease. (Well, not considered a disease by the medical and psychological community)

There you go! Hope that clears things up, mate. :)

Answer 2

It is estimated that about 10% of the population is homosexual. If it is a disorder then it affects a lot of people.

I suppose it is not "normal" since the majority of people are born heterosexual, but left-handedness is therefore not normal either.

If we take a historical perspecitive on the issue, we can see that all throughout human history and every human society, homosexuality has existed. Some societies revered it, were apathetic, or have condemned it. the way society has responded to homosexuality is highly variable.

Similarly, left-handed children in many societies were thought to be evil and abnormal and some societies, like the Spartans and certain African cultures would kill them.

People with epilepsy in some cultures are revered and worshipped as being spiritual and close to God. Whereas, in current American culture they are thought to suffer from a disease that requires western medical treatments that might actually harm an epileptic more than the seizures would.

I guess we should look at who homosexuality harms, and why it is thought to be a disease or a disorder, what effect does the abnormality of it have on that individual and on society at large.

In todays society where we value freedom you'd think that people would just realize that homosexuality doesn't hurt anyone, but that the hatred of homosexuals and oppression has led to a very unhealthy and divided society. Homosexuals hate themselves because they are raised to think they are evil and many commit suicide. Many also try to live a straight lifestyle because their church tells them that if they pray hard enough they can pray the evil inside of them, which makes them gay, away. They then go on to marry women and have children and when they just cannot fake it any longer, even for their faith, they end up hurting their family, wife, and children. I believe these problems could easily be avoided if we had a more open and accepting society of something that is clearly inborn, whether it be a "disorder" or just another form of natural... like left-handedness.

Answer 3

No, I don't believe it's a disease.

Most often disease are things that can be vaccinated against, somehow contracted, or treated through medicine. Homosexuality does not exhibit any of these characteristics. Also, it can't really be a genetic disorder, because homosexual people would not reproduce.

Therefore, I would simply classify it as a preference and a lifestyle. What's to stop a gay guy from suddenly becoming straight? It's not like he has some debilitating disease that prevents him from doing it. It's simply a matter of preferring men over women.

Think about it in the context of foods. If suddenly it became "weird" or out of the norm to eat vegetables, it wouldn't necessarily mean that people who eat vegetables have a disease, they would just be different.
That's just the kind of perspective I take when it comes to homosexuality / heterosexuality.

Answer 4

Well, to be honest there is no scientific research that can prove what causes homosexuality...I think it was either on Dateline or 60 Minutes that said that it has nothing to do with a brain disorder or left brain vs. right brain...and they haven't found any data that concludes genetics is what causes this...and therefore there isn't any real proof why homosexuality happens.

One thing I personally believe is that it is a means of population control through evolution of homosexuality. By this I mean that since men and women are meant to reproduce resulting in an exponentially increasing population for generations to come...and so homosexuality is a means to keep the population low since homosexuals are not able to reproduce...but that is my belief...it is not meant to offend anyone...it is just a scientific view and I am not against homosexuality. And therefore to answer your question it is not a disease...its just a means to population control via evolution.

Answer 5

It depends, I suppose, on your definition of "disease". It certainly does not arise from any sort of bacterial or viral invasion. Nor is there any evidence that it can be "cured". It may be a genetic aberration, and environmental factors may be involved. Some research has suggested that homosexuality may be more prevalent among younger siblings than among their seniors. But I agree with 60 minutes: the truth is, we don't know the cause(s).

Answer 6

Well, if it is a disease, then it's definitely not a physical disease because homosexuals can be just as healthy as heterosexuals (if they are not, it's because they see far more action than heteros do). So that leaves us with mental disease. Can it be a mental (psychological not influenced by chemical causes) disease?

Well, if being mentally abnormal is a disease, then I guess it is a mental disease. Or is it a gift? Are homosexuals just naturally more intelligent and capable than everyone else? Who knows...

Answer 7

Homosexuality is not a disease, its simply a sexual orientation.

Think of it as a desire to be with someone of the same sex.
I wouldnt tell you to go research, it is actually a good question (i am totally heterosexual for that matter; but know that being gay or lesbian is not a disease)

People are not born gay, whatever way people argue this; they turn themselves gay.
Going into the bible for those who hate so(too bad) God did not intended anybody to be gay or lesbian; people have become this from their foolish ways.
Anyways, hopes that answers the question

Answer 8

I dont really know.

But consider this: Darwins theory of natural selection is kind of a reference. If a person during early man was born homosexual, they would not be able the procreate and thus that version of humanity would die out, since only the heterosexual humans would procreate. So I know it most likely not a born trait, not 100% sure though.

Answer 9

there is nothing wrong with straying from the norm. nature does not work in absolutes, it works in a spectrum. homosexuality can be both a choice and a result of upbringing. in any case, it's not up to one person or group to label it as something bad. it's something to deal with and to learn from.

Answer 10

i dont think it is people have a choice so if u r atracted 2 the same sex that is how that person feels i am not homosexual so im not sure what it is like 2 b atracted 2 the same sex but i think that i would b a really strong feeling and it is who u r not what u r so yeah thats my opinion hope i helped............oh and i like that word fuktard its funny lol........sorry lol